In August of 2009 the Swedish Medical Center staff received a shocking complaint. A patient at their Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Center – Cherry Hill reported that one of their physical therapists had inappropriately touched her breasts.

Upon further investigation they found out that Michael James Shannon, 38, was the alleged groper.

Shannon was placed on administrative leave shortly after the complaint. He was returned to duty after claiming he was examining the woman’s shoulder and did not touch her within several inches of her “privacy areas,” according to court documents.

A Pattern Arises

They thought that the matter had been settled until authorities say a second patient came forward two weeks later claiming an identical violation. That’s when the authorities were brought in.

“This time, there was no indication that Shannon should have been assessing that area of the patient’s body,” a Seattle detective noted in documents.

“Shannon’s supervisor did not find Shannon’s account credible and was concerned that ‘there may well be a pattern (of) patient abuse,” she added.

In the documents charging him, King County prosecutors say that he groped two patients and lied to each by telling them that his groping was part of their therapy.

Legal Wrangling

Following the allegations Shannon was immediately fired from Swedish Hospital as their legal team swung into action trying to salvage this mess.

Along with the Swedish Hospital and state investigations, the two women’s complaints prompted a Department of Health investigation. The DOH investigation has resulted in a preliminary injunction against Shannon. While he’s still allowed to work as a physical therapist, he’s barred from contact with female patients under the terms of the Department of Health order.

These kinds of allegations are very serious and can ruin an individual’s reputation and career, particularly when under the employment of perhaps the largest medical facility in the State of Washington. That’s probably what prompted Shannon on March 2 to request an administrative hearing be held by the Department of Health regarding matter. That hearing has not yet been scheduled.

Prosecutors, on the other hand, asked King County Superior Court Judge Sharon Armstrong to order that Shannon be barred from work as a physical therapist until the case against him is concluded.

Shannon is charged with two counts of indecent liberties. He has not been jailed in the case.

The Defendant Flees the Country

Embarrassing situations make people do the oddest of things.

According to court documents, apparently Shannon had left the country “with his wife for her job” prior to charges being filed or the Department of Health action.

The documents do not reveal what country they fled to and if Shannon has agreed to return for the state hearings and the DOH hearings regarding the matter.

“The defendant reported to the Department of Health that he is working as a physical therapist, but he refused to divulge where he is working,” Senior Deputy Prosecutor Carol Spoor told the court. “Thus, he continues to have access to patients, where he may continue his offense pattern.”

Medical Malpractice

A physical therapist is a medical practitioner that has the trust of his patients literally in their hands. Many patients are coming out of serious accidents, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, brain injuries, and amputation. Many times they turn to their physical therapist for inspiration and hope. The therapist helps them overcome their tribulations and celebrates their triumphs. Many times they form a very close bond. When that trust is broken it severely hampers or even sets back a patient’s recovery. It can cause them to do avoid therapy or attempt to do it on their own which can cause serious personal injuries.

If you or a loved one have found that you’re a victim of medical misconduct by a health care professional be it sexual or otherwise, it is imperative that you find experienced legal council to help you through this trying time. Call Phillips Webster for a consultation on your legal options.

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