Did a medical professional take advantage of their position and use it as a means of abusing you? At John Foy & Associates, we believe that doctor-patient relationships should be built on trust, and when that foundation is broken, the consequences can be devastating.
As the victim of doctor sexual abuse, you have the right to pursue compensation and hold the at-fault parties accountable for what was done to you. It all starts with speaking to a Columbus doctor sexual abuse lawyer who can take on your case.
Our attorneys have 350 years of combined experience, and together, we have secured over $1 billion in compensation for personal injury victims like you. We’re here to advocate for your rights and represent you as your Columbus sexual abuse lawyer.
Legal Protections for Victims of Sexual Abuse by Doctors
Georgia law provides strong legal protections for victims of sexual abuse by doctors. After all, sexual assault by a person in a position of trust—including doctors—is a serious criminal offense. As such, victims are legally permitted to pursue criminal and civil cases.
If convicted, the perpetrator may face felony charges, years of imprisonment, and placement on the sex offender registry. Meanwhile, in civil cases, victims can file lawsuits that aim to recover compensation for the damages they endured as a result of the abuse.
Unlike criminal cases—which focus on punishing the offender—civil lawsuits aim to provide financial relief and result in justice for the victim. If you are interested in filing claims or pursuing charges against a doctor, reach out to a Columbus personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Claims in Georgia
The time limits for filing a sexual abuse lawsuit in Georgia depend on factors such as the victim’s age at the time of the abuse and when the harm was discovered. For adult survivors, the statute of limitations for filing a civil claim is typically two years from the date of the incident.
Victims generally have until they turn 23 years old to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator. Also, under the delayed discovery rule, survivors may have four years from the time they discover that the abuse caused harm to initiate legal action.
Georgia also allows for criminal prosecution of certain sexual offenses involving children at any time if DNA evidence identifies the perpetrator. Other sex crimes against minors may have a seven-year statute of limitations that begins at one of two moments:
- When the victim turns 16 years old
- When the victim reports the offense
Recent legal changes have expanded options for survivors, allowing some to file claims even if the abuse occurred years or decades ago. Due to the multi-faceted nature of these timelines, survivors should consult a Columbus doctor sexual abuse attorney.
Medical Licensing and Accountability in Georgia
Doctors accused of sexual abuse could face administrative consequences through the Georgia Composite Medical Board. The Board has the authority to investigate complaints, suspend medical licenses, and impose penalties on doctors found guilty of misconduct.
Victims can file a complaint with the Board, at which point they will trigger an investigation into the doctor’s actions. If the Board determines that the doctor engaged in misconduct, disciplinary actions may be taken, which can prevent the doctor from practicing medicine in the future.
While this does not provide financial compensation for victims, it can serve as an important step toward preventing future abuse.
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Civil Liability for Hospitals and Medical Facilities
In addition to holding doctors directly accountable for their actions, it’s also possible to find hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities responsible for the doctor’s misconduct. If any of these institutions engaged in the following behaviors, they may be liable for the doctor’s actions:
- Failed to conduct proper background checks
- Ignored prior complaints
- Failed to take action against a known offender
Victims of abuse at the hands of doctors can file claims against medical institutions for either enabling or failing to prevent abuse. Hospitals and medical facilities have a duty to protect patients from harm.
As a result, if an institution was aware of previous allegations against a doctor but allowed them to continue practicing, they may be considered complicit in the abuse. You can initiate the legal process and hold these entities accountable when you retain legal counsel.
Compensation for Victims of Sexual Abuse at the Hands of Doctors
Victims of sexual abuse by doctors might be entitled to pursue compensation for the harm they have suffered. But what does this look like? Let’s take a look at examples of possible damages that you may be able to seek out in the aftermath of the abuse:
- Costs related to medical treatment, including therapy and counseling services
- Lost wages if the abuse caused the victim to miss work or suffer career consequences
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental trauma, or diminished quality of life
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme misconduct
Each case is unique, and the amount of compensation you’ll receive will depend on the severity of the abuse you endured. Your doctor sexual abuse attorney in Columbus will likely explain that the impact the abuse had on your life will also influence your compensation.
Contact Our Columbus Doctor Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
Doctor sexual abuse is a serious violation, and victims deserve justice after enduring such awful circumstances at the hands of someone they should have been able to trust. At John Foy & Associates, we’re here to help you hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
We will also work to prove that the at-fault negligent institution should be held liable for their role in the abuse. At our firm, we are committed to providing compassionate legal support for survivors of doctor sexual abuse and advocating for their rights every step of the way.
You can rest assured that we recognize the emotional and psychological toll that a traumatic event like this can have on victims like you, and we’ll keep that in mind as we build your case.
Contact our Columbus doctor sexual abuse law firm today to set up a confidential consultation.
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