Rhode Island Child Sexual Abuse Window
From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, eligible survivors may be able to file previously expired claims against institutions that enabled or concealed abuse. Contact Andreozzi + Foote for a free, confidential consultation.
ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
If a doctor sexually abused you during medical care in Atlanta, it is normal to feel confused or question your experience. Many survivors do not immediately realize that a physician crossed a professional boundary because the abuse occurred during an exam, treatment, or procedure. Georgia law may allow you to hold both the doctor and the hospital, medical practice, or healthcare system accountable.
At Andreozzi + Foote, our practice is dedicated exclusively to representing survivors of sexual abuse. From our Atlanta office, our doctor sexual abuse lawyers provide compassionate guidance to help survivors understand their rights and legal options during a free, confidential consultation. Call us today at (866) 311-8640 to get started.
Our firm works exclusively with survivors of sexual abuse, giving us the experience and understanding needed to handle these sensitive cases with care. We understand the unique challenges survivors face and provide legal strategies tailored to these cases.
Here’s what sets us apart from other firms:
We are committed to creating a supportive environment where survivors feel heard and respected. Our client testimonials show how we’ve helped survivors move on with their lives.
“Ben and Nate made it personal for me and really supported me. From the start, Ben outlined a strategy of what direction we should be going and why… At the end of the day, I genuinely felt Ben and his team fighting as hard as I was to get the outcome I wanted and more.”
“Ben showed great compassion and understanding throughout the proceedings of our case. He was sensitive to the issue of sexual abuse, and I never would’ve imagined the outcome we received thanks to his diligence and his passion for the rights of those not able to speak out for themselves.”
Doctor sexual abuse occurs when a medical provider exploits the trust and authority of the doctor-patient relationship to engage in sexual misconduct. The doctor-patient relationship creates a power imbalance because patients depend on their providers for treatment, guidance, and explanations about their bodies and health.
A physician may exploit this relationship by using an exam or treatment setting for sexual purposes, including touching unrelated to medical care, sexual contact while a patient is sedated or unable to respond, or comments that sexualize the patient-provider relationship. These actions are not part of legitimate medical care.
Georgia law recognizes that doctors and other healthcare providers have a position of authority over their patients. Georgia Code § 16-6-5.1 makes it a crime for a healthcare provider in certain settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes, to use that relationship to commit improper sexual contact. The provider cannot claim the patient’s consent as a legal defense.
A doctor’s behavior during an exam or treatment may cross the line when it violates professional boundaries or makes you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or pressured. While not every uncomfortable experience is abuse, certain actions may be warning signs of inappropriate conduct by a healthcare provider, including:
Many patients are unsure whether what they experienced was abuse, especially when the person involved was a trusted medical professional. A confidential consultation with our attorneys can help you get answers and determine whether you may have a legal claim.
Liability for doctor sexual abuse may extend beyond the physician who committed the abuse. Hospitals, medical practices, and healthcare systems can also be responsible when they fail to protect patients.
Depending on the circumstances, an institution may be liable for the following:
Our Atlanta healthcare sexual abuse lawyers conduct a thorough investigation to identify every potentially responsible party. We review the doctor’s employment history, disciplinary records, prior complaints, and other available evidence to determine what the employer knew or should have known before the abuse occurred. If a healthcare organization fails to protect patients, we are prepared to help survivors hold them accountable.
Georgia’s statute of limitations for doctor sexual abuse claims varies based on each survivor’s circumstances. Factors such as the survivor’s age at the time of the abuse and when the abuse occurred can affect how much time they have to take legal action.
Survivors who were adults when the abuse occurred generally must file a claim within two years of the incident. For survivors who were minors when they were assaulted, and the incident occurred on or after July 1, 2015, the law often allows claims to be filed until age 23 or within two years of realizing the connection between the abuse and its effects. For assaults against minors that occurred before that date, the survivor has until their 23rd birthday to file suit.
Because these deadlines can be complex and vary based on individual circumstances, it is important to consult with an Atlanta sexual abuse lawyer to understand which timeline applies to your case.
A doctor sexual abuse claim can help survivors seek compensation for the harm they experienced and the losses caused by the abuse. Depending on the circumstances, survivors may seek compensation for a range of damages, including the following:
In some cases, survivors may also be able to seek punitive damages. Unlike compensation for specific losses, punitive damages are meant to hold responsible parties accountable for especially harmful conduct and discourage similar actions in the future.
Every case is unique. The value of a claim depends on factors such as the severity and duration of the abuse, the survivor’s age, the extent of the resulting harm, and the conduct of the doctor or medical institution.
Yes. You may still have the right to file a civil lawsuit even if you never reported the doctor to the police. A civil lawsuit and a criminal case are separate legal processes, and you do not need to initiate one to pursue the other.
There is no set timeline for resolving a lawsuit over sexual abuse by a physician. The length of a case depends on several factors, including the complexity of the claims, the evidence available, and whether the case is resolved through settlement or goes to trial. Some cases may take only a few months to resolve, while others may take a year or longer.
Filing a sexual abuse lawsuit should not affect your ability to seek ongoing medical care. You have the right to continue receiving treatment from healthcare providers while your case is pending. Your medical records may be reviewed if they are relevant to your case, but your attorney can explain what information may be requested and how your privacy is protected.
Yes, you may still be able to sue a hospital even if the doctor no longer works there. Hospitals have responsibilities regarding patient safety and may be held accountable for certain failures. A physician sexual abuse lawyer can explain whether your situation may support a claim against the hospital or other parties.
You do not have to decide today whether to pursue legal action. If you have questions about what happened or want to understand your legal options, our team is here to help.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we are here to listen and provide guidance at your pace. Contact us online or call (866) 311-8640 for a free, confidential consultation with our Atlanta doctor sexual abuse lawyers.
