DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A Case for Women, a women-owned organization dedicated to educating women about contingency fee-based civil legal services, is raising awareness about recent civil lawsuits regarding sexual assault by former OB/GYN Dr. Fabio Ortega, previously of Northshore and Swedish Covenant Hospitals in Chicago. More than 30 women have accused Ortega of sexually assaulting them under the guise of medical care, according to recent civil lawsuits. It is likely that more survivors are still out there.
“Doctors are always seen in our culture as someone you can trust,” said Susan Knape, President of A Case for Women. “Yet, there has been a shocking number of recent lawsuits against doctors who took advantage of that trust to assault their patients: Dr. Nassar, Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Hadden to name just a few. Sadly, patient assault is likely not new, but thanks to things like the #metoo movement, more women are standing up and using the power of civil legal action to take their power back. And we want to help more women access that power.”
Ortega has an established history of sexual assault. He was arrested and charged with criminal sexual assault in 2018, and ultimately sentenced to serve three years in prison. Regulators also suspended Ortega’s medical license.
But the damage had already been done. Ortega practiced for nearly 40 years, and allegations of assault span decades. According to the lawsuits, complaints were made to Swedish and Northshore Hospitals, but no action was taken to protect patients.
It may seem difficult to find that line between a routine medical exam and assault, but always remember: there is a line.
A few tips to identify sexual assault by a doctor:
- asking women highly personal questions about their sex lives
- unnecessary breast, genital, and rectal exams
- performing un-gloved exams
- attempting to cause sexual arousal
- unneeded communication with patients outside of office hours or scheduling unnecessary appointments
But if the worst happens, we are here to help you understand your legal options. You are not alone in this. We want to hear your story. If you were sexually assaulted by Dr. Ortega, contact us now to learn how you can take your power back through a lawsuit. We are women helping women, and we are always on your side.
About A Case for Women
A Case for Women, founded in 2016, is the nation’s leader in advocacy for women who need, and qualify for, contingency-based legal services. It is our mission to educate women and their families about the opportunity to take legal action that not only provides compensation but also creates systemic change. We educate, advocate, and ultimately connect women with law firms that can represent them for no upfront fee. Since our inception, we have helped tens of thousands who have been injured by the actions of corrupt institutions and companies. This work has resulted in significant societal changes such as the dramatic shift in gymnastics coaching after the Larry Nassar MSU lawsuit, the implementation of rideshare safety protocols, the removal of Essure birth control from sale in the United States, removal of asbestos-laced talcum powder from the market, and more.
