Doctor sexual assault happens when a medical professional crosses a clear personal boundary. This can include unwanted touching, sexual comments, or inappropriate exams. Some doctors might claim a procedure is necessary when it isn’t. Others might use their positions to make patients feel confused or powerless. These actions violate the trust between a patient and a doctor. They also break the law.
Many people feel shocked or unsure about what happened when their healthcare providers take advantage of them in this way. But if something felt wrong during a visit, you have the right to speak up and take legal action. The attorneys at Lehrman Law can help. Contact us today for an initial consultation to discuss your situation with our compassionate team.
How Sexual Assault by a Doctor Differs from Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice usually involves treatment-related errors, like an incorrect diagnosis or a surgical injury. In contrast, sexual assault is not a medical mistake. It’s a deliberate act involving a doctor choosing to harm a patient. These acts do not relate to treatment. They violate the law and the patient’s trust.
You can file a civil lawsuit for both kinds of harm, but the legal claims are different. If a doctor sexually assaults you, you can bring a claim separate from any malpractice lawsuit. A civil sexual assault claim focuses on the harm caused by intentional abuse, not medical errors or other negligence.
Legal Options for Victims of Sexual Assault by a Doctor
Victims of doctor sexual assault can file civil lawsuits. These types of cases involve seeking damages (money) for the harm you suffered. You don’t have to wait for criminal charges or a conviction to file a civil case. In a civil case, you can ask for money to cover therapy, lost wages, and other losses. You can also ask for money as compensation for the emotional pain you have endured. You must meet strict deadlines to file, so it’s best to work with a knowledgeable attorney who can keep your case on track. A lawyer can explain your options, gather useful evidence, and file a claim against the doctor and others involved.
Who Could Be Liable for Doctor Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault can happen in many healthcare settings and at the hands of all kinds of medical providers. This includes physicians, dentists, psychiatrists, chiropractors, and others. Any provider who touches a patient during care can abuse that access. Some might target patients during physical exams or mental health visits. Some also continue the abuse over many appointments. No one should ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe while receiving medical care. Even if a doctor has a good reputation, they can still commit abuse. The title they hold does not protect them from being held accountable.
It’s worth noting that the doctor isn’t always the only person you can sue. You could also sue the hospital or clinic where the abuse occurred. These places must take steps to protect patients. If they ignored warning signs or failed to report past complaints, they may share fault.
How Civil Lawsuits Differ from Criminal Cases
In a criminal case, the state files charges to punish the wrongdoer. Any parties who suffered harm due to the crime don’t control the process or the outcome. In a civil lawsuit, you bring the claim yourself to seek money for the harm you suffered. Civil cases involve a lower standard of proof than criminal trials, so you don’t need to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. You can sue even if the state never files charges or if the doctor avoids jail. A civil case can help you take back control and hold the doctor—and possibly others—responsible for what happened.
Damages Available in Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuits
In a civil lawsuit, you can demand damages (money) as compensation for the physical, psychological, and financial harm you have suffered as a result of the assault. This includes therapy costs, lost income, emotional distress, and medical bills. If the abuse caused long-term harm, you can ask for greater compensation. Courts might also award punitive damages to punish the doctor and deter similar behavior in the future. The amount you receive depends on the facts of your case. An attorney can evaluate your situation and explain the types and amounts of damages you could include in your claim.
How a Lawyer Can Help with a Civil Sexual Assault Case
Taking legal action after a doctor sexually assaults you can feel overwhelming. You might not know where to start, whom to trust, or what steps to take next. A lawyer who handles civil sexual assault cases can take on the legal work so you don’t have to do it alone. They can help you by:
- Gathering medical records, reports, and other key documents
- Interviewing witnesses who could support your case
- Reviewing past complaints or lawsuits against the doctor or medical facility
- Filing your civil lawsuit within the applicable legal deadline
- Naming all responsible parties in the lawsuit
- Responding to defense lawyers and court filings as necessary
- Preparing you to give a statement or testimony in court
- Working with experts to explain the emotional or physical harm you suffered
- Calculating the monetary value of losses tied to the assault and recovery
- Demanding full compensation to address the impacts of the assault
- Negotiating with the other side for a fair settlement
- Taking your case to trial if the other side refuses to settle
Contact a Victim’s Advocate Attorney Now
If a doctor, dentist, psychiatrist, or other medical professional sexually assaulted you, you might have a civil claim against them—and possibly against the facility that allowed the abuse to happen. You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Lehrman Law handles civil sexual assault cases and helps survivors take legal action on their terms. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options clearly. Contact us now to talk with someone who will take your case seriously and give you honest guidance.