Sexual abuse by a healthcare provider is illegal

Cases against physicians and healthcare providers for sexual abuse are all too common. An Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigation in 2016 identified more than 2,400 cases of doctors across the country who had sexually assaulted their patients. The investigation found that half of these physicians were still licensed to practice medicine. One pediatrician assaulted as many as 1,000 children before being sent to prison.

The boundaries between a physician and patient should be clear. Efforts by the physician to engage in a sexual relationship with his or her patient are inappropriate and cause for a civil lawsuit and, potentially, criminal prosecution. Here are some of the types of misconduct to look for:

• Trading pain pills for sexual favors
• Inappropriate text messages by the physician or healthcare provider
• Sexual abuse while the patient is sedated
• Inappropriate sexual advances
• Inappropriate sexual comments

Preston & Salango has handled many sexual abuse cases in West Virginia.  We’ve handled cases against nurses, physicians, therapists, nurse aides, and counselors. If you or a loved one have been the victim of a sexual abuse by a healthcare provider, contact a law firm with decades of experience handling these types of cases, Preston & Salango, PLLC – 304-342-0512.