There may be many reasons that you seek care from doctors of all kinds. You may visit a primary care physician to attend to your general health. You may need a specialist, such as a podiatrist or gynecologist. You also likely make time for dental cleanings with your dentist.
All of these medical professionals and the supporting staff, as well as their facilities, owe you a duty to uphold a professional level of care that meets industry standards. However, some of these professionals conduct themselves in highly inappropriate ways. They may touch you inappropriately or force you to perform sexual acts without your consent. For sexual abuse and sexual assault committed by medical professionals, it can have lasting impacts on sexual abuse victims.
While there will be a criminal case that results from this sexual misconduct, victims have the chance to file a civil claim to recover financial compensation for the harms endured. Sexual abuse cases can be complicated to face without a doctor’s sexual abuse lawyer in Chicago.
844SeeMike Personal Injury lawyers provides legal assistance for doctor sexual abuse legal assistance in Chicago, standing by you throughout the entire legal process. You do not need to face this alone, nor should you. You have been through enough trauma, and a Chicago physician sexual abuse attorney will work to seek justice on your behalf. Contact our Chicago sexual abuse lawyers to hold the person responsible for these heinous acts financially responsible and schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Doctor Sexual Abuse Cases in Chicago
Doctors have a legal and ethical obligation to care for their patients. This means that they are bound by their oath to cause no harm. Sadly, not all physicians and healthcare professionals uphold their oath. They violate the ethical codes and commit acts of sexual abuse on their patients.
Doctor sexual abuse refers to when a doctor or medical provider engages in nonconsensual sexual actions with a patient. These actions are defined as anything that is forced, inappropriate, or done by threatening force or violence. Doctor sexual abuse can also occur when a patient is under anesthesia. Since a patient in these circumstances cannot provide consent, it is considered a violation of the code.
Doctor sexual abuse in Chicago is a crime that can result in criminal charges, and can happen beyond the doctor’s office. A doctor could violate this trust with a patient in a hospital, school, emergency room, or any other setting where there is a doctor-patient relationship.
Acts of sexual abuse may include inappropriate touching of private areas, groping or fondling, unnecessary penetration with medical devices or fingers, rape or attempted rape, and other acts of sexual assault. What is most upsetting is that this kind of sexual abuse is most often committed under the pretense of standard medical treatment.
Those who have been sexually abused have long-lasting psychological impacts. Some also suffer physical injuries from a doctor’s sexual abuse. The harm endured can have far-reaching consequences, leading to mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder that prevent a victim from being able to work or function in society. Sexual abuse in Chicago is more than just a crime – it is an unspeakable and horrific act, and the perpetrator should not only be held accountable in the criminal justice system but also through a civil lawsuit. If you have been a victim of a doctor’s sexual abuse, our attorneys understand the trauma you have endured and will be here for you every step of the way through your civil claim.
The Approach Our Chicago Doctor Sexual Abuse Lawyers Take to Handling These Civil Claims
Under state law, as per 720 ILCS 5/11-1.50, criminal charges can be imposed on someone who commits doctor sexual abuse in Chicago. While state prosecutors will handle the criminal case, those who have experienced sexual abuse at the hands of a doctor can file a civil lawsuit to seek financial compensation to recover medical costs, lost wages, and the non-economic damages that they have endured from pain and suffering, as well as emotional and mental damage.
If you were the victim of sexual abuse in Chicago, contact 844SeeMike Personal Injury Lawyers to get the help you need when bringing your civil lawsuit. We are here for you throughout the entire legal process, starting with our detailed investigation process. In cases of sexual abuse in Chicago that involve physicians, it can be tough for victims to come forward. We understand that you may be afraid of what could happen when you file your doctor sexual abuse case.
Our law firm is fully committed to upholding confidentiality in these sensitive matters. We provide an empathetic approach throughout your case and fight to ensure that, whether it’s one or more parties, they will be held liable. On the criminal side of things, reasonable doubt must be proven. However, on our side in the civil legal process, we will use our resources to prove that the doctor violated their duty of care and caused you irreparable harm.
Legal Rights and Options for Victims of Doctor Sexual Abuse
When someone you trusted for their medical care performed unwanted sexual contact, you have the right to file a lawsuit to seek fair compensation and ensure they are held liable. In many cases involving doctor sexual abuse, victims are terrified to come forward. They fear retaliation or that no one will believe them, especially if some time has passed since the unwanted sexual contact.
When sex abuse happens, it is best to file your claim as soon as possible. However, it is understandable that the trauma experienced may make it hard to come forward immediately. Under Illinois Compiled Statutes Section 13-202, adult victims of sex abuse and assault will usually have two years to take this action.
Since January 1, 2014, Illinois’ statute of limitations on childhood doctor sexual abuse claims under Illinois Compiled Statutes Section 13-202.2 was lifted, meaning that there is no deadline to file in these circumstances. If this applies to your case, you should still not wait to take legal action against those who committed sexual abuse and upended your life. Whether it is one or more parties, our attorneys will fight to ensure they are held liable and protect others from suffering harm at their hands.
Steps to Take to Seek Financial Compensation After These Traumatic Actions
Many victims don’t know what to do after such things occur, primarily because they simply can’t fathom it. You may try to rationalize it or blame yourself, but the fact remains that unwanted and nonconsensual sexual actions are criminal, and the harm they cause can haunt you for the rest of your life.
Make sure that you report the incident immediately by calling 911 in the aftermath. If some time has passed, you can go to your local Chicago Police Department and file a report. When you’ve just been raped or touched in an inappropriate way by a doctor, seek medical attention to get a rape kit done and preserve evidence.
The next step, which is most important, is to contact 844 SeeMike Personal Injury Lawyers. We are advocates for those who suffer this type of devastating abuse. We are your voice, and we are on a mission to recover the compensation you deserve while ensuring those responsible are held fully accountable.
