On November 8, a pulmonary therapist at Lancaster General Hospital was arrested and is facing five different charges from an alleged sexual assault that occurred in September. According to Lancaster Police, 30-year-old Shawn Moyer was arrested and charged with abuse of a care-dependent person, indecent assault, open lewdness, indecent exposure, and invasion of privacy.
Authorities say that on September 12, Moyer exposed his genitals and inappropriately touched a male patient at Lancaster General Hospital. He then fled the patient’s room after realizing that the patient was awake.
Moyer has been placed on administrative leave pending the conclusion of this investigation.
Attorney contributor Guy D'Andrea specializes in helping the survivors of sexual assault find answers, support, and justice. Here are some of his thoughts on the legal rights of those who have been sexually assaulted in healthcare facilities:
Sexual assault is always a traumatic experience for the victim, as these crimes often result in permanent emotional problems and other personal and financial setbacks, such as therapy costs and difficulty trusting others in the future. When an innocent person is sexually assaulted in a safe place like a hospital or other healthcare facility, it’s vital to make sure the survivor gets the support they need and that those responsible for the crime are held accountable.
The criminal justice system handles the prosecution of sexual predators, but survivors also have options in the civil court system. In addition to having a case for sexual assault lawsuit against their abuser, many survivors may also have the right to file a lawsuit against the facility where the assault occurred. This option is available in cases involving negligence, such as allowing an employee to continue working even after being accused of sexual misconduct.
If you or someone you love has been sexually abused at a healthcare facility, you can learn more about your legal options by speaking to one of our experienced sexual abuse survivor attorneys.