Michigan Doctor Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Troy Physician Misconduct Lawyers
Patients seeking medical treatment often arrive in physicians’ offices feeling vulnerable or scared. They rightfully place their faith in their doctors, psychologists or other health care workers to provide them with the treatment they need. When a Michigan medical professional violates that trust through sexual misconduct, he or she is breaking the law – not to mention causing emotional harm that can damage a victim’s life forever.
If you are a victim of sexual abuse by a Michigan doctor or other medical professional, call The Stroble Law Firm at (888) 454-0801, or contact us online for a free consultation. If we do not win your case, there is no fee for our services.
Based in Bloomfield Hills, The Stroble Law Firm represents clients across Michigan, including Macomb County, Oakland County, Warren, Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, St. Clair Shores, Mount Clemens, Utica, Roseville, Troy, Farmington Hills, Waterford, Southfield, Pontiac, Birmingham, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills.
About Sexual Abuse By Physicians and Health Care Practitioners
In 2010, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Affairs’ disciplinary action reports recorded eight reported cases of alleged sexual abuse by health care workers in the state. Among the complaints were five alleged cases of criminal sexual misconduct, two reports of sexual misconduct and one sexual criminal conviction. However, like most sex-related crimes, the number is probably much higher. Victims often do not report that they have been sexually abused due to shame or self-imposed guilt that the abuse was somehow their fault.
Medical workers who are accused of sexual misconduct in Michigan may be subject to civil lawsuits and criminal charges. On the civil side, a victim may be able to bring a medical malpractice claim against the practitioner.
Medical malpractice claims are based on the principle that health care professionals have a sworn duty to meet an accepted standard of care. Sexual misconduct counts as a breach of that standard. According to the American Medical Association’s Code of Ethics, “sexual or romantic interactions between physicians and patients detract from the goals of the physician-patient relationship, may exploit the vulnerability of the patient, may obscure the physician’s objective judgment concerning the patient’s health care, and ultimately be detrimental to the patient’s wellbeing.” A kindhearted lawyer from The Stroble Law Firm can listen to your story and help you determine if you have the legal grounds for a sexual abuse claim against a medical practitioner.
What Constitutes Sexual Misconduct?
Sexual misconduct can take a variety of forms, and initial signs of the inappropriate behavior may be difficult to recognize at first. For example, a physician might comment on the patient’s hair, clothing or perfume. Another sign may be that the appointments are scheduled at odd times or off-hours. But that may be the precursor for more obvious signs of sexual misconduct, such as:
- Beginning a personal or intimate relationship before or after treatment;
- Performing sexual activities with a patient;
- Discussing sexual matters not relevant to the patient’s treatment;
- Telling dirty jokes;
- Making repeated comments about personal matters unrelated to the patient’s treatment.
The emotional consequences stemming from sexual abuse by a medical professional can cause damage that lasts a lifetime – and in some tragic cases, may even lead to suicide. But Michigan laws can be enforced to provide compensation for victims, including monetary awards for emotional distress and also the costs for psychological therapy, medication and other expenses related to the sexual abuse.
Victim of Sexual Misconduct By A Doctor? Contact Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers Now
The medical malpractice attorneys at The Stroble Law Firm in Michigan understand that sexual abuse can cause irreparable psychological harm to victims and their families. Our compassionate lawyers will handle your sexual abuse claim confidentially and with the utmost sensitivity so that you can hold the perpetrator responsible and start the healing process.
Call our Michigan medical malpractice lawyers at (888) 454-0801 or contact us online for a free evaluation of your claim. If we don’t win, you won’t pay for our assistance.
