Los Angeles Healthcare Sexual Abuse Lawyer

When it comes to community trust, doctors and other medical professionals are held in the highest regard. The public relies on their judgment and care for everything from preventative measures to illness treatment. The unfortunate reality is that some physicians and other healthcare professionals abuse that trust.

Sexual abuse at the hands of a doctor is a traumatic event. For some people, it occurs when they are not in a position to stop the assault or defend themselves. If you are a survivor, a Los Angeles healthcare sexual abuse lawyer at Levin & Nalbandyan could help.

Let our team of compassionate injury attorneys pursue justice on your behalf.

Examples of Sexual Abuse in a Medical Setting

Not all acts of sexual abuse in a hospital or medical setting are the same. They may range from inappropriate statements to rape and everything in between. The most serious cases involve inappropriate touching of a patient, sometimes while unconscious. This may include performing unnecessary examinations of the patient’s intimate areas.

Other acts can include making sexual jokes, innuendos, or advances. Some abusers in a medical setting may also take unauthorized photographs or sexually assault a patient.

Any healthcare professional could potentially commit sexual abuse. That said, perpetrators frequently represent one of a small number of professions. Acts of abuse have been committed by:

• Nurses
• Gynecologists
• Surgeons
• Chiropractors
• Emergency medical technicians
• Dentists
• Dermatologists

If you have been subjected to sexual harassment or abuse by a healthcare professional, our Los Angeles team of attorneys is here to help you get the justice you deserve.

Who Can Be Held Accountable?

You have the right to make a criminal complaint to law enforcement after being subjected to sexual assault or harassment. However, this is not your only potential avenue for justice. State law also provides you with the option to file a civil lawsuit that may provide compensation for your emotional, financial, and physical damages.

One of the ways our Los Angeles sexual abuse attorneys could help with this difficult process is by identifying all potential medical professionals in a civil suit. While this includes the person who abused you, there could be other parties who are also liable. There might be a valid claim against the employer or owner of the medical facility if negligent hiring or training practices allowed a dangerous person to be placed in a position to cause harm.

Deadlines for Pursuing Legal Action

Like with any type of injury lawsuit, you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit after being abused in a healthcare setting. However, California law provides an extended deadline to seek justice for many acts of sexual abuse.

For adults abused by a physician, the time limit expires either 10 years from the last instance of abuse or three years from the discovery of the abuse. Juvenile victims have more time to act. Our Los Angeles attorneys could answer your questions about how this deadline applies to your healthcare sexual abuse case.

Speak With an Attorney in Los Angeles About Healthcare Sexual Abuse

No one should have to suffer sexual abuse or harassment at the hands of a medical professional responsible for their care. Unfortunately, these acts are far too common. If you have experienced abuse, let our firm serve as your advocate.

A Los Angeles healthcare sexual abuse lawyer at Levin & Nalbandyan understands what it takes to successfully pursue compensation and could work tirelessly to get the justice you deserve. Contact us for a private consultation with our team today.