Detroit Doctor Sexual Abuse Lawyers

If You Were Violated by a Medical Provider, You May Be Able to File a Lawsuit

When you go to the doctor’s office, you expect care that respects your dignity and privacy. You do not expect to be sexually abused or sexually harassed. If that happened to you, it is not your fault, and you may have the right to take legal action.

At Sommers Schwartz, we help patients across Michigan and nationally who were sexually abused by medical professionals. Whether it happened during an exam, a therapy session, or any health-related visit, our attorneys will listen to your story, believe you, and determine whether you may have a civil claim that you can pursue.

Understanding What Counts as Sexual Abuse in Healthcare

Many patients wonder whether what happened to them counts as abuse. Sometimes it begins with inappropriate comments. Other times, it involves physical touching that is explained as “routine” but feels wrong. You may feel confused, embarrassed, or unsure about what occurred. These are all very common reactions. We have handled hundreds of cases of patients abused by their doctors and we can help you figure out whether what happened to you was normal or was sexual abuse or harassment.  

Common Forms of Sexual Abuse by Doctors

Sexual abuse by a healthcare provider often appears subtle at first. It may begin with inappropriate behavior that feels confusing, uncomfortable, or wrong during what should be a routine medical visit. Some forms include:

• Performing unnecessary or prolonged genital or breast exams;
• Touching intimate areas without gloves;
• Conducting exams without a chaperone present;
• Making sexual jokes, comments, or personal questions that don’t seem relevant to the reason for your visit;
• Asking you to undress without a reason or without privacy; 
• Initiating personal contact outside of medical appointments.

These actions violate professional boundaries and can form the basis of a civil claim. Even if your healthcare provider claimed the behavior was expected or part of “normal” treatment, you are still allowed to ask questions and seek justice.

Real Life Examples of Sexual Abuse by Medical Professionals

Survivors of abuse in healthcare settings often describe similar patterns of misconduct. While each case is personal, certain behaviors raise serious legal concerns. The following examples are based on real reports and lawsuits and are meant to illustrate the kinds of misconduct patients have experienced.

OB-GYN Performs Exam Without Consent

A woman visited her OB-GYN for a routine prenatal appointment. During the exam, the doctor performed a pelvic procedure without providing an explanation or requesting consent. The patient felt it was wrong, but was told it was normal and had to be done.  There was no nurse or medical assistant present. She later learned the exam had no medical necessity and had not been documented in her record. This scenario resembles the allegations in a California case involving Dr. Barry Brock, where more than 300 women have come forward with similar claims.

Primary Care Physician Crosses Personal Boundaries

A young adult went to her primary care doctor seeking help with anxiety. Over several visits, the doctor began asking intrusive questions about her sexual activity and making comments about her appearance. Although framed as part of her health history, the questions veered far from clinically relevant. The patient became uncomfortable and eventually realized the behavior may have crossed ethical and legal boundaries.

Sports Medicine Physician Perform Rectal Exams when Not Necessary

An 18 year old college athlete is required to see the team doctor for a normal well visit.  During the visit, the doctor performs a rectal exam and shows the college athlete how to check for STD’s using his own genitals as an example.  The student later learns that what happened was not normal or indicated.  This scenario resembles the allegations in a Michigan case involving Dr. Robert Anderstion, where more than 1,000 men came forward with similar experiences while they attended the University of Michigan. 

Therapist Sends Inappropriate Messages

A trauma survivor began seeing a licensed therapist for counseling. After a few sessions, the therapist started texting her outside of appointments. At first, the messages appeared casual, but they gradually became more flirtatious. The therapist later suggested meeting outside the office. The patient reported the conduct, and a licensing board began an investigation into possible misconduct.

These examples demonstrate how sexual abuse can take many forms and often escalates when professionals misuse their position of trust. If something similar has happened to you, you may have legal options worth exploring.

Institutions That May Be Legally Responsible

Civil law around this nation recognizes that both individuals and institutions may be held accountable when a patient suffers sexual abuse during medical care. In some cases, the abuser alone is liable. In many others, the institution that employed them may share responsibility, especially if the institution ignored reports of sexual abuse from patients and allowed the sexual predator to continue to have access to patients. 

Institutions that we have held liable for the sexual abuse of their healthcare providers, include: 

• Hospitals,
• Colleges and Universities; 
• K-12 Public and Private Schools;
• Boarding Schools; 
• Juvenile Facilities.

If an employer failed to act on prior complaints, hired someone with a known history of abuse, or did not enforce required supervision policies, it may be held accountable under civil law.  

How Often Sexual Abuse by Health Professionals Occurs

Sexual abuse in healthcare settings continues to be a serious and underreported problem. Thousands of medical professionals across the country have faced disciplinary action for sexual misconduct, with investigative reports highlighting patterns of abuse that span decades and often go unchecked for years. In many cases, they were allowed to keep practicing after initial sanctions.

In Michigan, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) receives hundreds of sexual misconduct complaints each year involving licensed health professionals. From 2018 through 2023, the agency logged over 670 formal allegations involving inappropriate sexual behavior by providers. This includes hospitals in Detroit, clinics in Grand Rapids, and private offices across the State.

Unfortunately, these reports likely represent only a small fraction of the sexual abuse that has occurred. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center reports that more than eighty percent of sexual assaults go unreported, especially in settings involving authority figures.

Why Sexual Abuse Causes Lasting Harm

When a provider abuses a patient during treatment, the trauma is unique. Unlike other forms of assault, sexual abuse in medical settings often happens under the pretense of healthcare. Patients may question their memory or doubt their feelings. That emotional damage can last for years.

The abuse may affect:

• Your ability to trust other doctors;
• Your comfort with future medical care;
• Your mental health and relationships; and
• Your sense of safety in any clinical setting.

Many survivors report symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disruption. Others avoid routine medical checkups entirely because of what happened. That emotional fallout deserves to be recognized, and the law provides tools for doing exactly that.

Civil Lawsuits for Doctor Sexual Abuse

You have the right to file a civil lawsuit in Michigan and in every other state in our nation if a healthcare provider sexually abused you. These claims fall under state tort law and are usually based on battery, negligence, emotional distress, or breach of fiduciary duty. You do not need a criminal conviction or even a police report to pursue a civil case.

Courts allow you to file claims against:

• The person who committed the abuse;
• Their employer or practice group; and
• Any third party that was required to act and failed to act after receiving complaints.

These claims may lead to financial compensation, formal acknowledgment of wrongdoing, and increased pressure on institutions to protect future patients.

What Compensation May Be Available

No dollar amount can undo what happened. But the law does allow survivors to seek financial compensation for the harm they suffered. A civil lawsuit is not just about the past. It is also about recovery.

In these cases, damages may include:

• Emotional distress;
• Therapy and counseling costs;
• Prescription medication costs;
• Loss of income or earning potential;
• Impact on family relationships;
• Loss of enjoyment of life; and
• Punitive damages in some instances.

In some cases, your spouse may also be able to file a related claim for loss of companionship or support.

How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit

In most personal injury cases, Michigan and other states impose a strict statute of limitations. However, when sexual abuse is involved, especially in a healthcare context, there may be exceptions or extensions depending on the circumstances and the state.

Even if the abuse happened years ago, you may still be eligible. You should speak with an attorney to evaluate your timeline and options.

Why Survivors Often Delay Speaking Up

Delayed disclosure is standard in cases involving sexual abuse. This is especially true when the abuser is a medical provider. Patients may blame themselves, minimize the abuse, or fear that no one will believe them. Others may not recognize what happened as abuse until they hear similar stories from other survivors.

You are not alone. Many of our clients waited years before coming forward. That delay does not make your story less valid. If anything, it confirms how severe the trauma can be.

What To Expect if You Contact Sommers Schwartz

You may be unsure whether you want to move forward. That is normal. The first step is simply having a private conversation with someone who understands what you are going through. When you contact Sommers Schwartz, you are treated with compassion and confidentiality from the beginning.

We typically begin with:

• A free and confidential consultation;
• A review of your experience and legal rights; and
• A conversation about what options may be available to you.

You are not pressured to decide during that first conversation. You do not need to re-live every detail. Our team will guide you at your own pace, with your comfort as the priority.

Speak With a Detroit, Michigan Sexual Abuse Attorney Today

You do not have to go through this alone. If you believe a medical provider crossed the line, you can speak with our team in confidence. There is no charge to contact us. You will receive honest, clear information about your rights and whether you may have a case. Call Sommers Schwartz at (800) 783-0989. We represent survivors throughout Detroit, Southfield, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and across Michigan, as well as in other States all across the country. Let your recovery begin today.