Legal Analysis By Attorneys
Breaking Legal News
According to the New York Post, a misconduct charge may be filed against a former ER doctor at the Mount Sinai Health System located at 555 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019.
Former Manhattan ER doctor Michael Hilton was 33 years old when he was arrested in December of 2017. He was accused of engaging in oral sex with a 16-year-old boy. Hilton pleaded guilty to the charges in 2019 that included engaging in a criminal sexual act and endangering the welfare of a child. He worked as an attending physician and associate medical director for EMS and disaster preparedness during the time of the abuse.
By March 25, 2021, Hilton had completed the terms of his agreement that included entering sex offender therapy, and the charges were dismissed. It wasn't until January 19, 2022, that the state Department of Health's Office for Professional Medical Conduct issued a misconduct charge against the doctor. These charges, if filed, could revoke the doctor's medical license. The state has refused to comment on why the action took so long.
Hilton was relieved of his position with Mount Sinai in 2016. He has listed his current employment as a medical director with Sollis Health, located at 170 E 77th St, New York, NY 10075. However, the concierge care service has not replied to the New York Post's request for comment.
Attorney contributor Laurence Banville is an experienced sexual abuse lawyer. He represents victims and their families in sexual abuse civil lawsuits in the state of New York. Recently he shared some information regarding the legal rights of victims sexually assaulted by a doctor, including when they can file a civil lawsuit.
"When people are seen by emergency medical professionals, they are expected to have their health and wellbeing taken seriously. Doctors and nurses have a legal obligation to provide care and respect to their patients. However, several third parties also regulate the safety of the patients. This could include medical facilities, which have a legal responsibility to ensure their staff is free from misconduct and abusive members. The state medical boards also must ensure they offer medical licenses to those without prior reports of misconduct. When the safety of the patients is compromised, it is necessary to identify who could be held liable for the neglect."
"Victims of abuse at the hand of a medical professional, including an ER doctor, should discuss the facts of their potential case with an experienced sexual abuse lawyer. Their lawyer will help to identify if negligence was a factor and if any third parties could be held liable. The medical facility would be responsible for following a safety protocol that may include background checks. When a perpetrator is allowed to continue to practice despite reports of misconduct, victims may have grounds to file a lawsuit."
info@legalherald.com