Orange County Anesthesiologist Accused of Molesting Patients

The Orange County Register has reported that an anesthesiologist suspected of sexually abusing two female patients during surgeries at Placentia-Linda Hospital was arrested  a month after he resigned from the hospital’s staff.  The doctor, Yashwant B. Giri, 58, is facing felony counts of sexual battery and penetration with a foreign object after being taken into custody as he drove away from his Cypress.  Citing official sources, the Register reported hospital employees apparently witnessed Giri sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl in February 2009 and a 36-year-old woman on March 18th of this year.  Investigators allege that he sexually abused the woman during a medical procedure and the girl after a surgery while she was still under the influence of anesthesia.

See the Register story and photo HERE.

According to the California Medical Board website, Giri has been in practice in California since 2004, with no history of discipline.  He received his medical degree from a school in India in 1977, and practices primarily in anesthesiology.  He is apparently not board certified in any medical specialty.  Other than the incident in 2009, it would appear that the hospital administration at Placentia-Linda had no reason to suspect the doctor was a sexual predator.  However, it remains to be seen what investigation was done into the allegations from 2009 and what steps, if any, were taken to protect female patients from being victimized.  Ordinarily, an employer is not liable for the sexual abuse committed by their employees, unless they knew or had reason to know of a propensity to commit such acts.  Assuming the hospital administration failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the victimization of female patients at the hands of Giri, Placentia-Linda may be held liable for the harm the doctor caused.  Obviously, Dr. Giri would be individually liable for his own acts of sexual abuse, if the allegations prove to be true.

Compensation for victims of sexual abuse and harassment committed by physicians should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a doctor engages in sexual abuse they should be held accountable, and their victims should be compensated.  An Orange County malpractice attorney with experience at handling sexual abuse cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has 20 years of experience handling personal injury and sexual misconduct cases, including just this type.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been a victim of sexual misconduct by a doctor?

• Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter.  A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.