Many people have taken physical therapy at some point in their lives for an injury, or as part of the recovery from a surgical procedure. During these sessions, you work in close proximity to a physical therapist, and the treatments inevitably include some form of touching. However, there is a professional code of conduct that limits physical contact to what is medically necessary to help the patient.
Unfortunately, there are medical providers with criminal intent, including sexual assault of one of more patients. Innocent victims may be subjected to unwelcome touching, like groping in private areas, along with rape and attempted rape. If you were a victim of sexual assault during a physical therapy session in Las Vegas, it’s essential to explore your rights and legal options.
Normandie Law Firm is committed to helping residents and visitors to Las Vegas that were subjected to sexual touching, molestation, and other forms of sexual misconduct by a physical therapist. Don’t hesitate to give us a call and talk to a lawyer who can help you sue for sexual abuse.
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Legal Definition of Sexual Assault
The question of what is sexual assault can have different answers, depending on who you ask. Under Nevada law, sexual assault is defined as sexual penetration that is forced on someone, whether it be through violence or coercion. If the victim is unable to give consent under the law (a minor, for example), that also counts as sexual assault.
According to these parameters, vaginal rape and sodomy are acts that fall under the category of sexual assault. However, acts like sexual touching without the victim’s consent still count as crimes, but less severe than sexual assault. These incidents are classified as open and gross lewdness in Nevada.
Any one of these incidents can cause severe emotional trauma, which is often worse than the physical injuries that are inflicted by the perpetrator. Victims are left to struggle with various types of harm to the body and mind, such as:
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Injuries to the genitals and other parts of the body
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Sexually transmitted diseases
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Unwanted pregnancy
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Depression
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Mental health disorders, like PTSD, depression, suicidal thoughts, drug and alcohol abuse.
If you or someone in your family was sexually assaulted by a physical therapist in Las Vegas, you have the right to file a lawsuit for monetary damages, which we can assist you with here at Normandie Law Firm.
A Physical Therapist’s Duty of Care
As with any healthcare provider, physical therapists and the facilities they work for have a duty of care to the patients they serve. This is based on board regulations that require professionals in physical therapy to treat patients with compassion, diligence, and other qualities that are the hallmarks of caring for a patient.
Those who own and operate physical therapy centers, clinics, hospitals, etc., must ensure that they hire safe and caring therapists who will not compromise the patient’s physical and emotional health. That’s why there are strict protocols regarding hiring practices, training, and supervision of physical therapists. If a therapist fails in their duty of care to a patient, the facility must take immediate action to investigate the incident and take punitive measures, like termination of employment.
This is a general overview of the treatment that patients can expect from a physical therapy center. Frankly, many lapses in judgment, security, safety regulations, etc. can lead to an incident of sexual assault. Based on the circumstances, you may have the option to sue the physical therapist, the medical facility, or both.
Compensation for Patients Who are Sexually Assaulted
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to whether you should file a claim for sexual assault. If you choose to sue the liable entities, you can receive compensation towards your financial losses and the trauma that resulted from the abuse. Of course, money cannot make up for what you endured, but a lawsuit isn’t just about compensation for the victim. It’s about sending a message and holding people accountable when they choose to take advantage of physical therapy patients and other vulnerable individuals.
Sexual abuse victims at medical centers in Las Vegas may be entitled to monetary damages, such as:
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Medical expenses, including therapy to deal with PTSD and other mental health issues
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Lost wages and other income due to your physical and emotional recovery needs
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Loss of consortium
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Punitive damages
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Legal fees
The damages you are eligible to receive are based on the details of the incident and the harm that was inflicted on you. What is the impact of the assault on your professional and personal life? Has the incident affected your ability to work and/or engage in activities you enjoyed prior to the assault? What kind of mental health disorders have you been diagnosed as a direct result of sexual assault by a physical therapist?
These are just some of the questions that play a role in how much you can receive from a lawsuit, and the payments you are owed by the defendant.
Help from a Sexual Assault Attorney
Those who are sexually violated during a medical appointment have the right to seek justice through the criminal and civil court systems. Filing a lawsuit is a personal decision for each and every victim, but it’s important to make an informed decision when it comes to your legal rights. That’s why we urge you to contact us and speak to a lawyer that specializes in sexual assault cases.
Our law firm operates under the concept of free legal representation for all those who were affected by sexual abuse. That’s why we ask for no payment upfront, nor do we charge you any legal fees throughout the entire duration of your case. Instead, it’s the guilty party that pays us for the cost of representing you, which only happens if you receive compensation from a sexual assault claim. This is all part of the Zero Fee Guarantee, which is offered to you from the moment you contact us.
To schedule a free consultation with a Las Vegas sexual assault attorney, contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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