Edward Neurosciences Institute neurologist Dr. Henry Echiverri has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor battery. Echiverri is accused of sexually abusing a female patient during an examination in January 2018.
Court documents claim that Echiverri inappropriately touched a female patient underneath her underwear during an examination on January 17, 2018. After that appointment, documents allege that Echiverri hugged and kissed the victim on the cheek.
The Edward-Elmhurst Health system released a statement following the charges, saying that Echiverri will be permitted to continue seeing patients. Echiverri has been employed by Edward-Elmhurst Health for over 28 years. He also practiced at Central DuPage Hospital.
The victim reported Echiverri on July 23, 2018. He was charged with two counts of misdemeanor battery at the end of an investigation. An arrest warrant was issued on November 29 and he turned himself in that day.
Wondering what your options are and looking for a lawyer for sexual abuse by a doctor? Continue reading for lawyer commentary from Guy D'Andrea.
Attorney contributor Guy D'Andrea is a former prosecutor who now serves as a civil attorney, helping survivors of sexual violence find justice through lawsuits. We’ve asked him to share some insight on the legal options available to those who have been sexually assaulted by doctors and other healthcare professionals:
Most of us take it for granted that our doctors and medical professionals will treat us with respect when we see them. While most of these professionals are honorable and trustworthy people, there have also been reports of doctors sexually abusing their patients in all 50 states. These heinous crimes create long-term trauma for victims and damage the trust between the medical community and the public as a whole. The perpetrators must be brought to justice and the victims must be aware of their full legal rights.
The victims of doctor sexual abuse often have grounds for a lawsuit against the doctor and/or the facility where the abuse occurred. In order to have a strong case for a lawsuit, there must be evidence that negligence played a role in enabling the abuse to occur – such as failing to respond to previous complaints of sexual misconduct by a doctor or another employee. Even in cases where the facility was not negligent, sexual abuse often provides grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
Have you or a loved one been sexually assaulted by a doctor or another healthcare professional? Our experienced sexual abuse survivors attorneys want to help you find the justice and financial compensation you deserve. You can learn more about your legal rights by contacting us for a free consultation.