The University of California has settled more cases against one UCLA gynecologist, bringing the total payout amount to $700 million so far. This is a national record for the largest payout from a public university—although the University of Southern California, a private college, is paying $1 billion over thousands of lawsuits against their own gynecologist.
The UCLA gynecologist was accused of sexual abuse in his medical practice. Dr. James Heaps reportedly groped patients, conducted unnecessarily invasive exams and made sexually suggestive comments to his patients between 1983 and 2018. So far, seven women have come forward to accuse the doctor. He faces 21 felony counts for alleged sexual assault.
While this is a high-profile, high-settlement case, sexual abuse in medical settings happens every day. Read on for more information about your legal options, then call the Law Offices of Tim Misny today.
UCLA and other medical sexual abuse cases
Heaps practiced medicine at UCLA for 45 years. During that time, the victims allege, he took advantage of his position to sexually abuse women—and the university “ignored their complaints and deliberately concealed abuse that happened for decades during examinations at the UCLA student health center, the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center or in Heaps’ campus office.” While Heaps faces criminal charges, the lawsuits are against UCLA itself for their part in concealing the abuse.
Because criminal cases have a high burden of proof, filing a civil lawsuit can be a more effective way for victims to seek justice.
According to the same article, “Sex abuse by doctors on college campuses has led to massive settlements at Ohio State University, Johns Hopkins University and Columbia University.” These universities have paid hundreds of millions of dollars to sexual abuse victims. The University of Southern California, University of Michigan and Penn State University have also paid out hundreds of millions in sexual abuse cases in recent years. It is a sad and common problem.
What to do
If you have been sexually abused in a medical setting, getting legal assistance can help you hold the perpetrator responsible. The Law Offices of Tim Misny can explain your legal options. If you choose to pursue civil damages, a trusted lawyer can help you understand what to expect from the process.
While the district attorney’s office will determine whether to press criminal charges, you may have civil legal options. Call us today to set up a consultation, and we’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Consult with Ohio personal injury lawyers today
Have you suffered from sexual abuse in a medical setting? If your healthcare providers caused you harm, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me today at 877-614-9524 for a consultation. I’ll fight to get the compensation you deserve.
