Convicted abused Larry Nassar asserts that his conduct in abusing hundreds of girls and women under the guise of providing medical treatment should have been pursued as a medical malpractice claim rather than a criminal matter. However, while sexual abuse by trusted medical professionals may give rise to civil negligence claims, such conduct may give rise to both civil and criminal penalties.
When can you sue for medical negligence arising out of sexual abuse?
In addition to facing jail time and the loss of their medical license, health care professionals may face medical malpractice lawsuits if they attempt to have inappropriate sexual conduct with their patients. Patients hold doctors and other health care professionals in a place of trust. Unwanted sexual contact takes advantage of those in a vulnerable position, violates that trust and can cause enormous psychological trauma.
Where a healthcare professional abuses his or her position of power, they may be held responsible and found liable for medical malpractice. In addition to criminal penalties, the abuser may also be responsible for paying damages such as the costs of treatment, therapy and lost wages.
However, it is important to understand – a sexual abuser can face both civil and criminal penalties.
If you have endured sexual harassment by a medical professional please contact the dedicated Los Angeles medical malpractice lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson
