Bernstein & Maryanoff

Florida Sexual Abuse Lawyers
Holding Doctors Accountable

People are taught from the time that they are children to trust their doctors. Doctors swear an oath to do what's necessary to protect the health of those they treat, and the vast majority of doctor-patient relationships are positive in nature. However, there are certain relationships of this type that go very wrong, and when a doctor sexually abuses a patient, the fallout can be extremely difficult to overcome. Below is an overview of this unfortunate situation, and if you or someone you love has suffered from this type of conduct from a doctor, seek the help of Florida sexual abuse lawyers as soon as possible.

How Doctors Can Sexually Abuse Patients

All of the common variables that could give rise to sexual abuse in any situation are present when one considers the relationship between a doctor and a patient. Doctors enjoy a high degree of trust from patients, and many times this trust is almost unconditional. In addition, patients who feel that they need medical help emotionally bond with doctors who help them. Finally, patients are generally willing to do things in front of doctors that they would not be willing to do in front of anyone else, and all of these factors can lead to terrible results.

Actions to Take in Situations of Sexual Abuse by a Doctor

If you or someone you love has been sexually abused by a doctor, there are several steps that should be taken not only to make sure that it doesn't happen to you or a loved one ever again, but also to make sure that this doctor is not able to engage in this conduct with anyone else at any time in the future.

The first step that should be taken is to contact the police. Sexual abuse is a serious crime in Florida, and those who are guilty of this conduct can face long prison terms if they are arrested, charged, prosecuted and convicted. In addition, the initiation of a prosecution will likely lead to a removal of that doctor's license to practice medicine by the state licensing authority.

After the police have been contacted, those who have been sexually abused by a doctor should seek the help of experienced Florida sexual abuse lawyers. Attorneys who have handled these difficult cases before will understand how to proceed in a manner that holds that doctor accountable for his or her actions but that also minimizes the pain and embarrassment of those who have suffered through this conduct. If this situation sounds unfortunately familiar, contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.