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Abuse Guardian: Guy D'Andrea, Esq. - Philadelphia Abuse Guardian
Hello, my name is Guy. I am a deeply committed attorney with extensive experience practicing in Pennsylvania, specializing in representing survivors of sexual assault. As a former sex crimes prosecutor, I have dedicated my career to helping survivors of sexual abuse find the justice they deserve. My empathetic and understanding team is prepared to support survivors and their families in their pursuit of justice against medical professionals who have violated their trust.
Sexual abuse by a doctor is a severe breach of trust and professional responsibility. Medical professionals have a duty to care for their patients and adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct. When doctors violate this trust by engaging in sexual misconduct or abuse, they not only inflict severe emotional and psychological harm on their victims but also undermine the integrity of the medical profession.
Sexual abuse or assault by a health care provider can take many forms, including but not limited to:
Victims of doctor sexual abuse often experience feelings of shame, guilt, fear, and confusion. It is crucial to remember that the abuse is never the fault of the survivor. If you have experienced sexual abuse by a medical professional, it is essential to seek help and support from trusted individuals and professionals, such as a dedicated assault lawyer who can be able to hold the sexual predator accountable for their actions.
Guy D'Andrea, Esq.
Sexual Assault Lawyer
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Our Pennsylvania sexual assault lawyers have a proven track record of successfully representing survivors who were sexually assaulted by a doctor or medical professional.
When you choose our firm, you can expect:
Pennsylvania laws provide survivors of sexual abuse by medical professionals with several legal options to pursue justice and hold the perpetrators accountable. Some of the laws and legal rights relevant to survivors of doctor sexual abuse in Pennsylvania include:
Civil Lawsuits: Survivors of doctor sexual abuse can file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator to seek financial compensation for their pain, suffering, medical expenses, and other damages related to the abuse. The civil lawsuit process allows survivors to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions and seek monetary compensation for the harm caused.
Criminal Prosecutions: In some cases, the actions of a medical professional may constitute criminal offenses, such as sexual abuse or sexual assault. When this occurs, the government may initiate criminal prosecution against the perpetrator. A criminal conviction can result in fines, imprisonment, and other penalties for the doctor. It is essential to note that a criminal prosecution is separate from a civil lawsuit, and both can be pursued simultaneously.
Medical Licensing and Disciplinary Actions: Medical professionals who engage in sexual abuse or misconduct may face disciplinary actions from the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine. These actions can include suspension or revocation of their medical license, preventing them from practicing medicine.
Statute of Limitations: In Pennsylvania, there are time limits for filing a civil lawsuit for doctor sexual abuse. Generally, the statute of limitations for these cases is two years from the date of the abuse. However, there are some exceptions, such as the discovery rule, which allows victims to file a lawsuit within two years from the date they discovered or reasonably should have discovered the abuse.
Informed Consent: Pennsylvania law requires medical professionals to obtain informed consent from their patients before performing any procedure or treatment. If a doctor engages in sexual misconduct or abuse under the guise of medical treatment, they may have violated the patient's right to informed consent.
Confidentiality and Privacy: Survivors of doctor sexual abuse have the right to privacy and confidentiality throughout the legal process. Pennsylvania laws protect the identities of survivors and their personal information, ensuring that they can pursue justice without fearing the exposure of their private information.
It is crucial for survivors of doctor sexual abuse to consult with an experienced lawyer who specializes in this area of law. They can provide guidance and support to navigate the complexities of the legal process and ensure that survivors' rights are protected every step of the way.
Sexual abuse victims have the right to seek justice and compensation for their suffering. In Pennsylvania, there are several legal options available to sexual abuse survivors, including:
Civil Lawsuits: A civil lawsuit allows survivors to seek financial compensation for their injuries, pain, and suffering. It is crucial to work with an experienced doctor sexual abuse lawyer who can help you navigate the complexities of civil litigation and maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
Criminal Prosecutions: In some cases, the doctor's actions may constitute a criminal offense, such as sexual assault or rape. A criminal prosecution is initiated by the government and can result in the perpetrator facing criminal charges, fines, and imprisonment. It is essential to remember that a criminal prosecution is separate from a civil lawsuit and that both can be pursued simultaneously.
Medical License Revocation or Suspension: Medical professionals who engage in sexual abuse or misconduct may also face disciplinary actions from the Pennsylvania medical licensing board. This can include the suspension or revocation of their medical license, effectively preventing them from practicing medicine.
Regardless of the legal avenue you choose to pursue, our firm will be by your side, providing the support and guidance you need to seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
To learn more about the disciplinary action taken by the Pennsylvania state medical board for reported sexual abuse claims, visit: https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/VerifyaProfessional/DisciplinaryActions/Pages/default.aspx
If you have been sexually abused by your doctor, you do not have to face this difficult time alone. Our compassionate and skilled legal team is here to help you seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. We understand the courage it takes to come forward, and we are committed to providing you with the support, guidance, and representation you need to navigate the legal process.
Contact our medical sexual abuse lawyer in Pennsylvania today for a free, confidential consultation. We are here to listen, answer your questions, and discuss your legal options. You deserve justice, and we are committed to helping you achieve it. Victims of sexual abuse and assault can schedule a free consultation today.
Continue reading: Boarding School Sexual Abuse Lawyer Pennsylvania – Dedicated to Helping Survivors
Vladimir Iakomi, a 64-year-old doctor from Manheim Township, has fled the country following charges of sexually assaulting two female patients. His disappearance came after his second arrest on October 1; he was initially detained on June 6 for a December 2022 incident. Despite posting bail of $125,000 after his second arrest, Iakomi failed to appear at a scheduled bail hearing on October 3, prompting Judge Jeffrey Conrad to issue an arrest warrant.
The alleged assaults occurred at Iakomi's Plain Community Health Care Network in Bart Township. Iakomi, who received his medical degree from Moldova, has been in the U.S. since the early 1990s. The Lancaster County District Attorney's office, led by Heather Adams, has put the prosecution on hold and is seeking information on Iakomi's whereabouts, urging the public to contact the Pennsylvania State Police at 717-299-7650.
Dr. Matthew Sabo, a Butler County doctor, is facing prosecution for alleged sexual assault of a female patient. The Pennsylvania State Police arrested Sabo last month for sex crimes that reportedly occurred in his offices in Armstrong and Butler counties with a patient he had been treating since 2003. The case is now being prosecuted by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. Despite Sabo's good reputation, as noted by former patient Matthew Puz, he faces charges of sexual extortion and indecent assault.
The allegations, detailed in court documents, claim that Sabo began inappropriate sexual contact with the victim in 2017, years after she started seeing him for pain management following a car crash. The patient reported incidents of Sabo touching her breasts and hugging her tightly. Sabo's defense attorney, Phil DiLucente, strongly denies the charges, emphasizing Sabo's respected status as a surgeon in Western Pennsylvania. The preliminary hearing for Sabo has been postponed to March 22, and individuals with similar experiences are encouraged to contact Trooper Michael Graham.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/butler-county-doctor-sexual-assault/
Eric Tartar Jr., a former medical assistant, has been charged with multiple offenses including Deviate Sexual Intercourse, Indecent Assault, and Impersonating a Holder of a Professional License. Tartar's arrest on November 30, 2023, followed investigations into allegations of sexual assault at two health facilities. The first case came to light in October 2023, when the mother of an 18-year-old patient at Penn State Health reported her son was sexually assaulted by Tartar, who had falsely presented himself as a doctor. The investigation revealed that Tartar had previously been fired from Penn State Health for acting beyond his role as a medical assistant.
Further charges were filed by Upper Allen Police following a separate incident at UPMC, where Tartar again misrepresented himself as a doctor and assaulted another patient. The criminal complaint detailed how Tartar exploited his position to conduct inappropriate examinations and sexual assaults under the guise of medical necessity. Police confirmed Tartar never held a license as a physician or surgeon. He is facing charges including Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, Unlawful Restraint, and Unauthorized Use of a Computer. Tartar had been employed with Penn State Health from October 10, 2022, to August 31, 2023, and the health facility is cooperating with the police investigation.
Ricardo Cruciani, a 63-year-old pain treatment specialist from Wynnewood, is facing federal charges for sexually abusing patients whom he had made dependent on opioids. The indictment alleges that Cruciani abused at least five patients over 15 years, during his time in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams described the pattern of abuse as "outrageous," highlighting the violation of the medical oath to do no harm.
Cruciani reportedly manipulated his patients by prescribing massive doses of addictive opioids and then threatening to withhold these medications if they resisted his sexual advances. He also allegedly refused to release medical records of patients who tried to leave. Cruciani's history of sexual abuse dates back to 2016, when he pleaded guilty to assaulting seven patients at Drexel University, leading to seven years' probation and sex offender registration. He currently faces criminal charges and 22 civil suits across the three states. His methods included leveraging his position as a healthcare provider, the victims’ pain, and control over pain medication. Charged with 16 felony counts including rape and predatory sexual assault in 2018, Cruciani was released on $1 million bail and now faces additional federal charges with potential 20-year sentences each.
Source: https://patch.com/pennsylvania/balacynwyd/pa-pain-doc-sexually-abused-patients-he-got-addicted-feds
Justin Rutherford, a 32-year-old former doctor from Douglassville, Pennsylvania, has been arrested and charged with a series of offenses including rape, sexual assault, child pornography, and invasion of privacy. The investigation began when a 13-year-old boy and his mother reported to Amity Township Police that the boy had been secretly recorded while showering at Rutherford's house. During the search, police discovered over 2,800 videos and 1,400 pictures on a hidden camera, capturing unsuspecting guests and family members in the bathroom since 2018.
Two underage boys accused Rutherford of sexual abuse and assault. One incident reported by a boy occurred in May 2021, where Rutherford allegedly provided alcohol and marijuana to the child, leading to sexual assault. Another 16-year-old boy disclosed that Rutherford began abusing him at the age of 11, continuing until July 2021. Rutherford was arrested at Washington Dulles International Airport and is currently held in Loudoun County Adult Detention Center, Virginia, awaiting extradition to Berks County.
Police are investigating to identify more victims. Tower Health, Rutherford's former employer in Reading, Pennsylvania, stated they have terminated his employment and are cooperating with authorities. The Berks County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that the incidents occurred in Rutherford's residence and were not connected to his medical practice, but the investigation remains ongoing.
