Recently Larry Nassar who has been convicted of sexual assault and faces 40 to 175 years in jail, asserted his case should have been considered a medical malpractice case, rather than a criminal matter. However, the fact that this is a criminal matter is not at issue. His abhorrent behavior warrants criminal prosecution and jail time. But as with many cases of sexual abuse perpetrated by a medical professional, it may also be possible to file a civil medical malpractice suit for damages. This is in addition to – not instead of – criminal penalties. In such cases, it may be possible to recover substantial economic and non-economic damages for emotional distress, medical treatment, costs and therapy and any wage loss.
When medical professionals take advantage of their position of trust and touches a patient inappropriately or engages in any manner of sexual harassment, it may be possible to file a suit for medical malpractice. You should also file a complaint with the medical licensing board and alert the police.
For more information or if you have been harmed by a medical professional in any manner, please contact the dedicated San Diego medical malpractice lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson for an immediate consultation.