Sexual Abuse by Medical Professionals

Abuse by doctors against their patients is the last thing patients expect to happen. During an exam, doctors are supposed to touch their patients in medically appropriate ways, but certainly not fondle patients. During a session, psychiatrists are meant to listen to their patient’s darkest secrets, but never parlay the intimacy into a kiss. For surgery, anesthesiologists put their patients under, but this never means there is an invitation to molest a patient. The damage to patients when physicians ruin the cherished boundaries of the doctor-patient relationship can last for years, if not forever.

When a physician abuses his authority rather than heals, patients are left feeling confused and harmed. It’s the confidentiality and sensitivity of a doctor’s visit, coupled with the deference paid to people who wear white coats, that leaves patients astounded. Consequently, the aftermath of such abuse causes many patients who are abused to begin to avoid doctors altogether. Patients are often overwhelmed with guilt, and tend to blame themselves rather than their abuser for the attack. Some patients begin to question whether they can trust anyone after a doctor has betrayed them in such a way. It becomes very difficult for victims of such abuse to maintain close relationships after the attack. Because doctors are such highly respected members of society, victims often feel that if they do report such abuse, the complaint will be brushed off to preserve the physicians career. Similarly, many patients do not report because they fear they won’t be believed.

The most important step a victim can take to achieve justice is to immediately consult and hire an experienced, compassionate and committed attorney who knows how to aggressively protect your rights. As these traumatic experiences often shake victims to their core and result in delayed disclosure and reporting, litigating claims that span several decades become complicated. New York state has progressed immensely with its’ receptiveness to abuse victims’ voices. It is imperative that survivors of sexual assault understand the explicit and unequivocal need for attorneys who can handle such complicated litigation. Hach & Rose is versed in complicated lawsuits and its attorneys are fearless in taking on lawsuits with powerful Defendants.

At Hach & Rose, LLP, we are committed to working persistently and passionately to represent those who could not protect themselves. If you or a loved one has suffered from any form of sexual abuse, it is critical to act now. Do not hesitate to contact the New York sexual abuse lawyers at Hach & Rose, LLP today at (212) 779-0057. Our compassionate, knowledgeable and skilled attorneys will work diligently to uncover whether criminal charges, a civil lawsuit – or both – can be filed against the perpetrator or negligent third party who is responsible for the abuse and its damages to you.