Physical therapists are an important part of the recovery process, whether you are recuperating after surgery or recovering from a serious injury. These professionals use their experience and knowledge to help patients work through pain and other issues in a hands-on manner.
Unfortunately, physical therapist sexual abuse allegations are commonplace. If you have been victimized by the medical professional who you put your trust in, now is the time to discuss your options with experienced attorneys. Let Phillips Law Group help you pursue the justice you deserve.
Physical therapists engage in highly personal, hands-on care that often involves physical contact with a patient. Their work usually occurs in private, and patients are often partially clothed or in vulnerable states. Any of these conditions can increase the likelihood of physical therapist sexual abuse accusations.
The power dynamic between therapist and patient can also silence victims, especially when the therapist is part of a respected institution. Some abusers may use medical jargon in an attempt to confuse the patient and mask their abuse. Sexual misconduct is most common when the institutions that employ these therapists fail to provide strong oversight or vetting.
Survivors of sexual abuse by a physical therapist may have the right to pursue legal action against multiple parties. It is natural to focus on the actions of the abuser, and they are certainly one of the parties who could be held liable. However, what most people don’t realize is that there is also the possibility of pursuing a lawsuit against the individuals and institutions that allow the abuse to happen in the first place.
In addition to suing the individual therapist, survivors may also have a claim against the facility or employer that hired them. This includes hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices, sports organizations, or nursing homes. An employer may be held liable if it failed to properly vet the therapist or did not put safeguards in place to ensure a patient’s safety. In some cases, institutions may be found negligent for creating conditions that allowed abuse to occur. The right attorney can identify all of the responsible parties, holding each of them accountable.
Survivors of sexual abuse can pursue a range of damages through a civil lawsuit. These damages are designed to provide financial and emotional relief for the harm the victim experienced. In addition to their easy-to-measure financial losses, these lawsuits might also cover a person’s emotional or physical harm as well. Some common types of damages include the following:
The damages depend on the circumstances of the case, including the severity of the abuse, the impact on the survivor’s mental and physical health, and whether the employer shares liability. One of the major benefits of working with attorneys who focus their career on abuse cases is that they can provide a victim with a clear picture of the types of damages they are entitled to recover.
Physical therapy is intended to be a process of healing by a trusted professional. When therapists break that trust, it is crucial that you explore your legal options as soon as possible.
You have been through enough, and it is time for you to have an advocate by your side. Call Phillips Law Group as soon as possible to discuss your physical therapist sexual abuse allegations.
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