Abuse in Medical Setting

Doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel have a duty to diligently act in the best interest of a patient under their care. Patients implicitly trust and rely upon these medical professionals to discharge this duty—particularly when the patient’s ability to be fully aware of his or her surroundings and another individual’s actions is compromised by prescribed drugs or anesthesia.

Medical professionals abusing his/her authority to take undue advantage of a patient can cause the patient to suffer long-standing emotional, psychological and social consequences—and, resultingly, the patient’s family, friends, and coworkers as well. Compounding matters is the reality that a medical professional inclined to sexually abuse a patient is unlikely to engage in this misconduct only once—which raises the specter of habitual activity within the same facility or office.

Medical sexual abuse can occur at the hands of doctors, nurses, aids, or any other medical personnel employed at:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient centers
• Private practices
• Psychiatric facilities
• Physical therapy clinics
• Rehabilitation centers

When a patient cannot advocate for himself or herself, it is crucial that others are cognizant of the signs of sexual abuse. Common signs of sexual abuse may include, but not be limited to, bruising near the inner thighs, breasts, genitals, and abdomen; irritation near the genitals; difficulty walking; abuse-oriented nightmares; an unexplained fear of medical treatment; and the sudden presence of a sexually transmitted disease.

Slater Schulman LLP is dedicated to the confidential representation of survivors who have suffered from the traumatic consequences of medical sexual abuse. If you or someone you love is a survivor of this form of abuse and wish to file a claim, please contact Slater Slater Schulman LLP for a free consultation by filling out the form on this page or by calling our office at (800) 251-6990.