San Francisco Dentist Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Dentists are licensed health care providers that should always adhere to the standards of care that are required of them by law. When they go well beyond breaching their duty of care by sexually assaulting and abusing patients, they can face criminal and civil consequences. At Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, we are committed to seeking justice against sexual abusers in dentistry and the institutions that protect them. Contact us for a free and confidential case evaluation if you are a survivor of dentist sexual abuse in San Francisco.

San Francisco Dentist Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Why Choose Our San Francisco Dentist Sexual Abuse Attorneys?

  • We have more than 25 years of experience going up against sexual abuse perpetrators and major institutions, including medical centers and dental practices in California.
  • We are America’s leading sexual abuse law firm, with numerous awards and accolades won in our history. Our past case results and client testimonials attest to our skill.
  • Our lawyers will protect your rights and best interests every step of the way. We will listen to you, believe you and make sure you have everything you need during this difficult time.

How a San Francisco Dentist Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help

San Francisco sexual abuse in dentistry is a complicated issue. As a survivor, you may not fully understand your legal rights or the laws that surround your case. This is a nuanced area of personal injury law that requires attention to detail. Hiring a lawyer to help you file a complaint or lawsuit can make the entire legal process easier. You can count on your lawyer to handle confusing legal tasks for you, such as investigating the abuse, collecting and presenting evidence, and taking your case to trial, if necessary. In the meantime, you can rest and focus on what matters most – healing and moving forward.

What Is Dentist Sexual Abuse?

Dentist sexual abuse is the heinous crime of a licensed, trained professional taking advantage of his or her position of authority to commit sex crimes against patients under the guise of caring for the teeth and mouth. Dentist sexual abuse crimes can range from inappropriate touching of a patient’s private parts to raping patients while they are under the influence of drugs such as general anesthesia.

When someone is in a position of power, trust or authority, he or she may make use of this position to abuse, assault or harass others. This includes doctors, dentists, dental hygienists and other medical professionals. Most patients trust their dentists and assume that health care professionals will protect the covenant to put patients’ interests first. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Dentists have been known to target, prey on, groom and sexually abuse their patients.

Examples of Dentist Sexual Abuse and Assault

Dentist sexual abuse or assault can take many forms. In California, the definition of sexual assault under Penal Code Section 243.4 is to touch the intimate part of another person when the victim is unlawfully restrained and if the touching is against the victim’s will for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification or abuse. It is also a crime to touch the intimate part of another person who is institutionalized for medical treatment and who is seriously disabled or medically incapacitated, against his or her will. Finally, it is sexual abuse to touch the intimate part of another person when the victim is unconscious of the nature of the act.

Examples of dentist sexual abuse include:

  • Inappropriate touching 
  • Kissing or groping
  • Child sexual abuse or molestation
  • Exposure of genitalia
  • Sexual battery by restraint
  • Sexual penetration by use of force
  • Rape, forced penetration or statutory rape
  • Attempted rape or penetration
  • Sodomy

A dentist who is guilty of committing sexual abuse may touch a patient’s breasts, force or deceive a patient into touching his or her private parts, or take advantage of unconscious or drug-impaired patients. Any type of sexually inappropriate or sexually aggressive behavior is a violation of the covenant between the dentist and his or her patients. Dentist sexual abuse can be committed by a male dentist against a female patient, a female dentist against a male patient or any other combination thereof. 

How to Report and Respond to Dentist Sexual Abuse in San Francisco

How to Report and Respond to Dentist Sexual Abuse in San Francisco

If you have been sexually abused or violated by your dentist in San Francisco, help is available. Start by telling someone about your experience. Find somewhere you feel safe, such as a friend or family member’s house, and tell your story. If you don’t feel comfortable telling someone you know, call the anonymous sexual assault hotline at (800) 656-4673 to speak to a trained emergency responder. Talking about the attack can help you cope with the trauma and take the next steps forward.

Report the dentist to the police if it is an emergency or if you wish to file criminal charges. File a complaint against the dentist with the California Dental Board using all of the information that you have about the incident. This could lead to the dentist losing his or her license to practice. Consider going to a hospital for a sexual assault forensic exam or medical care if you have any injuries from the sexual abuse. Also, think about seeing a therapist to talk about what happened and learn healthy coping mechanisms for emotional damage.

Compensation Available for Dentist Sexual Abuse in San Francisco

When you are ready, contact an attorney at Manly, Stewart & Finaldi to discuss bringing a legal claim against the dentist or dental office responsible for your sexual abuse or assault. You may be entitled to compensation for the following: 

  • Related medical bills
  • Psychiatric care
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional turmoil
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Out-of-pocket costs

As your lawyers, we will passionately advocate for justice and maximum financial compensation for dentist sexual abuse on your behalf. While most sexual abuse civil claims reach settlements, we have the ability to go to court with your case, if needed.

Were You Sexually Abused by a Dentist in San Francisco? We Can Help

You are not alone as a survivor of dentist sexual abuse. An attorney from Manly, Stewart & Finaldi can stand by your side throughout the process of seeking justice and financial compensation for the crimes committed against you. Our law firm offers free, confidential consultations with attorneys who understand this area of the law and care about clients. We will ask you questions about what happened, conduct a comprehensive case review and investigation, and let you know how we can help. Schedule your free evaluation at no obligation today. Call (855) 944-0710 or contact us online to get in touch.