Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
A suburban Frankfort pediatrician who was recently charged with sexually abusing women in his medical office is now facing a number of civil lawsuits related to the allegations. A lawsuit recently filed in Will County alleges that the physician groped a young mother who brought her small child to his office for a medical examination. At least two other women have reportedly filed similar cases, and prosecutors allege the doctor may have sexually assaulted at least 10 women ranging in age from 22 to 30.
In February, the pediatrician’s license to practice medicine was suspended by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation. In early March, an administrative law judge ordered the suspension to last indefinitely after the doctor allegedly refused to testify at a hearing on the matter that was held in Chicago. The physician purportedly parted ways with the clinic he was practicing at prior to the hearing. In 2002, the pediatrician was apparently acquitted on similar charges after a Joliet mother accused him of sexually assaulting her.
In addition to criminal charges, the perpetrator of sexual abuse may also be sued in a civil case like those filed in this situation. The victim of sexual assault may be entitled to recover compensation from his or her abuser, as well as other entities, such as a school, hospital, church, or nursing home if the abuse occurred on the business or organization’s premises and inadequate safety measures somehow led to the assault.
Tragically, the victims of sexual assault in Illinois and elsewhere are purportedly three times more likely to suffer from depression than the average American. Additionally, victims are reportedly four times more likely to consider suicide, 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol, and 26 times more likely to develop a drug addiction. In Illinois and throughout the country, an estimated 15 percent of sexual abuse victims are children under the age of 12, and 44 percent are minors who are under the age of 18. About 93 percent of sexually abused children knew their attacker before they were assaulted. In many cases, sexual assault results in lifelong emotional and psychological harm. If you or your child was sexually assaulted, you are advised to contact a skilled personal injury attorney to discuss your rights.
If you were the victim of sexual abuse, do not hesitate to call Abels & Annes, P.C. at (312) 924-7575. At Abels & Annes, P.C., our caring Chicago sexual abuse and assault lawyers are available 24 hours per day, every day of the week, to help you file your personal injury case. To speak with a thorough personal injury attorney today, contact Abels & Annes, P.C. through the law firm’s website.
Note: Abels & Annes, P.C. does not represent the victims in the above mentioned cases.
More Blogs:
Drivers More Likely to be Distracted by Cell Phones in Chicago and Throughout U.S., Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, March 24, 2013
Self-Driving Cars May Reduce Negligent Auto Accidents in Illinois and Nationwide, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, March 21, 2013
Additional Resources:
Embattled Frankfort Doctor Facing Yet Another Sex Lawsuit, by Joseph Hosey, FrankfortPatch
Frankfort Doc Accused of Groping Women Faces New Lawsuit, by Joseph Hosey, FrankfortPatch