Sexual Abuse by Doctors, Therapists & Medical Professionals in New York

Legal Advocacy for Patients and Survivors

When we go to a doctor, therapist, or medical provider, we place our trust in their professional duty to heal, respect boundaries, and protect confidentiality. But when that trust is betrayed—when a medical professional engages in sexual misconduct or abuse—the consequences can be deeply traumatic, both physically and emotionally.

At Konta, Georges & Buza, P.C., we stand with patients and survivors in New York City, Long Island, and throughout New York State who have experienced sexual abuse or inappropriate conduct by medical professionals. Our firm brings the legal knowledge, courtroom experience, and sensitivity required to pursue justice against those in positions of medical authority.

What Constitutes Sexual Abuse by Medical Professionals?

Sexual misconduct in medical or therapeutic settings goes beyond simple malpractice or negligence—it involves non-consensual or exploitative sexual contact or behavior initiated by the provider. This can include:

• Unwanted touching, sexual assault, or penetration during examination or treatment
• Coercion, manipulation, or threats to obtain sexual favors
• Sexual comments, advances, or flirtatious behavior in clinical settings
• Viewing or recording sexual images, videos, or body parts without consent
• Exploiting the therapeutic relationship to pursue sexual contact
• Grooming behaviors: boundary crossings, personal disclosures, dual relationships, private communication outside of therapy

Because the medical provider holds authority—knowledge, control over diagnosis, access to the body, and the pretext of care—the power imbalance makes such abuse particularly pernicious.

Why These Cases Are Especially Complex

1. Medical & Expert Evidence — Expert testimony from medical ethicists or forensic professionals may be needed to show standard of care violations.
2. Confidentiality Barriers — Medical confidentiality can complicate evidence collection; we navigate HIPAA laws while protecting privacy.
3. Institutional Liability — Hospitals or clinics may be liable for negligent hiring, training, or failure to enforce conduct codes.
4. Criminal vs. Civil Overlap — Where abuse is criminal, we coordinate with prosecutors while safeguarding civil claims.
5. Statute of Limitations & Timing — Filing windows vary depending on discovery and state regulations; acting quickly matters.

Legal Rights & Claims in New York

Civil Claims

Victims may pursue civil claims for:

• Assault, battery, and emotional distress
• Negligence in supervision or credentialing
• Breach of fiduciary duty in doctor-patient relationships
• Medical malpractice intertwined with sexual misconduct
• Violation of civil sexual assault statutes

Under the Child Victims Act (CVA), survivors abused as minors may file until age 55. Adult victims’ claims depend on New York’s statutes of limitation and discovery rules.

Criminal Remedies

Sexual abuse, rape, or assault by a medical professional may also be prosecuted criminally. A criminal case does not preclude civil recovery; we coordinate both avenues when appropriate.

Administrative Actions & Licensing Boards

Victims may also file complaints with licensing or ethics boards to suspend or revoke licenses and prevent future abuse.

Holding Individuals & Institutions Accountable

Individual Liability

The abuser (doctor, therapist, nurse, technician) can be sued for misconduct, assault, and ethical violations.

Institutional Liability

Employers or institutions may be liable for:

• Negligent hiring, supervision, or retention
• Negligent credentialing
• Failure to enforce patient safety protocols
• Ignoring or concealing complaints

We pursue both individual and institutional accountability to ensure meaningful justice.

How We Build a Robust Case

1. Confidential Consultation & Strategy Review — We begin with a confidential, survivor-led conversation.
2. Evidence Preservation — We secure medical records, incident reports, and communications before they’re lost.
3. Expert Collaboration — We partner with forensic experts, psychologists, and medical specialists.
4. Institutional Discovery — We obtain personnel files, policies, and complaint histories.
5. Pursuing Civil & Criminal Remedies — We balance both processes to protect survivor rights.
6. Negotiation & Trial Advocacy — We prepare for trial to maximize leverage and recovery.

Types of Compensation & Remedies

Victims may recover compensation for:

• Therapy and mental health treatment costs
• Pain and suffering, emotional trauma
• Lost income or career impact
• Punitive damages in egregious cases
• Attorney’s fees and costs

Compensation provides validation, resources for recovery, and institutional accountability.

Warning Signs You May Have Been Abused

Potential red flags include:

• Unnecessary touching or exposure
• Requests for personal contact or favors
• Sexualized comments or behavior during exams
• Therapist crossing emotional or professional boundaries
• Pressure not to disclose interactions
• Feeling confused, ashamed, or fearful after treatment

If you recognize any of these patterns, you deserve to be heard and protected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Childhood abuse claims can be filed until age 55 under the CVA; adult claims depend on discovery and statute of limitations rules.

Q: Must I go public?
No. Many cases are resolved confidentially. Courts can also protect your identity.

Q: Can I sue even if the abuser is deceased or retired?
Yes. Claims can proceed against institutions or their insurers.

Q: Will I face the abuser in court?
Possibly, but many protective options exist to limit direct interaction.

Q: Can I file complaints with medical boards?
Yes, and we can assist with that process alongside civil action.

Why Survivors Choose Konta, Georges & Buza, P.C.

• Experienced Trial Lawyers: Adam B. Konta, Robert W. Georges, and John P. Buza bring extensive litigation and prosecutorial experience.
• Compassionate, Survivor-Focused Representation: We protect your dignity and safety.
• Institutional Accountability: We challenge both individuals and medical institutions.
• Local Expertise: Deep familiarity with New York’s legal, hospital, and licensing systems.

We believe in restoring trust through justice and holding medical professionals accountable when they exploit patients.

Contact a New York Medical Sexual Abuse Attorney Today

If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse or misconduct by a doctor, therapist, or healthcare provider, you have rights.

Call (212) 710-5166 or contact Konta, Georges & Buza, P.C. online for a free, confidential consultation.

We represent clients across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, and throughout New York State.

You are not alone. Let us help you reclaim control, dignity, and justice.