Lawsuit Information Center
Our national sexual abuse lawyers are currently investigating claims of patient sexual abuse by Dr. Robert Altman, an OB/GYN in Modesto, California. Dr. Altman has recently been accused by the California Medical Board of sexual misconduct and abuse of female patients during examinations.
If you have been a victim of Dr. Robert Altman, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact us at 800-553-8082 or contact us online.
About Dr. Robert Altman
Dr. Robert J. Altman is an OB/GYN affiliated with the Women’s Health Center at Sutter Health in Modesto, California. He specializes in a wide range of obstetric and gynecological services, including high-risk pregnancy management, infertility treatments, minimally invasive surgeries, and care for hormonal and menopausal disorders. Dr. Altman is also noted for his focus on hereditary cancer prevention and adolescent gynecology.
Until recently, Dr. Altman enjoyed a long and fairly distinguished career practicing medicine in Modesto California. Dr. Altman has also been very successful. He is president and chief executive officer of Gould Medical Group. Through a long-term agreement with Sutter Gould, the physicians group has 400 members working in 34 specialties at 22 care centers in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties.
Medical Board Acusses Dr. Altman of Sexual Abuse of Patients
In August 2024, the California State Medical Board (which oversees the licensing of doctors and medical professionals) accused Dr. Altman of sexual misconduct and abuse of patients during medical examinations.
The Medical Board’s accusation describes Dr. Altman as a compassionate doctor who often expressed support through physical gestures like hugs, placing a hand on patients’ backs, and wiping their tears. However, some patients raised concerns to Sutter Gould administrators, feeling the touching was excessive, lacked medical necessity, and was inappropriate. The Medical Board classified some of these actions as sexual misconduct.
A Medical Board accusation details allegations from a patient, referred to as “Patient 1,” claiming that Dr. Altman inappropriately touched her during a December 2020 exam. The patient expressed discomfort with his physical gestures, including hugs and hand-holding, and reported feeling shocked by the vaginal exam. A medical assistant in the room was positioned in a way that prevented them from observing the incident. The patient later switched to another gynecologist, who encouraged her to report the alleged misconduct.
“Patient 2” in the Board accusation was described as having a longstanding relationship with Dr. Altman, who delivered her first child in 2003. While initially finding him “supportive and friendly,” she later felt uncomfortable due to what she described as “excessively familiar and physically intimate” behavior. This included prolonged hugs and nonmedical touching during checkups, particularly during her second pregnancy.
She recounted incidents of nonmedical touching, including back rubbing while wearing only a gown and a hug after a vaginal examination, which she found uncomfortable. Observers also reportedly noticed frequent physical contact when she was hospitalized for a surgical delivery. These incidents contributed to the patient feeling distressed and uncomfortable during her interactions with the doctor.
The Board investigation highlighted inappropriate conduct by Dr. Altman during a January 2017 exam with “Patient 2.” While examining a painful lump in her genital area, the doctor allegedly continued a prolonged internal examination despite the patient repeatedly indicating discomfort and saying “enough.” She eventually had to sit up and pull away to end the exam.
Doctor Sexual Abuse
Doctors may exploit their position of trust to commit acts of sexual abuse or misconduct. If you have experienced such harm from a doctor or healthcare professional, you have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit against both the individual and the employing institution. Our lawyers handle doctor sex abuse lawsuits across the country.
Civil claims are distinct from criminal charges; while criminal cases can result in imprisonment for the offender, civil lawsuits focus on securing financial compensation for the survivor’s emotional and physical trauma. Survivors deserve justice and accountability for their suffering.
Victims Can Get Financial Compensation
Victims of doctor-perpetrated sexual assault who win civil lawsuits may receive financial compensation for various damages:
- Emotional Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the mental anguish caused by the abuse, both past and future.
- Lost Wages/Income: Payment for income lost due to the inability to work following the trauma, including future earning potential.
- Medical and Therapy Costs: Reimbursement for past and anticipated expenses related to therapy and other mental health treatments essential for recovery.
These damages aim to help victims regain stability and address the lasting impact of the abuse.
Sex Abuse Lawsuits Against Dr. Robert Altman
It should be noted that Dr. Robert Altman has not yet been named as a defendant in any sexual abuse lawsuits. However, the allegations made by the Medical Board are very likely to prompt a growing number of Dr. Altman’s former victims to come forward. This will most likely result in lawsuits against Dr. Altman and against his medical practice and former employers.
Contact Us About a Sex Abuse Lawsuit Against Dr. Robert Altman
More and more former patients of Dr. Altman will likely come forward to report that they were victims and bring civil lawsuits. If you were a former patient of Dr. Altman and you were subjected to inappropriate sexual touching during his treatment, you may be able to bring your own sex abuse lawsuit and get financial compensation.
Call us today at 800-553-8082 or contact us online.