A couple months ago, a gynecologist from Tenafly, New Jersey who practiced in New York City pled guilty to sexually assaulting two women he had examined. Dr. Robert Hadden admitted that he had “engaged in an act of oral sexual conduct against a patient for no valid medical purpose” and “intentionally and for no legitimate purpose forcibly touched the sexual and intimate parts of [another patient].” Hadden’s medical license has been revoked, and he must register as a sex offender, but it is still unclear whether the at least twenty women who have come forward as victims will be able to sue him in civil court for monetary damages.
This is distressing, but it is something we see every day. Medical malpractice victims often wait too long to bring cases, especially if the details involved in the case are embarrassing or very personal in nature.
In New Jersey, a civil malpractice law suit must be filed by most patients within two years from the date an instance of malpractice occurred. This is called the Statute of Limitations. This timeline can be lengthened when the malpractice is not immediately discovered. If you believe you or a loved one has suffered harm due to the negligence of a doctor or other medical professional, you should talk to an experienced medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible.
Talking about medical malpractice with an attorney can often be a very difficult conversation to have. At The Cassidy Law Firm we understand our client's concerns and make our clients as comfortable as possible. We offer consultations in our office located in Shrewsbury, New Jersey. We will also arrange to meet clients at more convenient locations if they so desire. Our attorneys are experienced and they know what medical questions to ask, they are very empathetic and will listen to your story. Our attorneys are experienced practitioners who will make you feel comfortable and understand your situation.
All consultations are confidential and discreet. Anything discussed with our attorneys is subject to the attorney-client privilege, which means we must get your permission to share it with anyone else, except in rare and extremely unusual circumstances. In a malpractice situation we understand that your trust has already been violated, we will do everything possible to help you feel comfortable.
It is important to note that there are sometimes two different statutes of limitations applicable in medical malpractice cases - a criminal statute of limitations and a civil statute of limitations. The Hadden case discussed above is a good example of this. Some of the women who are claiming they are Hadden victims may not be able to sue him for civil damages because the statute of limitations has expired, but they were able to participate in the criminal case and see him brought to justice by the state in his criminal matter.
If you were harmed, or are suffering, because the actions of a medical professional, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. You deserve to be made whole, and to see the parties responsible for your injury brought to justice. Don’t let the Statute of Limitations prevent you from obtaining justice.
Contact The Cassidy Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation with an experienced attorney today.