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West Hollywood Chiropractor David Mottahedeh Arrested For Sexual Assault

Los Angeles Police Department Seeking Additional Victims Following Arrest of West Hollywood Chiropractor David Mottahedeh

uber sexual assaultWEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA (August 31, 2022) – A chiropractor from West Hollywood identified as David Mottahedeh has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman at his office, according to ABC 7 News

Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies said that the arrest is in connection with a sexual assault that is alleged to have taken place on July 14. Based on the nature of the allegations, police officials believe that there may be other victims who were sexually assaulted by David Mottahedeh. 

The West Hollywood chiropractor was released on bail and is set to appear in court on September 15. Authorities are asking anyone that may have more information about what happened to reach out to the LASD Special Victims Bureau 877-710-5273.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time. 

Liability For West Hollywood Sexual Assaults By Medical Professionals

Sexual assaults by medical professionals are far more common than many people may realize. According to one study published in the Society of General Internal Medicine, “data from a 2011 study of disciplinary actions by medical licensing authorities […] from 2000 to 2009 showed an approximate rate of disciplinary actions for sexual misconduct of 25.1 per 10,000 physicians per 10 years.” Younger women were statistically most likely to become victims of physician sexual abuse. There are many different steps that can be taken to prevent sexual assaults in the medical setting.

  • All medical staff should go through a background check
  • Medical staff should always be properly supervised.
  • Female patients should typically not be left alone when they are examined. 
  • All reports of sexual misconduct should be thoroughly investigated.

Any assault with a medical professional can be especially traumatic. Medical doctors and chiropractors are people held in high esteem within their respective communities. These are people patients believe that they can trust. When a doctor sexually assaults a patient, their employer could potentially be held at fault. Many sexual assaults are the result of a doctor’s employer who engaged in the negligent hiring or supervision of their employees. If a patient can show that a doctor’s employer created a particular hazard or risk to patient’s, they can be held vicariously liable for the assailant’s actions. There are numerous elements that must be demonstrated in any negligent hiring claim against a doctor.

  • The doctor involved was not fit for the job they performed.
  • The doctor’s employer knew (or should have known) that they posed a risk to patients.
  • The unfit nature of the doctor caused harm to patients.
  • The employer’s negligent hiring, supervision or training was a substantial factor in causing a patient’s harm.

Sexual assault can be one of the most traumatic things that a person experiences. Victims of sexual assault are more likely to experience long term negative health outcomes such as post traumatic stress disorder. Any person that is sexually assaulted by a doctor may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, medical doctors will often fight extremely hard to deny any accusation of sexual assault. A sexual abuse attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are. 

Investigating West Hollywood Sexual Assaults By Medical Professionals

We at Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our thoughts and prayers to all of the people who may have been victims of West Hollywood chiropractor David Mottahedeh. Any additional victims not known by the LASD should strongly consider coming forward. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened and steps taken to prevent other instances of abuse. 

Have you or someone that you love been the victim of a sexual abuse by a medical professional? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of  experienced sexual abuse attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that victims of sexual abuse get the support and justice that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need help after a particular incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.

Author

MICHAEL S. CARRILLO, Partner

Michael works on high-profile cases that have garnered national media attention. His practice today focuses on child sexual abuse cases, police misconduct cases, catastrophic injuries and other wrongful death matters. He is a passionate advocate for his clients including the countless child sexual abuse victims he currently represents.