EspañolFernando Salazar, Santa Monica Physical Therapist, Accused of Sexually Assaulting Patient at Select Physical Therapy on Wilshire Boulevard
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA (July 25, 2025) – A Santa Monica physical therapist identified as Fernando Salazar was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a patient.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the sexual battery occurred at Select Physical Therapy on Wilshire Boulevard. Fernando Salazar was treating the victim for injuries when he allegedly sexually assaulted the patient.
The defendant was subsequently arrested on April 17. Detectives are working to determine if there could be more victims.
A full investigation into the allegations against Fernando Salazar remains ongoing.
Liability for Los Angeles County Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse remains an unfortunately common occurrence in medical professions. Much of the abuse that takes place goes unreported. According to the Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews, “It is estimated that only 5% to 10% of victims ever report sexual abuse by physicians. Evidence for this is limited and likely underreported. Providing patients with information about identifying sexual abuse and mechanisms to report it could equip them with the knowledge needed to protect themselves if a physician sexually abuses them or others.” Medical offices should take a number of measures to protect patients from abuse.
- Hire Carefully: Medical offices should be very careful with respect to who they hire. All potential applicants should undergo a thorough background check.
- Clear Boundaries: Medical offices should establish clear boundaries. This can include having a trained chaperone during sensitive examinations.
- Reporting Mechanisms: Medical offices should have clear reporting mechanisms for inappropriate behavior. Concerning behavior should be thoroughly investigated.
Physical therapy centers and hospitals have a legal duty to protect patients from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. This includes protecting patients from sexual abuse at the hands of employees. When a physical therapy center has actual or constructive notice that one of their employees poses a risk of harm to patients, they must take action. Allowing a dangerous employee to continue to have access to patients could form the basis of a negligent hiring claim. There are several elements that must be demonstrated in such a claim.
- The employer hired or retained the employee who caused harm to the patient.
- The employee was unfit or dangerous. For example, the employee may have had a known history of misconduct.
- The employer knew or should’ve known about the employees unfitness for their position.
- The employer failed to take reasonable action.
By the time any medical professional is arrested for sexual misconduct, there were likely numerous red flags that were missed. In many cases, there could be numerous victims. Perpetrators may also have been the subject of several complaints. It is important for victims of sexual abuse to understand that they do have legal rights. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim. A Los Angeles County sexual abuse attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case free of cost and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Los Angeles County Sexual Abuse Claims
We at the Carrillo Law Firm were deeply concerned to hear about the allegations against Fernando Salazar. Any person that may have more information should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened so that similar incidents can be prevented. More needs to be done to protect vulnerable patients from sexual predators.
Have you or someone that you care about been the victim of sexual abuse at Select Physical Therapy? You may have legal recourse. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that abusers are held fully accountable for their actions. Whether you have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
