EspañolKaiser Permanente Hospital Nurse Jacob Daniel Hartman Accused of Sexually Assaulting Unconscious Patient
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA (September 30, 2024) – A nurse at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Riverside identified as Jacob Daniel Hartman was arrested on sexual assault charges.
According to the Riverside Police Department, an adult female was admitted into the hospital in mid-January 2024. Jacob Hartman allegedly sexually assaulted her while she was being cared for.
The defendant was arrested on February 28th. He was booked in to the Robert Presley Detention Center on charges including sexual battery of an unconscious person.
The Riverside Police Department remains concerned that there may be other victims. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Sexual Assaults Involving Medical Professionals
Sexual abuse involving medical professionals is unfortunately quite common. According to the Journal of General Internal Medicine, “A 1998 study identified 567 U.S. physicians who were disciplined by state medical boards from 1981 through 1996 for sex-related offenses (including sexual intercourse, rape, sexual molestation, and sexual favors for drugs), 75% of which involved patients.” Hospitals should take a number of measures in order to protect patients from sexual abuse.
- Hospitals should conduct staff screenings and background checks.
- Hospitals should develop and enforce clear policies related to sexual abuse.
- Hospitals should work to understand the factors that contribute to sexual victimization and predation.
- Hospitals should provide chaperones to vulnerable patients.
Hospitals have a legal obligation to protect patients from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. This includes protecting them from sexual abuse at the hands of staff. If a patient can show that a doctor’s employer created a particular hazard or risk to patients, that employer can be held vicariously liable for the nurse’s actions. Most legal claims against hospitals for sexual abuse will be based on the legal theory that the assailant was negligently hired or retained. There are several elements that must be demonstrated in a negligent retention claim.
- The worker was unfit for their job or posed an unreasonable danger to clients.
- The worker’s employer knew or should have known about the danger that the worker posed.
- The unfit nature of the worker caused harm to the victim.
- The company’s negligent hiring or retention was a substantial factor in causing the harm.
Sexual assaults in a healthcare setting are often highly preventable. Indeed, by the time any hospital employee is arrested for sexual assault, there are likely many red flags that were missed. Any person who is sexually assaulted by a hospital employee may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A sexual abuse attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Riverside County Sexual Assaults Involving Medical Professionals
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were deeply concerned to hear about the allegations made against Kaiser Permanente nurse Jacob Hartman. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened. Any person that may have more information should reach out to the police.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused by an employee of Kaiser Permanente Hospital? You may have legal recourse. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys is here to help. We care deeply that abuse victims get the support and justice that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of help, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
