Fort Lauderdale Hospital Sexual Assault Attorney
When you are in the hospital or another medical facility to receive care, you should not have to fear that you will become the victim of sexual assault. Yet sexual assaults do occur in medical facilities, and one or more parties aside from the perpetrator may be liable. At Boone & Davis, we know how important it is to hold the perpetrator accountable for the grievous violation and harm committed, and we also know how critical it can be to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and any other parties who may be responsible for the act. While you might not realize it immediately after the assault, or while you are involved in a criminal prosecution against the assaulter, other parties such as a healthcare provider or another patient may be liable for the sexual assault that resulted in your injuries.
If you were sexually assaulted in a medical setting, it is time to seek advice from a compassionate Fort Lauderdale hospital sexual assault attorney who can help you to file a civil lawsuit against any liable parties.
Understanding Sexual Assaults in South Florida Hospitals
Sexual assault happens with more frequency in medical facilities than you might think. These violent acts can be perpetrated by health care providers, other patients, staff, or even hospital visitors. In the medical setting with a healthcare provider, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), patients should expect to be treated with dignity and respect, and they should have certain expectations at a medical appointment. According to RAINN, when a patient has any kinds of pelvic, vaginal, breast, rectal, or teste exam, the patient should know that it is not appropriate for a healthcare provider to do any of the following:
- Fail to respond to questions you ask about the exam;
- Touch you without gloves;
- Refuse to explain what they are doing;
- Refuse to have another person in the room with you;
- Require that you undress parts of your body that are not part of the exam; or
- Ask questions about sexual activity or make sexual comments during the exam that make you uncomfortable.
When a patient is hospitalized, other parties can also perpetrated sexual assault outside a medical exam.
Who is At Fault for a Fort Lauderdale Hospital Sexual Assault?
Any of the following parties may be liable for sexual assault in a hospital:
- Healthcare provider;
- Another patient;
- Visitor to the hospital; or
- Hospital or facility where the assault occurred.
Contact an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Hospital Sexual Assault Attorney Today
When you have been sexually assaulted in a hospital or another medical facility, it is critical to seek advice from a lawyer as soon as possible. Most hospital sexual assault civil lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the criminal act, but you should speak with one of our Fort Lauderdale hospital sexual assault lawyers as soon as possible to begin working on your claim so that you can obtain both compensation and closure. Our firm can help you to seek financial compensation and to hold the party who is responsible accountable for the injuries they have caused. Contact Boone & Davis to learn more about how our sexual assault lawyers can assist you.