Legal Analysis By Attorneys
Breaking Legal News
Updated: 7/13/2020
Click here for our previous coverage on Dr. Jonathon Cavins charged with sexually abusing patients.
A Boone County pediatrician accused of sexually abusing five child patients was found guilty on all counts last Thursday, February 13. 42-year-old Jonathon Cavins has been convicted on two counts of child molestation, two counts of child seduction, and one count of sexual misconduct with a minor – all felonies.
The allegations against Cavins first came to light approximately a year ago. The parents of a 12-year-old boy contacted the police to report that Cavins had sexually abused their son during a medical examination. Eventually, the parents of four more patients came forward to report that Cavins had also molested their children. This led to additional charges.
The verdict was decided on the fourth day of the trial. Cavins has not yet been sentenced.
The first victim’s family also filed a civil lawsuit against Cavins, alleging that the abuse caused physical trauma and severe emotional distress.
Attorney contributor Jeff Gibson of the law firm Wagner Reese represents sex abuse victims and their families in civil lawsuits. We’ve asked Jeff to share some of his knowledge on the legal rights of pediatrician sex abuse victims and their parents:
Doctors are highly trusted professionals in their communities. In fact, most parents tell their children that they can always trust their doctors to have their best interests at heart. While most doctors are trustworthy people worthy of respect, there have also been widespread reports of doctors, including pediatricians, sexually abusing their patients.
Predatory doctors must be held accountable for their crimes in the criminal justice system. However, criminal courts often fail to directly address the needs of victims and their families. Fortunately, these victims and families often have grounds for further legal action in the form of a civil lawsuit.
Doctors can be sued by victims and their families for violating their trust and causing unspeakable physical and emotional trauma. Additionally, there are some cases in which medical facilities can also be held liable for doctor sexual abuse if negligence by the facility allowed the abuse to happen.
If you or your child has been sexually abused by a doctor, you can learn more about your legal rights in a free consultation with one of our experienced sex abuse victims lawyers.
https://www.wthr.com/article/lebanon-pediatrician-convicted-molesting-young-male-patients
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