Ferry law knows the confusion and emotional turmoil caused when a healthcare worker sexually exploits a patient  

     Unfortunately, this is a growing problem in corporate healthcare.  

• An official CT Department of Public Health adverse events report showed 24 sexual assault or abuse incidents were reported in CT hospital in 2016 
• Hospital Incidents:22 of the 24 cases in 2016 occurred in acute care hospitals, with St. Vincent’s Medical Center (10) and Yale New Haven Hospital (7) reporting the most incidents

State of CT Dept. of Public Health Adverse Event Reporting

In 2024, 4,246 total abuse and neglect allegations were reported across Connecticut’s DDS programs

• 61 cases of sexual assault represent roughly 1.4% of all reported abuse cases 
• While this seems like a small percentage, each case involves highly vulnerable individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, making the impact severe and urgent 

*Historically, DDS reports how that sexual assault cases make up 1-2% of sustained abuseclaims, indicating a consistent, ongoing risk to residents in care settings*

Many advocates believesexual abuse is underreportedbecause victims may 

• Lack of the ability to communicate effectively 
• Fear retaliation
• Depending on staff for daily care 

These incidents often involve residential, group home or medical care staff, meaning they occur in settings where patients or residents should be protected. 

In 2024, Connecticut reported 61 substantiated cases of sexual assault in Department of Developmental Services (DDS) programs for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Each case represents a vulnerable person who should have been protected. Institutions have a legal duty to ensure safety, and survivors deserve justice.

CT DDS Abuse and Neglect Report

In 2023, a nursing assistant at Western Rehabilitation Care Center in Danbury, Connecticut was arrested after a resident reported repeated inappropriate behavior. The case raised serious concerns about whether earlier warnings were properly reported by the facility. Nursing homes have a legal duty to protect residents and act immediately when abuse is suspected. When institutions fail to act, survivors deserve accountability and justice. 

A patient filed a lawsuit against St. Vincent’s Medical Center after alleging he was sexually assaulted by a nursing assistant while hospitalized. The lawsuit claims the hospital failed to properly protect vulnerable patients. Institutions must be held accountable when they fail to ensure safety. 

Victim of sexual assault sues St. Vincent’s Hospital for negligence

Lack of training and supervision of healthcare workers around sexual exploitation is abysmal and one patient harmed is one too many.  

• A healthy environment is one where safety and respect are non-negotiable. Our approach focuses on supporting survivors and holding institutions accountable when they fail to protect those in their care. Advocacy and awareness are key to preventing abuse. 
• When healthcare facilities fail to protect patients, it puts lives at risk and undermines trust in care. Our firm is dedicated to advocating for survivors and ensuring institutions prioritize safety, dignity and protection. 

• Sexual exploitation by healthcare workers is a serious violation of trust and safety vulnerable patients deserve protection, accountability, and justice. Our firm is committed to raising awareness and holding institutions responsible. 

• No one should fear abuse while receiving care. Sexual exploitation in healthcare is unacceptable. We stand with survivors and demand accountability. 

• Healthcare facilities have a duty to protect vulnerable patients. When workers exploit that trust, justice must follow. We advocate for survivors every step of the way. 

We are tough lawyers with boundless compassion for survivors of this kind of trauma. 

We are the only firm in the state of Connecticut to force Bruce Bemer to trial for sexual abuse of a minor.    All the evidence was presented but the case was resolved while the jury was in deliberations.    While the Jury did not issue a verdict, it reported that it was preparing to deliver an 8-figure verdict. 

We have litigated dozens of sexual abuse cases against Community Living Arrangements on behalf of individuals with profound forms of autism, as well as against hospitals and health care workers for sexual abuse of patients.   We have recovered many millions of dollars for our clients, but we have just gotten started.    We want to represent you and earn your trust and empower you to not just survive, but ultimately to thrive.   Ferry law has the fortitude, knowledge and resources to bring home the highest verdicts and settlements.   Call us for your completely confidential and no obligation case evaluation.  833 Ferry law.