Experiencing sexual assault is a harrowing and deeply personal ordeal. When that assault occurs in a place where you expect to feel safe, like a dental office, the trauma you feel is even more profound. If your Texas dentist committed a sexual assault, it’s important to remember you’re not alone.

Several resources are available to support you as you move toward healing after such an unfathomable violation of trust. An important step is reaching out to a knowledgeable attorney with experience in sexual assault cases. A skilled attorney provides the legal guidance and emotional support you need, helps you navigate the complexities of the legal system, ensures that your rights are protected, and works towards holding the perpetrator accountable. Continue reading to learn more about how a lawyer assists sexual assault survivors and what steps you can take in your pursuit of justice.

Sexual Assault by Dentists in Texas: Statistics and Reality

Sexual assaults committed by dentists, while rare, do occur. Data specific to sexual assaults by dentists in Texas is not widely published; however, national statistics provide insight into instances of sexual misconduct within medical and dental professions. According to the Texas Medical Board, medical professionals, including dentists, have faced disciplinary actions related to sexual misconduct. Other advocacy groups, including Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), provide resources and reports on these issues. Even though exact statistics may be scarce, when a Texas dentist commits a sexual assault, they must be held responsible for their actions.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault in Texas

Understanding the statute of limitations for sexual assault in Texas is crucial for pursuing legal action. In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a criminal case for sexual assault is generally 10 years from the date of the offense. However, there are specific exceptions that may pause or toll the statute, including:

• Minor victim. If the victim was under 17 years old at the time of the assault, the statute of limitations extends until the victim’s 28th birthday.
• Discovery rule. The statute of limitations begins from the date the victim reasonably discovered the assault or could have discovered it through the exercise of reasonable diligence. For example, if a victim was unconscious at the time of the assault, they may not find the assault until further evidence or facts are uncovered. 
• No statute of limitations for certain cases. For certain severe cases, such as those involving continuous sexual abuse of a child, there is no statute of limitations.

These exceptions to the statute of limitations ensure that victims have sufficient time to come forward and seek justice, even if they may not have been able to report the crime immediately.

Damages and Recovery in a Civil Case

When pursuing a civil case against a dentist for sexual assault, victims may seek various types of damages to compensate for their suffering and losses. Common examples of recoverable damages include:

• Economic damages. Economic damages are financial losses related to an injury. They cover actual losses such as medical expenses, counseling costs, and lost wages due to the assault.
• Noneconomic damages. Noneconomic damages encompass the intangible losses resulting from the psychological and emotional consequences of the sexual assault. These damages address instances such as emotional distress, pain, and suffering and the impact the assault has had on your life.
• Punitive damages. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded by a court not to compensate a victim but to punish the perpetrator for their egregious conduct. Punitive damages seek to punish the perpetrator and deter similar conduct in the future and are typically reserved for cases where the conduct was particularly outrageous.

An attorney helps evaluate the full extent of damages you may be entitled to and guide you through seeking compensation.

Related: A Victim’s Guide to Sexual Assault Civil Lawsuits in Texas

Potential Liability of Other Parties

In some cases, other parties besides the dentist may also be liable for the assault. Other potentially liable parties include:

• Dental practice or clinic. The dental practice or clinic where the assault occurred may be responsible for your assault if there was negligence in supervising the dentist or ensuring a safe environment for patients.
• Medical institutions. If the dentist was affiliated with a larger medical institution or hospital, that institution may be liable for your damages if they knew about the dentist's conduct and failed to act to prevent further assaults from happening. 
• Professional associations. Professional associations may be responsible if they fail to enforce standards, investigate credible complaints against their members, or properly discipline known offenders.

Determining the extent of liability requires a thorough investigation, and an attorney can help identify all potentially responsible parties.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Navigating the aftermath of sexual assault by a dentist is challenging, but with the proper legal support, a lawyer helps you take steps toward justice and recovery. A skilled attorney focusing on sexual assault cases provides the necessary experience, guides you through the legal process, helps you understand your rights, and advocates for the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you know is dealing with such a traumatic experience, don’t hesitate to seek professional legal assistance to ensure the proper handling of your case with the care and urgency it deserves.

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With over 30 years of combined legal experience, the attorneys at Grossman Law Offices have won thousands of cases for our clients. At our firm, our job goes far beyond getting you a big check. We understand that when clients come to us, they are going through the worst thing that could ever happen to them. We know they want more than an attorney; they want someone who will listen attentively, treat them respectfully, and guide them toward successfully resolving their legal dilemma.

Our legal team possesses an unparalleled commitment to excellence, fighting spirits, and legal experience. We help our clients gain the results necessary to put their lives back on track. Contact us today by phone or email for a free consultation to learn more about how Grossman Law Offices can help you.