Chicago Doctor Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Nearly $1 Billion Recovered For Survivors | Free Case Evaluation | 100% Confidential
Sexual abuse by doctors and other healthcare professionals is a criminal and civil offense, and often results in the healthcare professional being suspended and/or having their medical license revoked. Doctor sexual abuse and misconduct may include inappropriate touching during medical examinations, performing unnecessary or overly invasive procedures without medical justification, and making sexual comments or advances toward patients, among other acts. At Kayla’s Survivors, we have helped survivors recover over $1 billion in compensation and can help you better understand your legal options.
If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse in Chicago or surrounding areas as a result of a doctor or negligence of a healthcare organization, you may be eligible to recover compensation. When you’re ready to take the next step, call (312) 248-4800 or request a free case evaluation online to get started with your case. All communications are 100% confidential.
Together, We Can Hold Abusers Accountable…
Why Choose Kayla’s Survivors of Chicago
- Women-led and trauma-informed legal team
- Over $1 billion recovered for sexual abuse survivors
- No upfront costs or legal fees to better understand your legal options
- We can help you remain anonymous throughout your case if you choose
- Our legal team has an extensive background covering extending to both criminal and civil law, along with nationally recognized attorneys
What Qualifies as Doctor Sexual Abuse, Assault, and Misconduct
Doctor sexual abuse refers to any sexual behavior, contact, or exploitation by a physician or healthcare professional toward a patient that violates professional boundaries and occurs without legitimate medical purpose or informed consent. Because doctors hold a position of authority and trust, any sexualized conduct toward a patient can constitute abuse or misconduct under both medical regulations, along with civil and criminal laws.
In many cases, this misconduct occurs during medical examinations, procedures, or appointments where patients are vulnerable and rely on the doctor’s professional judgment.
While laws vary by state, the following conduct commonly qualifies as abuse, sexual assault, or professional misconduct:
- Inappropriate Touching During Medical Exams: Patients may experience sexual abuse when a doctor touches intimate body parts without a legitimate medical reason, performs examinations unrelated to the patient’s symptoms, or continues touching after a patient objects.
- Unnecessary or Improper Medical Procedures: Some cases involve doctors performing medically unnecessary pelvic, breast, genital, or rectal exams, or conducting procedures in a sexualized manner that has no legitimate diagnostic purpose.
- Sexual Comments, Advances, or Harassment: Doctors may engage in misconduct by making sexual remarks, asking intrusive sexual questions unrelated to treatment, or attempting to initiate sexual relationships with patients.
- Exploiting Sedated or Unconscious Patients: One of the most severe forms of abuse involves sexual contact or assault while a patient is sedated, anesthetized, or otherwise unable to consent.
- Photographing or Recording Patients Inappropriately: Taking sexualized photos or videos of patients, particularly of intimate areas, without medical necessity or consent can constitute abuse and privacy violations.
- Failure to Use Appropriate Medical Safeguards: Misconduct may also occur when a doctor intentionally avoids safeguards designed to protect patients, such as failing to provide a chaperone during sensitive examinations.
Talk in Confidence. We’ll listen…
Holding Doctors & Healthcare Organization Accountable for Sexual Abuse
Doctor sexual abuse cases in Chicago may involve liability for multiple healthcare professionals or staff members, including:
- Chiropractors
- Dentists and oral surgeons
- Medical technicians
- Physician assistants
- Primary care physicians
- Registered nurses
- Medical specialists
- Surgeons
- Therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists
Sexual abuse in healthcare settings may occur in hospitals, private clinics, urgent care centers, dental offices, rehabilitation facilities, or mental health practices throughout Chicago and the surrounding Cook County area. In many cases, the healthcare facility itself may also be legally responsible. Hospitals, surgical centers, clinics, or medical practices can be held liable if they failed to properly supervise staff or ignored warning signs of misconduct.
For example, a healthcare organization may be held responsible if any of the following are true:
- Ignored prior complaints about a doctor or staff member
- Failed to conduct proper background checks before hiring
- Failed to supervise employees during patient care
- Allowed a provider with known misconduct allegations to continue treating patients
Under Illinois law, institutions may face vicarious liability for the actions of their employees or direct liability for their own negligence in allowing abuse to occur.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I report doctor sexual abuse in Chicago?
Doctor sexual abuse can be reported to local law enforcement, such as the Chicago Police Department, if the conduct may constitute a crime. Survivors may also file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which investigates physician misconduct and can discipline or revoke a doctor’s license.
Additionally, reporting the abuse to the hospital or clinic where the incident occurred will trigger an internal investigation.
What compensation can be recovered if I pursue a civil claim?
Survivors of doctor sexual abuse in Chicago may be able to recover compensation for therapy and medical expenses, lost income, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. In some cases, courts may also award damages related to long-term psychological harm or the loss of quality of life caused by the abuse.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In Illinois, survivors of sexual abuse generally have 20 years from the date of the abuse or 20 years from discovering the injury caused by the abuse to file a civil lawsuit. Because certain circumstances (such as cases involving minors or institutional liability) can affect the deadlines known as the Illinois statute of limitations, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Can I remain anonymous?
Yes, in many cases survivors may be able to file a lawsuit using a pseudonym such as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe.” Courts often allow this to protect the survivor’s identity and privacy while the case proceeds.