CONTINUE READING: Have you or someone you love been sexually assaulted in a medical facility and are now looking for a lawyer for sexual abuse by a doctor? Continue reading below for lawyer commentary from Aaron Blank for more information.
Police in Baltimore County arrested and charged Dr. Alberto Yataco with sexual assault for two separate incidents – one involving a juvenile patient and another involving an adult female patient. In December 2017, the Towson-based doctor was charged with second-degree rape, sexual abuse of a minor, third-degree sex offense, two counts of fourth-degree sex offenses and two counts of second-degree assault.
The alleged assaults occurred at a clinic owned and operated by Yataco, Get Well Immediate Care on the 7800 block of York Road.
The first victim was a 16-year-old girl who told police that Yataco inappropriately touched her during a routine medical appointment.
The second victim was a 28-year-old woman who claimed that Yataco also touched her inappropriately in a way that was not related to her medical symptoms.
The Baltimore County police have said that other women have come forward claiming to have been sexually assaulted at the same clinic.
Aaron Blank is a crime victim attorney who specializes in helping the victims of sexual violence. We’ve asked him to contribute some information on the legal options available to victims of sexual assault and abuse by medical professionals:
A strong doctor-patient relationship is built on trust. Medical professionals see us at our most vulnerable, so it’s crucial to know that the professionals treating us are trustworthy. Unfortunately, some medical professionals are sexual predators who abuse this trust in order to sexually assault their patients.
When a doctor or another medical professional sexually assaults one of their patients, it’s important for the victim to be aware of their legal rights. In addition to facing criminal penalties, doctors who commit sexual assault (and in some cases, their employers) may be held liable for damages if the victim decides to file a lawsuit.
In order to have grounds for a lawsuit against a medical professional’s employer (such as a clinic or hospital), your lawyer will need to establish negligence. This is a complicated process that will require a careful overview of your case, so we advise discussing your legal options with an experienced sexual assault lawyer.