Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog

Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. has recently been retained to investigate allegations of sexual abuse of a boy scout by an employee of the Boy Scouts of America. Our research reveals that this problem may be more widespread than we previously thought. For example CBS News reports:

The previously private records show the Boy Scouts have ejected at least 5,100 adult leaders nationwide for sexual abuse allegations since 1946. And the files reveal that despite efforts to keep potential abusers from joining, the problems persist: In the past 15 years alone, the organization has kicked out leaders for such allegations at a rate of once every other day.

The 45 boxes of files are not public because of a strict court order that prohibits the Stewarts and their lawyers from disclosing specific cases. But a statistical summary of the files, provided by the Stewarts' attorneys, shows the problem is larger than previously known.

We are aggressively pursuing this matter for our client and if you or someone you know has information regarding sexual abuse of Boy Scouts or other innocent victims your information may be useful. Please contact Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. at 312-553-4900.

As a Chicago Medical Malpractice lawyer for the last 25 years I have seen many sad and devastating injuries, but none more revolting than sexual abuse of the innocent and helpless. I have represented many victims of sexual abuse in nursing homes. Unfortunately some poorly run nursing homes provide the perfect environment for sexual predators. In nursing homes that are understaffed and poorly run sexual predators can move about freely without fear of discovery. Their victims are often unable to complain and when they do the Nursing Homes often act to protect the criminal and cover up the crime. We recently settled a particularly sad case for $3.75 million.

Opportunities for sexual predators can arise anytime there is an imbalance of power in a relationship. For example, we have handled many cases where psychologists or psychiatrists have improperly exploited their patient sexually. It is a gross misuse of power and control for a mental health worker to engage in sexual activity with a patient. These relationships lead to a lifetime of pain and recovery for the victims.

Continue reading "Sex Abuse" »