When you go to the doctor, you expect to be treated with professionalism, dignity, and respect. Unfortunately, some medical professionals abuse their position of power and engage in sexual misconduct with their patients. If you have been the victim of sexual misconduct by a medical professional in Tennessee, you may be wondering if you have any legal recourse.
What Is Sexual Misconduct?
Sexual misconduct is defined as any sexual contact or interaction between a medical professional and a patient that is not consensual. This can include anything from unwanted touching to rape. Sexual misconduct is never acceptable under any circumstances.
If you have been the victim of sexual misconduct, it is important to understand that you are not alone. Unfortunately, this type of thing happens more often than many people realize. A study conducted by the National Women’s Law Center found that nearly 1 in 10 patients has experienced sexual misconduct by a medical professional.
Can I sue for sexual misconduct?
Yes. If you have been the victim of sexual misconduct by a medical professional in Tennessee, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the perpetrator. To succeed in a medical malpractice case, you will need to prove that the medical professional’s actions amounted to negligence. This means that you will need to show that the medical professional knew or should have known that their actions were wrong but engaged in them anyway.
It is important to note that not all instances of sexual misconduct will result in a successful medical malpractice lawsuit. For example, if the sexual contact was consensual, then you will not be able to sue for damages. However, if you can prove that the sexual contact was non-consensual or that you were coerced into consenting, then you may have a valid claim.
You should also be aware that there is a statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in Tennessee. This means that you will only have a certain amount of time after the incident occurred to take legal action. For this reason, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible if you have been the victim of sexual misconduct so that they can help preserve your legal rights.
No one should ever have to experience sexual misconduct at the hands of a medical professional. If you have been the victim of this type of abuse, it is important to understand that you have legal options available to you. An experienced attorney can help investigate your claim and protect your rights under the law.