Dr. Mark Mulholland Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Survivors of Sexual Abuse by Medical Professionals Have Legal Rights in Washington

If a medical provider in Washington sexually abused you, you have the right to take legal action. You may be able to sue both the individual and the institution that enabled their conduct. This includes doctors, nurses, and hospitals that failed to protect patients from known medical professionals. The recent allegations against Dr. Mark Mulholland, a former OB-GYN in Washington, shows how abuse can happen in trusted health care settings and why holding offenders and hospital institutions accountable matters.

Sommers Schwartz, P.C., represents survivors of medical sexual abuse across the United States. We work to secure compensation and force systemic change so that doctors and specialists cannot harm other patients. Even if the misconduct occurred years ago, you may still have the right to pursue a claim under Washington law. Give us a call today at (800) 783-0989.

What Are The Allegations Against Dr. Mark Mulholland?

The case of Dr. Mark Mulholland has received national attention for its disturbing allegations and the institutional failures that allowed him to keep practicing. According to the Washington Medical Commission, current allegations span from December 2022 to August 2024, however, we have already started to speak with former patients that allege abuse for many years prior. In April 2025, the Commission filed formal charges citing multiple incidents of unprofessional conduct.

Reports state that Dr. Mulholland allegedly:

• Made sexual comments to patients during consultations.
• Asked invasive, unrelated questions about patients’ sexual history.
• Performed physical contact not tied to medical care they needed.
• Conducted pelvic or breast exams without gloves or proper consent.

Multiple lawsuits claim that his employers, Kadlec Regional Medical Center and Providence Health & Services, failed to act on complaints by patients and staff. Despite prior warnings, he allegedly continued to see patients without safeguards. These allegations mirror patterns sexual abuse survivors across this nation have reported in other cases. This is not a problem isolated to one provider or one state.

The National Scope of Sexual Abuse in Healthcare

Sexual abuse by healthcare providers is more widespread than most patients realize. National research shows it occurs in every specialty, across both private and institutional settings.

A 2016 investigation by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution found more than 3,100 U.S. physicians were disciplined for sexual misconduct between 1999 and 2016, and many kept their licenses. A 2023 National Sexual Violence Resource Center report shows that 81% of sexual assaults go unreported, with underreporting even higher in healthcare due to fear of retaliation and loss of access to treatment.

The Federation of State Medical Boards documented nearly 800 physician sexual misconduct cases between 2018 and 2022. In Michigan, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) received over 670 sexual misconduct complaints against licensed professionals from 2018 to 2023. A JAMA study reported that one in five medical students had witnessed or experienced inappropriate sexual behavior by faculty or supervisors.

These statistics reveal that healthcare settings are not immune to abuse and that systemic failures often allow misconduct to continue.

Recognizing Sexual Abuse During a Gynecology Doctor’s Appointment

Sexual abuse in healthcare can be challenging to recognize because it often hides behind a provider’s authority and what they insist is legitimate medical care and treatment. You may leave an appointment feeling uneasy but unsure whether the conduct crossed a legal or ethical line. Learning how to spot the warning signs can help you protect yourself and take action.

For example, we have found this to be a common fact pattern of sexual abuse during a gynecology exam – During what was described as a routine exam, a patient was told to lie back without explaining the procedure. The doctor began an internal exam without gloves and made personal remarks about her appearance. She later discovered there was no medical reason for the exam, and it was unrelated to her symptoms.

Some warning signs that may indicate sexual abuse in a medical setting include:

• Exams that are performed without gloves when gloves are standard.
• Personal or sexual questions unrelated to the condition being treated.
• Comments on your appearance or body outside of a medical context.
• Physical restraint during an exam without prior consent.
• Invasive exams that don’t seem linked to the condition or ailment you presented for. 
• Not providing a gown or covering during pelvic or breast examination.
• Remaining in the room and in clear view of the patient while the patient undresses. 
• Asking you to undress without reason. 
• Conducting exams without a chaperone present.
• Initiating personal contact outside of appointments. 
• Becoming aroused during the examination. 

If you have experienced conduct like this, it may qualify as sexual abuse even if the provider insisted it was necessary for your care. You have the right to question their actions and speak with a lawyer about your options.

How Can A Hospital or Medical Office Be Held Responsible For the Sexual Abuse? 

Under Washington law, both the individual abuser and their employer can be held liable. This includes hospitals, clinics, and supervising physicians. Institutions may be responsible if they:

• Ignored complaints from patients or staff.
• Failed to investigate red flags.
• Allowed a provider to keep treating patients without safeguards.
• Did not follow their sexual misconduct prevention policies.
• Took action to cover up the allegations of abuse. 

By holding institutions accountable, survivors not only seek justice for themselves but can help protect other patients in the future.

What Are The Statutes of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Cases?

Statutes of Limitations set deadlines for filing lawsuits. There are unique Statutes of Limitations that apply in sexual assault cases. The deadlines can be different depending on whether the abuse survivor was an adult or child at the time of abuse. There can also be circumstances when the underlying Statute of Limitations can be extended, for instance, where there are facts of fraud or a coverup involved. An attorney can evaluate whether you still have time to file.

Why Do Sexual Abuse Survivors Sometimes Delay Reporting their Abuse?

Many survivors delay reporting abuse. You may have blamed yourself, questioned your memory, or feared you would not be believed. In medical settings, the trust and authority given to providers can make it even harder to speak up.

Washington law recognizes these barriers. Even if years have passed, you may still have time to file a lawsuit.

What Damages Can I Recover For Sexual Abuse by a Gynecologist?

If your case is successful, you can recover damages for both financial losses and emotional harm. This may include:

• Medical costs for physical injuries;
• Therapy and counseling expenses;
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress; 
• Loss of enjoyment of life; and
• Your spouse may also have a claim for loss of companionship or support.

If you believe you were or may have been sexually abused or harassed by Mark Mulholland, M.D., contact our sexual abuse attorneys today to discuss your potential case. The call is 100% free and confidential.  We will listen to you and believe you. You can call us today at (800) 783-0989.

Sommers Schwartz, P.C., Can Help You Seek Justice

At Sommers Schwartz, P.C., we have represented survivors of sexual abuse by medical professionals throughout the nation. We understand the emotional toll these cases take and approach every case with compassion and determination. We investigate, gather evidence, and hold both individuals and institutions accountable.

When you reach out, you will speak with someone who listens and believes you. We will explain your rights, outline your options, and fight for the justice you deserve.