An inappropriate pelvic exam occurs when a physician acts or communicates unethically toward a patient during a gynecological procedure. Victims of this type of mistreatment have legal options to hold their doctors responsible.
In a high-profile case detailed by the Los Angeles Times, numerous victims have reported allegations that Dr. George Tyndall, the former gynecologist at the University of Southern California (USC), allegedly conducted inappropriate exams and engaged in other abusive behaviors. If you received gynecological treatment from Tyndall when the abuse was allegedly occurring, a lawyer can help you fight for justice. Contact a lawyer at 877-385-9792 about your options.
How Do I Determine If a Pelvic Exam Was Inappropriate?
If a doctor engages in any of the following behaviors, it could constitute medical malpractice.
Failure to Communicate
All OB/GYN physicians should communicate with the patient about medical procedures before beginning an exam. Your physician should explain the procedure and the reason for the exam. Failure to do so could be a breach of medical ethics.
Inappropriate Communication
If your doctor made inappropriate, suggestive, or sexual statements while performing the exam, they have committed a serious violation of their professional duties.
The Physician Caused Physical Pain
Your doctor may have inflicted pain on you that could have been avoided. If you experienced unnecessary pain in your pelvic area, you have the right to question the reason for it.
Unexplained Contact in Certain Pelvic Areas
Your doctor should have told you precisely where they were going to make contact during the medical procedure. Touching you in areas other than what they originally specified could be grounds for filing a legal claim.
How Did Tyndall Allegedly Conduct Inappropriate Gynecological Exams?
More than 50 women filed complaints with the Los Angeles Police Department regarding Tyndall’s inappropriate behavior during pelvic exams. The women who Tyndall allegedly abused say he engaged in a number of inappropriate, abusive actions, such as:
- Improperly photographing patient’s private parts;
- Asking patients to remove all of their clothing for an exam;
- Making inappropriate comments about patients’ bodies;
- Conducting pelvic exams without using gloves;
- Asking invasive questions about patients’ sexual backgrounds;
- Making racially insensitive remarks; and
- Touching other parts of patients’ bodies.
Who Is at Fault in an Inappropriate Pelvic Exam Case?
As legal representatives, a lawyer’s role is to establish which parties are guilty of the sexual harassment incident that happened to you. Although the doctor is the primary defendant in this case, it is entirely possible that other people or entities are to blame, as well.
For instance, there is some evidence that USC might have covered up Tyndall’s alleged abuse. If the university knew about Tyndall’s behavior and failed to take action, it is liable for what occurred.
How Can I Talk to a Sexual Assault Lawyer About My Inappropriate Exam?
If you or a loved one underwent an inappropriate pelvic exam given by Tyndall, a USC sexual abuse lawyer can help you fight for the justice you deserve. Numerous women have decided to sue Tyndall and USC. Your lawyer can help you decide how to move forward.