When we become injured or ill and need medical assistance, we trust that the paramedics, nurses, and doctors will help us recover. Unfortunately, not all medical professionals take their ethical obligations seriously. A former paramedic who worked in Alabama and Mississippi has just been sentenced to 40 years in prison without parole. He pled guilty to sexually assaulting patients and ambulances as they were transported to hospitals.
The crimes occurred between 2016 and 2019 while working as a certified paramedic. He pled guilty to three counts of sexual battery and two counts of touching a child for lustful purposes. Sadly, the victims were all vulnerable because they had medical conditions that required emergency care. In one case, the defendant raped a pregnant woman while she was being taken to the hospital. She later had a miscarriage. The civil cases brought by the sexual assault victims against the man have been settled and dismissed.
Obtaining Compensation After Being Sexually Assaulted by a Health Care Worker
Every year, Alabama residents become victims of sexual assault. Unfortunately, some of these sexual assaults occur while the victims are receiving medical treatment. Sexual assault at the hands of a medical professional can be directed at co-workers or patients.
Physicians, dentists, nurses, and paramedics enjoy a high professional standing. People inherently trust medical professionals to help them, especially in a medical emergency. Medical emergencies place the power in the hands of paramedics and doctors, leaving victims unable to seek help. Some medical professionals use this power to sexually assault patients, taking advantage of patients’ vulnerable state. If a medical provider has sexually assaulted you, we recommend reaching out to an attorney as soon as possible.
The perpetrator may face criminal charges for sexual assault. In addition to criminal charges, the victim can bring a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator for compensation. Under Alabama Law, when someone intentionally injures a victim and causes them damages, the victim can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the perpetrator. The damages available include past and future medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Pursuing a lawsuit can help you obtain justice and compensation that can help you move forward.
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Types of Sexual Harassment in the Medical Profession
In addition to sexual assault, sexual harassment is another problem in the medical profession. When doctors harass their co-workers, such as their nurses, aides, and office staff, victims become distracted from the task of providing quality care to patients. Medical practicioners can also harass patients. In the medical profession, sexual harassment can take any of the following forms:
- Unsolicited physical contact
- Requests for unwanted dates
- Unsolicited nonverbal attention
- Sexual propositions
- Physical assault
If you have experienced this harassment, you should file a complaint with your human resources department. Unfortunately, some human resources departments do not take sexual harassment claims seriously. Additionally, you may experience retaliation for filing a claim. However, failure to investigate a sexual harassment complaint or monitor and remedy the situation could give you the right to file a hostile work environment claim against your employer. Working with an attorney can help you hold the harasser accountable.
What to Do After Experiencing Sexual Assault as a Patient
You may not know what to do if you have been sexually assaulted as a patient, and that is understandable. You may be wondering about your options and how to protect yourself. Discussing the sexual assault can be difficult, but it is important to report the sexual assault. Working with an attorney can help you understand your legal options and the steps you need to take to hold the perpetrator accountable. Many victims of sexual assaults have found it therapeutic to be able to bring a claim against their abuser in civil court. Additionally, an attorney can help you file a claim against the medical board to prevent the practitioner from abusing other patients.
Discuss Your Case With an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you or your loved one has been sexually assaulted or sexually harassed by a doctor, nurse, paramedic, or another medical professional, you are not alone. The skilled personal injury attorneys at Heninger Garrison Davis are here to help. We will carefully investigate your case, help you understand your options, answer any questions, and fight for your rights. Contact Heninger Garrison Davis today to schedule your free initial consultation.
