According to Trib Live, police arrested the owner of the Foot and Ankle Wellness Center of Western Pennsylvania located at 313 Ford St #2B, Ford City, PA 16226.
On Friday, January 28, 2022, 48-year-old Matthew J. Sabo was arrested after being accused by two patients of sexual assault. The victims allege that the podiatrist inappropriately touched them during routine checkups at his Ford City office.
Sabo opened the Foot and Ankle Wellness Center of Western Pennsylvania in 2007. He was first licensed to practice podiatry in 2000 and just renewed his license in 2020. He has been charged with two felony counts of engaging in sexual conduct and two misdemeanor charges of indecent assault without consent.
Attorney contributor Guy D'Andrea represents victims of sexual assault in civil lawsuits against negligent doctors, hospitals, and medical facilities. Brian recently discussed some legal options available to these victims, including when they can sue for being sexually assaulted by a podiatrist.
"Patients put their trust and respect in doctors and specialists, like podiatrists. In return, patients expect to be treated with respect as they take care of their health. Sadly, not all specialists are trustworthy. It is unfortunate, but there have been numerous reports of doctors sexually assaulting patients across the country. Doctor offices and medical boards are responsible for upholding a duty of care for the wellbeing of patients. Background checks should be performed on all active doctors and specialists. Also, the risk of abuse can be reduced by following the process of having a nurse in the room during exams. Victims of doctor sexual assault have legal options that include filing criminal charges as well as filing sexual assault civil lawsuits."
"When a doctor's office or medical board fails to implement a proper procedure to ensure the safety of all patients, they can be deemed negligent. If they were aware of a doctor or specialist abusing their position or having previous reports of misconduct but did not investigate, they could be held liable. Victims of doctor sexual assault should speak to an experienced sexual assault victim attorney to review their legal options. The attorney can help the victim put together a case based on negligence and increase their chances of recovering compensation."