As per Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Rankings, Philadelphia ranks last (67th position) in the socioeconomic factors, including health. Medical experts argue that a sexual assault by a doctor not only obscures the doctor’s objective concerning the patient’s health care but also becomes detrimental to the patient’s well-being.
Therefore, sexual contact between physicians and patients is unethical and illegal in most states in the US. The clinical guidelines state that the physician should not exploit the patient’s vulnerability in any way. However, if you have experienced sexual assault by your doctor, you need to consult a Philadelphia medical malpractice attorney to decide the course of further action.
Here is some crucial information on the impact of sexual assault and what can you do legally.
Sexual Assault Affects Mind And Body
A large number of medical malpractices go unnoticed. As per recent data, 225,000 people lose their lives each year due to different kinds of medical malpractices. Sexual assault can have detrimental effects on your physical health. Many people who have suffered sexual assault from the doctor or any other person go into denial mode, which has its own set of complications for physical health.
Causes of Trauma
A sexual assault by the person you trust, like a doctor, is a trauma for many, and the person’s body gets overwhelmed after such incidents. Patients are unable to deal with the situation and their memories. Many patients who experience sexual assault lose the confidence to express themselves. They cannot say “they are traumatized” or “depressed.” The patient who has experienced a sexual assault from his doctor may experience various symptoms like blood sugar and blood pressure problems, headaches, muscle aches, and other chronic health problems. Experts claim that it could also lead to heart issues in the long term.
What Can You Do About It?
In 1991, the American Medical Association declared that physical abuse by a doctor’s patient is unethical and unacceptable. The prohibition of such acts has been included in the Hippocratic Oath that a doctor takes before offering health care services.
As per recent statistics, though medical malpractices are in the millions, around 85000 medical malpractice suits are filed every year. The highest number of medical malpractice cases is filed against Gynecologists and Obstetricians. If you are a victim of sexual abuse or any other medical malpractice, you can sue the doctor for that assault. After consulting a Philadelphia medical malpractice attorney, you can take legal action against the doctor.
The medical malpractice lawsuit guidelines differ with each state. As per Pennsylvania laws, you have two-time limits to file a medical malpractice suit against the doctor. The first date begins when the sexual assault or medical practice occurs.
If the victim dies after a sexual assault, the second date limit begins at the date on which the patient died. Whether the medical malpractice victim survived or not determines which type of lawsuit can be filed against the doctor.
Thus, to ensure that you get justice and compensation for the physical injuries and mental trauma, you need to contact a medical malpractice lawyer at the earliest and discuss the details of the incident to take the correct legal action.
