Doctor Sexual Misconduct Lawyer in Bakersfield
It can be difficult to come to terms with what happened to you after being sexually assaulted or abused by your physician in Bakersfield. It can be even harder to come forward and tell your story. At Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, we understand the long-term negative effects that survivors of sexual assault suffer. Our doctor sexual misconduct lawyers can help you recover emotionally, psychologically and financially with exceptional legal representation during a civil lawsuit.
Our attorneys have been representing survivors of sexual abuse and assault in Bakersfield and throughout the country for more than 25 years. We have decades of experience handling sexual misconduct cases against doctors and medical facilities in California. Start your counsel with a free and confidential case review with one of our attorneys.
Manly, Stewart & Finaldi Helped Secure the Largest Sexual Abuse Settlement in History
When searching for the right attorney to represent you, experience is paramount. The attorneys at Manly, Stewart & Finaldi not only have years of education and hands-on experience in the sexual assault practice area, but we were part of a team of lawyers that secured the largest settlement for sexual abuse in history against former USC gynecologist George Tyndall ($852 million). Our law firm represented 234 women in this case. We know what it takes to win cases of doctor sexual misconduct, and – most importantly – how to make survivors feel heard and protected.
What Is Doctor Sexual Misconduct?
Doctor sexual misconduct can refer to any inappropriate sexual behaviors or actions committed by a health care professional against a patient. A physician engaging in any type of intimate or sexual relationship with a patient is unethical and goes against medical standards of care. If a physician touches, kisses, gropes, penetrates, rapes or otherwise takes advantage of a patient for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification, it is sexual assault.
There are many different examples of doctor sexual misconduct, from consensual but inappropriate sexual relationships with patients to rape and sodomy while a patient is under the influence of drugs such as anesthesia. Other examples include inserting an ungloved finger into a patient’s vagina or anus, mimicking sexual intercourse with medical devices, taking sexualized photographs of a patient, exposing his or her genitals while treating a patient, requiring a patient to disrobe in front of the doctor, and touching a patient inappropriately under the guise of medical care.
What to Do After Being Sexually Assaulted by a Doctor
If you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted by a health care provider in Bakersfield, tell someone. Telling someone is the first step toward overcoming the trauma that you endured. Start by confiding in someone that you know and trust, such as a friend or family member. Then, report the crime to authorities. Contact the police in Bakersfield if you wish to press charges. Report the doctor to the Medical Board of California to have the physician’s medical license put under review.
If you have any physical injuries from the assault, see a doctor right away. If it is within 120 hours of the assault, you can request a sexual assault forensic exam to collect any evidence from your person. You will have a counselor there with you every step of the way during the exam. It is also important to seek help from a mental health professional to address the psychological and emotional toll that sexual abuse takes on you.
Once you are in a place where you can focus on pursuing justice, contact a doctor sexual misconduct lawyer in Bakersfield to discuss your legal options. Bringing a civil lawsuit against the doctor that assaulted you as well as the medical center that employed the doctor and failed to protect you can bring you justice. It can also protect other patients by revoking the perpetrator’s license to practice medicine.
Contact an Experienced Doctor Sexual Misconduct Lawyer in Bakersfield, CA
Consulting with a lawyer during a confidential case review can give you more information about this type of lawsuit and the answers to legal questions that you need. At Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, your needs and goals are our top priorities. Find out how we can help you today. Contact us online or call (800) 700-8450 anytime.