Oregon sexual assault

According to a report in The Oregonian paramedic Lannie Haszard worked as a paramedic for Portland based AMR, an ambulance company which has a contract with Multnomah County to provide emergency services. In this case, 29 year old Royshekka Herring was rushed to the hospital in December of 2007 for a gastrointestinal condition. While in the back of the ambulance, Haszard sexually assaulted her by sticking his hand down her pants twice. Herring was semi-conscious of what was happening, but was unable to move or speak. She now suffers from panic attacks, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and says that her life has dramatically changed after the incident.

She sued AMR and the paramedic and a jury awarded her $2.25 million in damages for pain and suffering, plus another $1 million because she was considered a vulnerable victim under Oregon law. Punitive damages are also likely against AMR as Haszard has a history of sexual abuse with the company – only some of which is now being uncovered.

A history of sexual abuse

Herring's attorney contacted 108 of the 600 women Haszard has transported in the past and 18 of those women say that he sexually harassed them, too. In fact, it's been an issue that AMR has had to deal with several times in the past. One woman complained to AMR that Haszard became sexually excited as she changed into a gown and two others complained that he groped them under their pants or on their breasts. Although the hospital investigated the complaints, no action was taken. Four other women have filed similar lawsuits against AMR and Haszard, who is now serving a five year prison sentence.

Nearly 130 ambulance attendants accused of sex-related crimes in 18 months

According to a study by the Associated Press and reported by several news agencies, Haszard's conduct isn't rare. In fact, 129 ambulance attendants across the nation have been accused of sex-related crimes in the past 18 months. According to an ABC news report, some of the more shocking cases of abuse include a Michigan paramedic who molested a 15 year old girl in the back of an ambulance, a Pennsylvania paramedic who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for providing alcohol and having sex with teenagers who were interested in careers as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and a Tennessee EMT who gave a woman an extra dose of morphine so that he could undress her in the back of an ambulance.

If you've been the victim of sexual abuse or molestation, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your situation and evaluate your options.