DuPage Medical Group, Illinois’ largest independent multispecialty physician group, has been accused of negligence in its disregard for patient safety amid sexual abuse and sexual assault and battery accusations against obstetrician-gynecologist Vernon Cannon, M.D. of Bloomingdale, Illinois.
The lawsuit was filed on April 30, 2021 by Hurley McKenna & Mertz on behalf of an adult female patient, known to the court as Jane Doe.
Jane Doe alleges Cannon initiated unconsented and unwelcomed physical and sexual contact during a May 25, 2018 colposcopy appointment at a DuPage Medical Group facility, and that DuPage Medical Group negligently employed Cannon despite reports from multiple patients that he practiced while intoxicated.
The case is pending in the Circuit Court of Cook County.
(Read more here.)
Medical Practices Have a Duty to Protect Their Patients
Medical practices and facilities have a responsibility to their patients to implement policies and procedures, and to screen and supervise physicians to prevent and stop sexual battery. In this case, it is alleged that DuPage Medical Group did not uphold this responsibility to its patients and is negligent in the abuse of Jane Doe.
Repeated reports of Dr. Cannon seeing patients while under the influence were not investigated, nor was Dr. Cannon disciplined or adequately supervised while interacting with female patients given his known history. Research shows that alcohol contributes to approximately fifty percent of all sexual assaults.
Sexual Assault and Negligence in Healthcare
Doctor-patient relationships must be built on trust. It is the responsibility of not only the physician, but also the medical practice, to uphold that trust.
If you are a victim of sexual abuse or sexual assault and battery at the hands of your physician, you may be entitled to compensation related to the trauma, suffering, and emotional distress these situations often cause.
An experienced lawyer can help assess your case, educate you on your legal rights, and advise on next steps to bring justice to all parties responsible for your abuse.
Trusted Chicago Medical Malpractice and Sexual Abuse Lawyers
It’s common for sexual abuse survivors to wrestle with fear, feelings of guilt, anxiety, shame, and other emotions, and legal proceedings of this nature can be uncomfortable. Yet, many survivors have found that bringing those responsible to justice can help them confront and overcome their abuse.
Having represented dozens of sexual abuse victims, the lawyers at Hurley McKenna & Mertz will treat your case with the discretion, sensitivity and care you deserve, while ensuring that your abusers—and the institutions that enabled them—are held accountable.
If you, or someone you know, has been a victim of Dr. Cannon, DuPage Medical Group, or sexual misconduct at another medical practice, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your options.
