( MENAFN - PR Newswire) HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Andreozzi + Foote, a leading law firm specializing in the representation of victims of institutional abuse, has filed a civil lawsuit in North Carolina Superior Court on behalf of a former patient.
The suit brings forth allegations against Erlanger Health, which operates hospitals and primary care practices in Tennessee and North Carolina, and Dr. Thomas V. Clayton, a physician formerly employed by Erlanger.
The lawsuit includes claims of sexual abuse, professional misconduct, and negligence. The complaint alleges that from December 2021 to September 2022, Dr. Clayton sexually abused the patient on multiple occasions during medical visits.
The complaint further states that Dr. Clayton manipulated the patient's medical treatment by prescribing medication in exchange for sexual favors, exploiting Howard's medical and personal vulnerabilities. The suit also asserts that Erlanger Health failed to uphold their duty to protect patients by ignoring or inadequately responding to known risks associated with Dr.
Clayton. The complaint alleges that Erlanger's negligent hiring, inadequate supervision, and failure to implement effective safeguards allowed the abuse to occur. "Healthcare providers have a duty to ensure that their patients are safe from harm," said Nathaniel L.
Foote of Andreozzi + Foote. "The actions alleged in this lawsuit represent a gross violation of that duty, as well as a failure by Erlanger to pr.