Fact-Checked: Why Trust Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima There are few times in life we feel more vulnerable than when we need to seek medical care for our children. Parents put a high level of trust in physicians and medical teams to care for their child, but what happens when that trust is violated? This is a question we are asking after a former geneticist and dysmorphologist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Howard M. Saal, was charged with transporting and possessing child pornography.
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Ohio, a detective from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office working with the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force identified more than 153,000 images and 470 videos of child sexual abuse material from Saal’s electronic devices. While officials have stated they have not yet found evidence involving patients, these charges highlight the critical importance of a parent’s legal options in such a devastating situation.
An attorney can help guide parents of children who are in this situation through the legal process towards justice. An attorney can provide the following:
- Legal advice and representation
- Assistance in reporting the crime
- Pursue civil litigation for damages
- Ensure victim protection and privacy
- Coordinate with law enforcement and child protection services
This can help to take some stress off the parents so they can focus on helping mitigate the impact of this violation on their child.
Provide legal advice and representation
Legal counsel offers essential guidance to victims and their families. They explain legal rights and options, helping to better ensure informed decision-making. Representation in court and during legal proceedings is crucial for advocating on behalf of the victim.
Assist in reporting the crime
Lawyers help victims report the crime to appropriate authorities. They help to ensure that reports are thorough and accurate, which is vital for initiating investigations and legal actions against the perpetrator.
Pursue civil litigation for damages
In the case noted above, officials have noted that thus far they have not found evidence involving patients. Whether your child is the victim of such an act by a member of the medical profession or otherwise, victims may seek compensation for the harm suffered. Legal counsel can file civil lawsuits against the perpetrator and any liable parties, such as the hospital, to recover damages for emotional distress, medical expenses, and other losses.
Ensure victim protection and privacy
Legal counsel works to secure protective orders and ensure confidentiality throughout the legal process, minimizing further trauma. This can include securing protective orders on the family’s behalf.
Coordinate with law enforcement and child protection services
Effective coordination with law enforcement and child protection services is essential. Legal counsel facilitates communication and collaboration, helping investigations proceed and working to ensure the victim receives necessary support and protection.
Legal counsel provides support to victims of child pornography, especially when the perpetrator is a trusted physician. By offering legal advice, assisting in crime reporting, pursuing civil litigation, ensuring victim protection, and coordinating with authorities, lawyers play an important role in seeking justice and safeguarding the well-being of victims.