Chicago Doctor Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Helping Survivors in Chicago Seek Compensation in Civil Claims

Doctor sexual abuse refers to misconduct or unwanted sexual acts by medical professionals and doctors. If you have experienced misconduct from a medical professional in the Windy City, you could pursue justice with the help of a Chicago doctor sexual abuse lawyer. 

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand the sensitive nature of these cases. We can support your pursuit of compensation to hold the perpetrator accountable and secure your financial future after a traumatizing experience. 

Sexual Abuse Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

• $5 million – Two men in Chicago reached a $5,000,000 settlement after they were abused by a licensed therapist who had been allowed to continue practicing despite prior complaints. The case value was influenced by the repeated nature of the abuse and the long-term psychological harm they continue to endure.
• $3 million – A woman recovered $3,000,000 after being repeatedly assaulted by her OB/GYN during visits at a major hospital in the Loop. The hospital’s failure to act on earlier warning signs and the profound emotional trauma she experienced were central factors in the recovery.
• $2.33 million – Two women obtained a $2,333,000 settlement after they were sexually assaulted by a certified nursing assistant at a nursing facility on Chicago’s North Side. Their claims were strengthened by evidence of inadequate supervision and the significant impact the assaults had on their mental health and daily lives.

What Makes Us the Best Doctor Sexual Abuse Attorneys in Chicago

Sexual abuse victims need an experienced law firm on their side to recover compensation and seek justice successfully. Our Chicago sexual abuse law firm has maintained a five-star rating from AVVO, and our head attorney is a contributing author for the National Law Review. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Doctor Sexual Abuse in Chicago?

• Lack of oversight
• Ignoring past complaints
• Power imbalances
• Insufficient background checks
• Inadequate reporting
• Fear of retaliation

What Are the Most Common Consequences of Sexual Abuse?

Those who have suffered sex abuse may face intense emotional and physical consequences, such as:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal ideation
• Physical injuries and exposure to STDs
• Emotional trauma, such as fear, guilt, or isolation
• Loss of earning capacity due to sexual misconduct

What Damages Can Victims Recover in Illinois?

Economic Damages

• Lost wages
• Medical expenses
• Future medical costs
• Lost earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

• For cases of intentional sexual misconduct

What Is the Average Doctor Sexual Abuse Payout in Chicago?

The average settlement for sexual abuse cases involving doctors is $9.61 million, with a range from $260,000 to $28 million. Factors that will influence the outcome of your settlement include injury severity, emotional impact, and expert medical testimony. 

Why You Need a Chicago Sexual Abuse Attorney

Sexual abuse cases can be incredibly complex. Sometimes, the abuse occurs years before a victim chooses to seek justice. Additionally, evidence can be difficult to come by in civil lawsuits. Our legal team has vast experience helping sexually abused victims hold their abusers accountable, even if it is years after the incident occurred. 

How Common Is Doctor Sexual Abuse?

In one study, out of 101 cases of sexual violence in medicine, 85% occurred when a doctor examined a patient alone. Although 7% of physicians had reported violating sexual boundaries with patients, only 1.6% had been disciplined. Between 2003 and 2013, 974 actions involved state disciplinary action against physicians for sexual abuse. 

Where Do Doctor Sexual Abuse and Assault Incidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Although doctor sexual abuse can occur in almost any clinic in the city, some locations are dangerous than others:

• Nursing homes
• Family medical clinics
• One-on-one patient visits
• Emergency care centers
• Unsupervises in-home visits

What Laws Govern Civil and Criminal Cases of Doctor Sex Abuse in Chicago?

Doctor sexual abuse refers to a range of heinous crimes, from unwanted touching to attempted rape.

• 720 ILCS 5/11-1.20 – Criminal sex assault involves unwanted sexual penetration using force, threats, or a lack of understanding of consent.
• 720 ILCS 5/11-1.30 – Aggravated criminal sex assault typically involves a firearm, weapon, bodily harm, or a vulnerable victim. 
• 720 ILCS 5/11-1.50 – Criminal sexual abuse is an act of unwanted sexual contact through force or with a person unable to give consent.
• 720 ILCS 5/11-9.1 – Sexual exploitation of a child occurs when someone engages in sexual contact with a minor or coerces a minor into engaging in sexual activity.

How Long After the Abuse Happened Can I Take Legal Action in Criminal and Civil Court?

Adults who are victims of doctor sexual abuse in Illinois have two years to pursue financial compensation in a civil action (735 ILCS 5/13-202). For child survivors after 2014, there is no statute of limitations. If the abuse occurred before then, you have 20 years after your 18th birthday to seek a civil claim. 

Who Is Legally Liable for Doctor Sexual Abuse in Chicago?

Liability for sexual abuse or assault can fall on one or more parties, including:

• Physicians
• Nurses
• Negligent security personnel
• Hospital or nursing home administrators
• Hiring staff
• Maintenance workers

Common Defenses in Chicago Doctor Sexual Abuse Claims

Defendants in civil lawsuits involving sex abuse will use numerous arguments to counter your civil claim, including:

• Statute of limitations arguments – claiming the survivor waited too long to file, even though Illinois law has extended protections for childhood abuse.
• Consent arguments – claiming the victim consented to the sexual contact, which is often difficult to verify, although protections for patients have increased
• Denial and lack of evidence – asserting that no abuse occurred, or that there is insufficient proof other than the victim’s word
• Institutional ignorance – medical clinics will claim that they had no prior knowledge of the doctor’s behaviors, so the incident was unforeseeable

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can counter these arguments with additional evidence, such as witness statements, past patient complaints, surveillance footage, and photos of your injuries. 

How to Strengthen Your Doctor Sexual Abuse Case in Chicago

Filing civil lawsuits can be a complex process. You should follow the appropriate steps to ensure a strong claim for compensation:

• Report the incident to the authorities or a hotline
• Seek medical attention for physical injuries
• Document your injuries and emotional state
• Consult our experienced legal team for assistance with the entire legal process

How Our Chicago Sexual Assault Lawyers Can Help

• Investigating your claim
• Gathering evidence
• Assessing legal damages for financial compensation
• Negotiating with insurance companies and other entities
• Litigating your civil claim in a circuit court

FAQs

How much do lawyers for sexual abuse charge in Chicago?

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any fees unless we win your claim. Our payment is then deducted from the final settlement amount. 

Can I file a lawsuit even if the abuser was never criminally convicted?

Criminal charges and civil lawsuits are not connected. The burden of proof is higher for criminal charges (beyond a reasonable doubt), so they may be found innocent of wrongdoing in a court of law. However, there may still be enough evidence to prove that they more likely than not committed the abuse or assault. Even if the perpetrator never faces criminal charges, you can still pursue financial compensation through the civil legal process. 

Who can file a sexual abuse lawsuit in Chicago?

Any adult who has been sexually abused can pursue the legal process to hold the perpetrator accountable. If the victim is a minor, a legal representative can be appointed to file the claim on their behalf. 

Consult a Chicago Doctor Sexual Assault Attorney Near You

Sexual abuse or assault can be a traumatizing experience that has lifelong consequences for the victim. Whether you have suffered from lost wages because of your injuries or an inability to enjoy life due to the trauma, our firm can provide a compassionate approach through the entire legal process. 

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers offers a free consultation so you can ask questions about the claims process. Contact our Chicago personal injury law firm today at 888-424-5757 to schedule your free consultation. 

Specific Cases We Handle

• Emergency Room Negligence Lawyer
• Hospital Patient Fall Lawsuit
• IV Infiltration Lawsuit Lawyer
• Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations by State
• Medical Misdiagnosis Lawyer

Related Practice Areas

• Hospital Sex Abuse Lawyer
• Dr. Anderson, University of Michigan Sex Abuse Claims
• Dr. Barry Brock Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
• Dr. Fabio Ortega Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
• Dr. Tyler James Hurst Sexual Assault Lawsuit
• Dr. William Thompson Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
• Dr. Oumair Aejaz Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.