Medical professionals are given access to some of the most intimate parts of their patients’ lives. It’s hard to imagine these medical personnel taking advantage of that trust and closeness – and yet that’s precisely what Dr. Donald Gronbeck of Yellow Springs, Ohio is accused of doing.
Eight patients have accused Gronbeck of sexual abuse between 2013 and 2022. Members of the State Medical Board of Ohio determined that there was clear and convincing evidence of these claims and suspended his medical license. Subsequently, Gronbeck surrendered his license permanently on February 16, 2022.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office are now conducting a full-scale investigation into the allegations of sexual misconduct.
The sad truth is that sexual abuse can cause damage that lasts a lifetime. At Cooper Elliott, our experienced Ohio personal injury trial lawyers fight to seek justice for victims of sexual abuse and to prevent these types of assaults from happening to others in the future.
Sexual Abuse Accusations Against Ohio’s Dr. Gronbeck
Documents from the State Medical Board of Ohio outline a variety of sexual abuse allegations against Gronbeck – including instances of inappropriate sexual touching, having a sexual relationship with a patient, and using a private email account and messaging application to have sexually explicit conversations with another patient.
Investigators executed a search warrant at Gronbeck’s offices in January after the State Medical Board suspended Gronbeck’s medical license.
Gronbeck then surrendered his license on February 16, 2022.
As of March 9, 2022, the State Medical Board ordered Gronbeck’s license to be permanently revoked.
To further the investigation, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office has posted a link on its website to ask the community for information and tips about Gronbeck and his practices.
Gronbeck, who graduated from Antioch College in 2002, had also worked for sometime at Antioch College as its campus physician.
Antioch’s President Jane Fernandes released a statement in late January of 2022, stating:
“Antioch College unequivocally condemns sexual violence of any nature and we are working with local authorities to provide information and help ensure that a full accounting is made of any harms done as a result of Dr. Gronbeck’s work for the College … We will provide support in making a report in-person or on-line to the Greene County sheriff, if requested.”
The College also promised to scrutinize its policies and practices in light of the accusations.
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Sexual Abuse Cases in Ohio
Cases in which a person in a position of power is found to have sexually abused their students, patients, etc., are particularly disturbing.
And even though sexual abuse cases often end in criminal prosecutions, victims of sexual abuse in Ohio and throughout the U.S. may be able to take their abuser (or the institution that allowed the abuse to occur) to civil court, as well.
A personal injury lawsuit may be the only way these victims can get monetary compensation, or damages, for the harm they’ve suffered.
The amount of compensation a victim may receive can vary depending on the factors of the case but can often include damages for physical and emotional harm the victim has suffered.
When sexual abuse or another injury occurs in a place of business, school, hospital, etc., these institutions can also be held liable for the injury.
Proving a Sexual Abuse Case in Ohio Court
Sexual abuse cases that have already led to criminal prosecution have a good chance of success in civil court.
It is possible to file a sexual abuse claim in civil court and win with a team of experienced Ohio personal injury attorneys on your side.
It is important to note, though, that these types of lawsuits are subject to a statute of limitations – a time limit on the victim’s ability to file a lawsuit against their abuser.
In Ohio, child survivors of abuse have 12 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. For adults, the statute of limitations in Ohio is only 2 years in most instances.
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Contact Cooper Elliott if you are a victim of sexual abuse
Whether it involved a stranger or someone you know, the pain of sexual abuse runs deep. Our Ohio sexual abuse lawyers are dedicated to holding abusers accountable and helping our clients fight back. In fact, our work has changed institutional policies and procedures to better detect and prevent sexual abuse.
Contact us today to schedule your free evaluation with a member of our legal team.
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