Dr. Mark Mulholland Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Survivors of Abuse at Kadlec Clinic Deserve Justice

When patients walk into a doctor’s office, they bring trust, vulnerability, and the expectation of care. Recent allegations against former Kadlec Clinic OB/GYN Dr. Mark Mulholland in Richland, Washington, have shaken that trust and raised urgent questions about accountability in medicine.

For survivors, this betrayal of safety during intimate medical visits can feel overwhelming. Yet as we are learning every day, they are not alone. Civil sexual abuse lawsuits provide a powerful way for survivors to seek justice, hold institutions accountable, and begin the process of healing.

Your story is safe here. If you are a survivor of sexual abuse and are considering your legal options, contact File Abuse Lawsuit today for a free and confidential consultation. Call (209) 283-2205 to speak with an empathetic legal advocate.

Key Takeaways About Dr. Mulholland Abuse Claims

Allegations of sexual abuse have been raised against Dr. Mark Mulholland, a former OB/GYN at Kadlec Clinic in Richland, WA.
Survivors may file civil lawsuits to pursue compensation and accountability.
Civil cases are different from criminal charges, with a lower burden of proof and survivor-centered remedies.
Washington law allows extended time limits for survivors of sexual abuse to bring claims.
Institutions like Kadlec Clinic and affiliated Providence clinics where he worked may face liability if they failed to prevent or properly respond to abuse.
File Abuse Lawsuit provides confidential, compassionate legal guidance exclusively for sexual abuse survivors. Call (209) 283-2205 for a free consultation.

Survivor Accounts Reveal Disturbing Patterns of Abuse

According to NBC Right Now and pending lawsuits, multiple survivors have accused Dr. Mulholland of sexual misconduct during OB/GYN visits and medical procedures at Kadlec Clinic and affiliated clinics. The allegations describe inappropriate sexual behavior and exploitation of patient vulnerability.

For the Richland community, these reports are both heartbreaking and enraging. Survivors entrusted Dr. Mulholland with their health and safety. Instead, they now allege he used that trust for harm.

A Pattern of Abuse Disguised as Medical Care

Reports from former patients of Dr. Mark Mulholland describe a deeply troubling pattern of misconduct during medical appointments. What should have been safe, professional exams allegedly became situations of boundary violations, humiliation, and sexual abuse carried out under the pretense of medical care.

Survivors consistently describe experiences that went far beyond accepted standards of practice. Women recall pelvic and breast exams performed without proper explanation or consent, and in some cases, without gloves. Several survivors said procedures felt unnecessarily invasive, painful, or sexual in nature.

One survivor explained that during a post-surgical checkup, Dr. Mulholland suddenly inserted his entire hand into her vagina without warning. When she cried out in pain, he allegedly laughed. Others recall being forced into intrusive exams without medical justification, left feeling powerless and violated.

Survivors also reported inappropriate comments and behavior. Some were told they had “nice bodies” or were “perfect down there.” One woman described Mulholland winking at her and asking if she was single immediately after a pelvic exam, only ending the encounter when she mentioned her husband was waiting outside. Others say he ignored their explanations about their medical history, insisting on inaccurate assumptions such as pregnancy despite evidence to the contrary.

Common across these accounts are stories of being touched without gloves, having legs forcibly positioned, or being subjected to lingering eye contact, invasive personal questions, and physical contact that felt sexual rather than clinical.

Innocent Patients Unsure About What is Acceptable

For many, this was their very first experience with an OB-GYN. They trusted the authority of the doctor and assumed these procedures were standard care. Looking back, survivors now understand that what they endured was not legitimate medical practices, but acts of exploitation and abuse.

Taken together, these accounts reveal an unmistakable pattern: vulnerable patients placed their trust in a doctor who allegedly abused his power, while the institution around him failed to intervene.

While criminal investigations may proceed, many survivors are also turning to the civil justice system as a pathway to accountability.

Civil vs. Criminal Cases: What Survivors Should Know

Survivors often ask whether filing a civil lawsuit is the same as pressing criminal charges. The two processes are very different:

Criminal cases are brought by the state to punish an offender with jail or prison. Prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Civil lawsuits are filed by survivors themselves, seeking financial compensation and accountability. The burden of proof is lower: a “preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not).

Even if criminal charges are not filed, or if a jury does not convict, a civil lawsuit can still succeed. Civil courts provide survivors with a voice, allowing them to tell their story, demand accountability, and pursue compensation.

Why Survivors Are Filing Lawsuits

Civil sexual abuse lawsuits are not just about money. They serve several important purposes:

Accountability: Exposing wrongdoing and preventing further harm.
Institutional change: Encouraging reforms at hospitals and clinics to better protect patients.
Validation: Giving survivors the chance to be heard in a legal forum.
Support for healing: Providing financial resources for therapy, medical care, and recovery.

When multiple survivors come forward, the civil process can reveal systemic problems within an institution like Kadlec Clinic. This helps create safer systems for future patients.

Statutes of Limitations

Washington law has changed recently due to recognizing that abuse survivors may need time to recognize the abuse and the effect it has had on their lives before they are ready to take legal action. While the new laws are helpful, they could support survivors even more.

Childhood sexual abuse claims: Survivors can file a lawsuit up to three years after turning 18, or three years after discovering the abuse caused lasting harm (RCW 4.16.340).
Adult survivors: Civil lawsuits generally must be filed within three years of the abuse, but exceptions may apply to cases where the survivor didn’t discover the abuse or realize that it is connected to the issues they are facing (RCW 4.16.080).

These laws are complex, and exceptions exist. To fully understand how the laws apply to your unique situation, reach out to a compassionate medical abuse attorney at File Abuse Lawsuit as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

Laws Allow Survivors to Pursue Claims For Institutional Negligence

Kadlec Clinic and any other medical facility where Dr. Mulholland practiced may also be held accountable if they failed to protect patients. Civil claims can be brought not only against individual perpetrators but also against institutions that:

Ignored prior complaints
Did not properly monitor physicians
Allowed unsafe practices to continue
Prioritized reputation over patient safety

Numerous patients have alleged that they reported Dr. Mulholland’s behavior and actions to other medical professionals and administrators at the clinic. However, they were either assigned to a different doctor or their complaints were dismissed or ignored by officials. In fact, it now appears that this abuse has been going on for years, if not decades, and the institution knew about it yet did nothing to protect its patients.

Types of Compensation Survivors May Pursue

Civil lawsuits can provide financial recovery that supports future healing and stability. Abuse survivors have the right to request legal damages, which may include:

Medical expenses: Costs of treatment related to the abuse.
Therapy and counseling: Long-term mental health support.
Lost income: Missed work or career setbacks caused by trauma.
Pain and suffering: Emotional distress, loss of quality of life, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Punitive damages: This form of compensation is only awarded by the court in cases of extreme misconduct, since they are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter future abuse.

These damages can not only help survivors rebuild their lives, but also send a clear message to medical institutions that ignore abuse complaints… negligence has consequences.

How We Can Protect Your Privacy in a Civil Lawsuit

Many survivors worry about their identity being disclosed in court. Civil sexual abuse lawsuits can often be filed under a pseudonym such as “Jane Doe.” Courts may also enter protective orders to limit the disclosure of personal information to the media or outside the courtroom. This provides a way to hold perpetrators accountable without forcing survivors to reveal every detail of their identity publicly.

Other abuse survivors want to share their identity and story in a public arena to empower other survivors to come forward with their situations and to seek justice from those who perpetrated the abuse or allowed it to happen. Our compassionate team of legal professionals will respect your wishes and work to achieve your goals regardless of which route you choose.

Gathering Evidence in Civil Sexual Abuse Cases

To bring a medical abuse claim, we will need to gather evidence that may include:

Medical records from the clinic or hospital
Witness testimony from staff or other patients
Prior complaints or disciplinary records against the doctor
Digital evidence such as text messages, emails, or patient notes
Expert testimony explaining how abuse occurs in medical settings

You do not need to gather this evidence yourself. Our attorneys are experienced in sexual abuse litigation, and we know how to investigate thoroughly and respectfully.

Sexual Abuse in Medical Settings: A Broader Issue

Unfortunately, the allegations against Dr. Mulholland are not uncommon. In fact, we are seeing many reports of medical sexual abuse that are part of a larger pattern nationwide.

A study found that over 1,000 physicians in the U.S. faced disciplinary action for sexual misconduct in a single decade.
In Washington, the Department of Health has documented disciplinary actions across multiple healthcare professions.
Studies have shown that sexual violence is vastly underreported, and many survivors wait years before feeling ready to come forward.

These statistics highlight the importance of strong civil accountability when criminal processes may fall short. Regardless of whether Dr. Mulholland faces criminal charges, as an abuse survivor, you may have the right to bring legal action to recover compensation for the harm and losses you have personally suffered.

Why Choose File Abuse Lawsuit to Fight For You

File Abuse Lawsuit exists for one purpose: to advocate for survivors of sexual abuse. Unlike general personal injury firms, our sole focus is civil sexual abuse litigation. That means every resource, every attorney, and every case strategy is designed to benefit abuse survivors.

Survivors who contact File Abuse Lawsuit can expect:

Confidential, compassionate consultations
Exclusive focus and experience in sexual abuse cases
Nationwide reach, with knowledge of both federal and state-specific laws
Trial-ready representation when a fair settlement is not possible
Respect and validation at every stage

Seeking justice can be a vital step in your healing journey. Learn how the team at File Abuse Lawsuit can help you pursue a civil claim against abusers and negligent institutions.

Call (209) 283-2205 today for a free, confidential consultation with an empathetic advocate. Your story is safe here.

FAQs: Dr. Mark Mulholland Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Can I file a lawsuit even if the abuse happened many years ago?

Possibly. Washington law provides extended deadlines for childhood sexual abuse and may allow exceptions for adult survivors who only later recognized the harm. Consulting an attorney will clarify how the statute of limitations applies to your case.

Will I have to face the doctor in court?

Not necessarily. Many cases resolve before trial. If a trial is needed, we provide survivors with strong support and preparation to make the process as safe as possible.

How long does a civil sexual abuse lawsuit take?

Litigation timelines vary. Some cases resolve within months through settlement, while others may take longer if they go to trial. Your attorney will provide updates and guidance at every step.

How much does it cost to hire the File Abuse Lawsuit team?

At File Abuse Lawsuit, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

At File Abuse Lawsuit, We Fight For Medical Abuse Survivors

The growing allegations against Dr. Mark Mulholland highlight the urgent need for accountability in medical settings. Survivors deserve justice, support, and the chance to rebuild their lives.

File Abuse Lawsuit is here exclusively for survivors of sexual abuse. We provide the legal strength and compassionate advocacy necessary to hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable.

If you are a survivor of medical abuse at Kadlec Clinic or anywhere in Washington, you are not alone. Call (209) 283-2205 or fill out our online contact form today for a free, confidential consultation.