Houston, Texas - Former Nurse Technician Ernesto Pedraza Sentenced to Prison for Sexually Assaulting Patients

Former Houston Nurse's Aide Ernesto Pedraza Sentenced to 15 Years for Abusing Patients

A former nurse's aide who worked at both Kingwood Medical Center and Ben Taub Hospital has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting incapacitated patients at these hospitals. This prison sentence follows a jury conviction on one felony charge of sexual assault.

According to the authorities, Pedraza sexually assaulted multiple male patients in 2015 and 2016 at both Kingwood and Ben Taub. The patients were reportedly drifting in and out of consciousness during medical procedures at the time of the assaults.

According to prosecutors, the victims recalled Pedraza sexually abusing them without their consent.

Pedraza was fired from both hospitals after they received complaints and began investigating these complaints.

Legal Options for Victims of Hospital Sexual Assault

Attorney contributor Anjali Nigam represents sexual assault victims in civil lawsuits. Anjali has some information to share on the legal rights of those who have been sexually assaulted by hospital staff members:

We all expect to be safe while in hospitals and medical facilities, as the individuals who work in these facilities are trusted to care for patients and treat them with respect. But sadly, sexual assault by hospital employees is a common problem affecting patients throughout the country. When a patient is sexually assaulted by a hospital staff member, it's important to determine if the assault could have been prevented if not for negligence by the hospital.

Some hospital sexual assault cases only happen because of negligence, such as the hospital failing to investigate or report previous allegations of sexual assault involving an employee. In these cases of negligence, hospital sexual assault victims may have grounds for a lawsuit against the facility.

If you or a loved one is a victim of sexual assault by a hospital employee, our attorneys are prepared to help you find answers and support. You can learn more about your legal rights by contacting our experienced sexual assault victims lawyers in a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/DA-Hospital-technician-sentenced-to-15-years-14382612.php

https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2019/08/27/texas-nurses-aide-sentenced-prison-sexually-assaulting-incapacitated-patients/