Civil Lawsuit Filed Against Avenal Community Health Center Based Upon Nurse Practitioner Sexual Misconduct
AVENAL, CA (PRWEB) September 09, 2014 -- The sexual abuse attorneys at ESTEY BOMBERGER have filed a negligence lawsuit on behalf of one of the alleged victims of Jeffrey Sabino, a registered nurse accused of sexually assaulting multiple patients while giving pelvic exams at Avenal Community Health Center in Avenal, CA. The lawsuit, Case No. 14-C0227, was filed September 8, 2014 in Kings County Superior Court.
The lawsuit, which names Avenal Community Health Center and Jeff Sabino as defendants, alleges that in October of 2012, the victim went to the Avenal Community Health Center due to pain in her stomach. According to the complaint, Sabino falsely informed the defendant that prior to performing an ultrasound, he needed to conduct a physical examination of her pelvic area. The lawsuit states that, without another staff member present, Sabino then gave the plaintiff an inappropriate pelvic examination.
The lawsuit includes a negligent supervision claim against Avenal Community Health Center, alleging that the clinic failed to properly supervise Sabino after having been made aware of prior complaints regarding Sabino.
Sabino remains jailed in Kings County, pending his criminal trial. He is facing 36 criminal counts, including charges of forcible penetration and sexual battery. If convicted, he could face more than 30 years to life in prison. According to police, Sabino assaulted at least four victims between 2010 and 2012 while working at Avenal Community Health Center. He also worked at offices in Stratford and Kettleman City.
“Our client and the other patients who were victims, put their trust in Avenal Community Health Center,” said Stephen Estey, who is representing one of the victims. “Once the center became aware of complaints regarding Sabino he should never have been allowed access to these women.”
The lawsuit seeks compensation for personal injury and severe emotional distress.
Investigators believe there may be other victims who have not yet come forward. In a September 2013 article in the Hanford Sentinel, Avenal police Chief Jack Amoroso said Sabino may have gone after young Hispanic women, thinking their credibility would be questioned if they reported him.
About ESTEY BOMBERGER
The law firm of Estey Bomberger has received national recognition for representing victims of sexual abuse and assault. They have obtained numerous record setting verdicts in this area of practice and have been named Trial Lawyer of the Year. For more information, visit esteybomberger.com.
Valerie Ashton, Estey Bomberger, http://www.esteybomberger.com, +1 800-925-0723, [email protected]
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