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Read Below: Doctor sexual abuse lawyer Michael Haggard discusses the legal options available to patients who have been sexually assaulted by doctors.
Officials with the Florida Department of Health have suspended the medical license of Dr. Thomas Arnold Lohstreter after a patient filed a sexual assault complaint against him.
The department issued an emergency order to suspend the license this week. A female patient reported that Lohstreter sexually assaulted her at South County Medical Center on South Indiana Avenue in Englewood.
Last week, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office announced that they are investigating four cases of alleged sexual misconduct involving Lohstreter.
In the case that led to his license suspension, Lohstreter is accused of inappropriately touching a 56-year-old female patient. The patient says that Lohstreter touched her left breast while touching his own private parts with his free hand during an appointment in December 2019. He then allegedly touched the victim's private parts under her pants.
According to the emergency order:
Dr. Lohstreter’s continued practice as a medical doctor constitutes an immediate, serious danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the citizens of the State of Florida, and this summary procedure is fair under the circumstances to adequately protect the public.
The order goes on to state that Lohstreter's actions were a "violation of the public trust and his egregious commission of sexual misconduct, there are no less-restrictive means other than the terms outlined in the order that will adequately protect the public."
Attorney Michael Haggard is a former sex crimes prosecutor who now represents sexual assault victims in civil lawsuits. Michael has represented several victims of doctor sexual assault in cases against these doctors and negligent medical facilities. Here are some of his thoughts on the legal rights of doctor sexual assault victims:
No one expects a doctor to violate their trust by committing a heinous sexual assault, but sadly, this happens more often than most people realize. There have been reports of doctors sexually assaulting patients in all 50 states. These predators must be held accountable for their egregious violations of patient trust and the trauma they have inflicted upon their victims.
For patients seeking justice, seeing a predatory doctor face criminal penalties can be an important part of this process. Additionally, doctors who sexually assault their patients can also be sued in civil lawsuits. These lawsuits can help provide financial support for the personal and financial difficulties victims face as a result of the sexual assault.
If you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted by a doctor, you can learn more about your legal rights by contacting our experienced sexual assault victims lawyers for a free consultation.
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