Doctor Sexual Abuse

At PCVA, we understand the profound impact of doctor sexual abuse on patients and are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for survivors. Our experienced team focuses on both sexual abuse civil cases and medical malpractice cases, offering a robust legal practice that addresses the unique challenges faced by those who have suffered from the misconduct of healthcare professionals, particularly doctors.

Our firm is unique in that we have attorneys experienced in handling the complexities of both sexual abuse and medical malpractice cases, allowing us to provide counsel that intersects these two areas of law. Our attorneys are passionate advocates for those who are victims of medical negligence as well as survivors of sexual abuse and their families. With a compassionate, trauma-informed approach, our goal is to ensure the dignity and well-being of those we serve.

Our attorneys have received recognition for their trial prowess and litigation capabilities, including accolades from The National Law Journal and the Washington State Association for Justice. PCVA attorneys have successfully undertaken some of the largest, most powerful institutions over their handling of sexual abuse allegations, ultimately helping our clients receive millions in compensation for their suffering while preventing others from experiencing the same harm.

Below, you will learn more about doctor sexual abuse, how to seek justice and what it is like to work with a lawyer after experiencing sexual abuse by a doctor or other medical provider.

What qualifies as doctor sexual abuse?

Doctor sexual abuse occurs when a healthcare professional, predominantly doctors, engage in sexually violating or abusing their patients. This egregious breach of trust not only inflicts immediate harm on the survivor but can also lead to long-lasting psychological and emotional trauma. PCVA is dedicated to bringing justice to survivors by holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

While numerous allegations of sexual misconduct by healthcare providers involve serious accusations, such as non-consensual sexual penetration and rape, these are not the only criteria for sexual abuse. To ascertain whether a medical professional has committed sexual abuse, it is essential to define what constitutes sexual misconduct by medical professionals.

In general, any non-consensual and unwelcome sexual contact or explicit sexual remarks may be categorized as sexual assault. This includes the following:

• Restraining the patient to engage in sexual activities
• Touching the patient with medical instruments in a sexual manner
• Inappropriately touching the patient with one’s hands
• Administering sedation to engage in sexual acts
• Conducting examinations of the sexual regions when not medically necessary
• Performing sexual acts during examinations that exceed routine procedures
• Inappropriately exposing oneself to the patient, with or without removing clothing
• Making sexual gestures or innuendos toward the patient
• Intentionally fondling or groping one’s sexual organs in front of the patient
• Fondling or groping the patient’s sexual organs
• Engaging in self-gratifying sexual acts, such as masturbation, in the patient’s presence
• Attempting to masturbate or sexually arouse the patient

Additionally, any behavior of a sexual nature that induces discomfort in the patient may be deemed as sexual abuse.

How frequently do doctors sexually abuse patients?

While the precise prevalence of patient sexual abuse is challenging to ascertain due to underreporting, studies suggest a disturbingly high occurrence. According to recent research, there were nearly 11 sexual misconduct incidents per 100,000 licensed physicians reported from 2000 to 2019 to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), a database operated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that contains medical malpractice payment and adverse action reports on healthcare professionals.

PCVA most recently has been investigating a number of New York doctor sexual abuse cases, including  urologist Dr. Darius Paduch, gynecologist Dr. Robert Hadden and deceased endocrinologist Dr. Reginald Archibald.

I may have been violated by a doctor or healthcare provider, but is it serious enough for a lawsuit?

Doctors and healthcare providers prey on patients and exploit their position as trusted medical workers. Even if there is no outward injury to the body, doctor sexual abuse can have serious psychological effects. The effects of sexual violence can include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Flashbacks
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Dissociation
• Panic attacks
• Substance abuse
• Disordered sleep
• Sexual dysfunction

These are serious issues that can harm a person’s ability to work, study, maintain relationships and enjoy their lives the way they used to. Treatment for sexual abuse-related damage can take a long time and become very expensive.

How can PCVA help victims of doctor sexual abuse?

At PCVA, we recognize the sensitivity and complexity of cases involving doctor sexual abuse. Our legal team is well-versed in navigating the intricacies of both sexual abuse and medical malpractice cases, ensuring survivors have a supportive and understanding environment to share their experiences. We prioritize open communication, empowering survivors to take legal action against their abusers.

PCVA is dedicated to compassionate advocacy in helping survivors of doctor sexual abuse reclaim their voice and seek justice. Our attorneys provide personalized and compassionate legal representation, guiding clients through every step of the legal process. We understand the importance of creating a safe space for survivors to share their stories and pursue the justice they deserve after experiencing sexual abuse by a doctor or other healthcare provider.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse by a doctor or assault at the hands of a medical provider or institution, our attorneys are here to listen and help. Learn more about how we help sexual abuse survivors. Schedule a no obligation, confidential consultation with one of our lawyers by completing our online form or calling us at (253) 777-0799 or (206) 462-4334.

I’m outside of Washington State. Can you still take my case?

PCVA maintains offices in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington, and has extended its presence to New York City, strategically positioning itself to address sexual abuse cases not only within the confines of Washington State but also on a national scale. Our reputation as a leading sexual abuse law firm transcends geographic boundaries, enabling us to tackle cases involving some of the nation’s most significant institutions, such as the Boy Scouts of America and the Catholic Church.

While our roots are deeply embedded in the Pacific Northwest, our reach extends far beyond, allowing us to advocate for survivors of sexual abuse across the country. We possess the knowledge and resources to navigate the complexities of cases involving prominent national organizations. Whether you are based in the Pacific Northwest or any other location in the United States, we encourage you to connect with our dedicated sexual abuse lawyers who can provide compassionate and effective legal representation tailored to the unique circumstances of your case. 

How much do you charge? 

At PCVA, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning our clients only pay legal fees if we successfully secure compensation on their behalf. This allows survivors to access top-tier legal representation without financial barriers, ensuring they can focus on healing and holding perpetrators accountable.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of doctor sexual abuse, PCVA is here to help you navigate the legal journey toward justice and healing. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your rights and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

Our Case Results

PCVA has a lengthy history of pursuing damages from healthcare institutions that employed healthcare professionals who abused their positions of authority to sexually assault patients. Most recently, we are pursuing dozens of claims against notorious sexual predator and former New York City urologist Dr. Darius Paduch. You can learn more about this case and its most recent developments here.

Some additional results we have achieved for our clients are listed below.

Confidential Settlements Reached in Pediatric Endocrinologist Sexual Abuse Case Against Rockefeller University Hospital
$8M Settlement Reached in Foss Home and Village Sex Abuse Lawsuit
$7.5M Settlement Reached in Coach Sexual Abuse Case Against Black Hills Football Club
$4.9M Settlement Reached in Toutle River Boys Ranch Sex Abuse Lawsuit
$4.2M Settlement Reached in Coach Sexual Abuse Case Against University Place School District
$1.4M Settlement Reached in Washington Department of Social and Health Services Foster Services Sex Abuse Lawsuit

Additional Resources

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1.800.656.HOPE (4673)

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): https://www.rainn.org/

State Law Database: https://www.rainn.org/public-policy-action