Rehabilitation centers should be places of healing, not harm. Patients in these facilities trust staff, counselors, and administrators to provide care in a safe environment. When that trust is violated through sexual abuse, victims deserve justice. If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse in a Florida rehab center, you have rights and legal options.
Recognizing Sexual Abuse in Rehab Centers
Sexual abuse in rehabilitation facilities can take many forms. It may involve:
- Sexual assault by staff, counselors, or fellow patients
- Withholding care, medication, or privileges in exchange for sexual favors
- Unwanted sexual advances, comments, or touching
- Inappropriate or invasive examinations without consent
- Coercion or pressure to engage in sexual activity
Your Rights as a Patient
Rehab patients deserve a safe, respectful environment. Your rights as a patient include:
- Protection from Abuse and Exploitation – You have the right to be free from sexual, physical, emotional, and verbal abuse by staff, caregivers, or fellow patients.
- Freedom to Report Misconduct – You can report abuse without fear of retaliation, intimidation, or denial of treatment.
- Legal Recourse Against Abusers – You have the right to take legal action against individuals or institutions that fail to protect your safety or violate your rights.
- Access to Supportive Resources – You are entitled to advocacy services, mental health support, and legal guidance to help you recover and seek justice.
Protection Under Florida Law
Florida law provides strong protections for victims of sexual abuse in rehab facilities, including Florida Statutes § 794.011. Known as Florida’s sexual battery statute, violations classify any sexual misconduct by staff or caregivers toward patients as a felony. These laws help hold perpetrators accountable and give victims legal avenues to seek justice and compensation.
Legal Options for Victims of Sexual Abuse
Survivors of sexual abuse in rehab centers have several legal options. A sexual abuse lawyer can help you understand the following in greater detail, but here is an overview:
- Civil Lawsuits – Survivors may file a lawsuit against the facility, staff, or other responsible parties, which can provide compensation for medical costs, emotional distress, and other damages.
- Criminal Charges – There is no statute of limitations for sexual battery involving minors, and for many felony sexual offenses against adults, victims have up to eight years to file charges. Convicted perpetrators may face jail time or mandatory registration as a sex offender.
- Institutional Liability Claims – Rehab centers can be held liable if they fail to conduct proper background checks, ignore complaints, or create an environment where abuse thrives.
How Lehrman Law Helps Survivors Seek Justice
Survivors of sexual abuse deserve more than support—they deserve justice. Lehrman Law fights for victims and their families, holding abusers and negligent institutions accountable.
While you rest and recover, let us:
- Collect evidence of sexual abuse
- Consult with healthcare providers for an accurate diagnosis of the physical and emotional harm as a result of sexual abuse rehab centers, staff, and other responsible parties
- Seek the maximum compensation you’re owed through a settlement or lawsuit, depending on your preferences
- Protect your privacy and dignity throughout the process
Contact Lehrman Law for a Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered abuse in a rehab facility, you don’t have to face it alone. Our award-winning attorneys have nearly 30 years of experience protecting the rights of survivors in settlement negotiations and in court. We provide compassionate but aggressive legal representation to maximize financial recovery and justice for sexual abuse survivors. What’s more, we do not charge a fee unless we’re successful. That way, there’s no financial impediment to asserting your rights and demanding accountability for what you’ve suffered.
Let us take on your case while you focus on healing and moving forward. Contact Lehrman Law for a confidential, no-obligation consultation today.