Sexual Abuse by Doctors

Everyone who seeks medical help from any kind of medical professional has a right to expect compassionate, high-quality, and respectful treatment from their primary care physician and from everyone who assists that physician. Unfortunately, there are new examples every single year of doctors who not only allow their patients to suffer preventable harm through reckless or careless treatment, but who knowingly harm their patients by molesting, assaulting, or otherwise sexually abusing them.

Just like sexual misconduct by anyone else in any other position in society, sexual abuse by doctors can absolutely serve as valid grounds for a civil lawsuit in many situations. That said, this kind of claim can also be challenging in ways that many other sexual assault claims are not, so having the support of a seasoned sexual abuse lawyer from Phillips Law Group can be vital to achieving the best possible result from your case.

When Is It Possible to Sue Healthcare Providers for Sexual Abuse?

A doctor who forcibly engages in sexual contact and/or intercourse with a patient without their consent has committed an act of sexual assault for which they could be held civilly and criminally liable. However, there are many other more subtle forms of sexual abuse that a medical professional may engage in which could still justify legal action in civil—and possibly criminal—court, including:

• Excessive and unnecessary physical exams
• Refusal to provide dressing gowns
• Taking photographs of a patient without their consent
• Asking invasive questions about sexual history without cause

It is also possible to file suit over misconduct like a doctor overmedicating a patient to make them more susceptible to abuse, engaging in sexual contact or intercourse with a sedated patient, and conditioning treatment on the provision of sexual favors. A seasoned legal professional can offer guidance about whether a particular scenario could give rise to a civil claim during a free, no-obligation consultation.

Holding Medical Organizations Accountable for Sexual Assault

An individual doctor who sexually abuses and/or assaults a patient in their care can be held personally liable for both economic and non-economic repercussions of their actions, including costs of additional medical care, lost working capacity, and numerous forms of physical and psychological trauma. However, given how severe and long-lasting the effects of sexual abuse can be, a single physician may not have the personal assets or insurance coverage necessary to provide adequate compensation for all damages stemming from their misconduct.

Fortunately, it is often possible to hold medical organizations vicariously liable for the misconduct of one of their employees, or even directly liable for knowingly condoning or negligently allowing sexual abuse to occur in one of their facilities. Once again, this is something a skilled lawyer can go into further detail about during a private initial meeting.

Morgan W.

I felt they were more my friends than my personal injury lawyer and that isn't something you're taught it's something you have inside. If I ever needed a lawyer again Phillips Law Group Injury Lawyers would be my only choice. I can't recommend them enough. They are professional on every level and compassionate throughout. Thank you for everything.

Blanca D.

When in pain because of an accident all you want to do is focus on getting better and that is what did thanks to this firm. My family and I were set up with a Dr and Chiro right away. The treatment we received was great. I am extremely thankful for all the help we received and the outcome on the cases. Thanks to everyone involved on my case. A special thanks the intake specialist Rosalba who was very kind on the phone when I first called. I highly recommend this firm to anyone, they treat you like family.

Erika A.

I am so thankful for Ruthann and Maria. They both were amazing throughout the process. When Maria took over my case, I felt like I was being treated with empathy about my pain and experiences while treating. She also made sure to answer my questions. Maria always responded to my communication attempts and answered questions I had as they came up. She helped me with things I needed in regards to my case and helped ease the anxiety as bills piled up and my injuries were still being treated. I was able to contact her as I was treating and she helped find providers closer to my home to make it more accommodating for me. This helped me juggle work...

Santana D.

Ruby, Jennifer, Angela did me great over at this law firm. I will recommend them to anybody that has been in an injury in Phoenix Arizona they are awesome 😎. Got paid 6 months after my accident. Then out of the blue a couple years later they still contract me with another check $$$$$🤑😎🤑. Thank you....

Yunior R.

Philips Law Group offers outstanding customer service and a profound knowledge of personal injury law. Right from the initial call through to your office visit, they ensure you feel well-supported. A special mention goes to Ilse, the client experience coordinator. Her expertise in insurance policies is remarkable, and she articulately explains them in both Spanish and English. She skillfully navigates you through the process with empathy and understanding. A heartfelt thanks for the exceptional experience!

Art R.

Phillips was able to get me a good settlement after the first law group I called completely failed. Highly recommend you give them a call after your personal injury.

Rebecca M.

Philips was an awesome choice got me into the doctors offices for visits quickly and efficiently. I also want to give a big shout out to Michael the negotiator for Philips he went above and beyond to help my case get to the finish line! Also want to thank Jason and the friendly front staff.

Vallery A

Throughout the most stressful time Carmen and Donato managed to get me to the correct doctors and get the correct care I needed to make the whole process smooth and less stressful. They always answered any question or concern with professionalism and courtesy. They always valued my time as I valued theirs. Definitely recommend this great firm!

Martin K.

I'm sincerely grateful to my noble Phillips Law firm legal experts for their integrity n intelligent work for making my accident to not go free in my paint injuries. God richly bless them, for bring settlement big cash to me.

Latosha E.

What can I say about Phillips Law group. I was involved in a major car accident and sustained injuries. I looked up for Law Firms in Arizona and stumbled across Phillips Law Group. I decided to give them a call about my accident, and they were very respectful and took in my case immediately. They assigned me Tim LeDuc to represent me. From the beginning, he was very responsive and made sure to give me the proper care I deserved from this accident. Him and his team fought tooth and nail to give me the best settlement I deserved. I am so thankful, and I highly recommend Phillips Law Group to represent anyone who has been in any accident and...

Emily N.

My case closed yesterday and I RAN to make this review because of how exceptional my experience has been with Phillips Law Group! I received the best settlement I could've hoped for and am extremely happy with the outcome; but I especially wanted to shout out and give praise to Julianna, the Litigation Paralegal on my case. From the moment Julianna was assigned to my case almost two years ago, until the completion of the settlement process yesterday, Julianna's commitment to exceptional customer service, clear communication, and unwavering support truly stood out. I had so many questions -- from the legal process, to where to seek medical treatment, to questions about medical bills, to the negotiation process, and more --...

Ari

I am very impressed by how much care and effort this group puts into helping the homeless. That’s not something you see enough, especially in this time of increasing need for community. It’s important to me to work with companies that align with my views, and I would definitely go to Phillips for any future personal injury lawyer needs.

Rich S.

Just would like to share my experience with Phillips And Associates. Ever since my accident in the first of the year, it was a life changing event for me and I finally decided to go with a personal injury attorney. I contacted Phillips And Associates and they made me feel like I was an actual person instead of a lot of other firms try to go with me like a number, Phillips And Associates has reached out to me in a kind, courteous and caring way they fully understand on the circumstances of the accident So far, Phillips And Associates has been absolutely wonderful. I truly recommend going with Phillips And Associates. Thanks (RuthAnn), your the Best!!! And Thank you...

View More Reviews

Discuss Sexual Abuse Litigation Against Doctors With a Seasoned Attorney

No one deserves to be subjected to sexual abuse of any kind under any circumstances, and certainly not while receiving treatment from a medical professional whom they should have been able to trust. Nevertheless, sexual abuse by doctors is more common than many people know, and it can have life-altering consequences, which can be tricky to demand fair compensation for through an ensuing civil claim.

Representation from compassionate legal counsel can make a world of difference in how effectively you can pursue a claim like this and what kind of outcome that claim has for you. Call today to discuss your legal options with a member of the Phillips Law Group team.