Gynecologist Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Financial Compensation for Victims of OB/GYN Sexual Assault

At Injury Lawyer Team, we help survivors file gynecologist sexual abuse lawsuits and fight to hold negligent doctors and powerful medical institutions accountable. Across the United States, women have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct during exams that were supposed to provide trusted medical care. 

Our doctor sexual abuse attorneys have years of experience handling these sensitive cases, and we are dedicated to helping victims seek justice, pursue compensation, and ensure that those accused of abusing patients face consequences in court. Contact us for a free consultation today!

Notable Sex Abuse Cases Involving Gynecologists

Over the past several decades, multiple high-profile gynecologist sex abuse cases have surfaced across the United States, exposing a disturbing pattern of misconduct within trusted medical institutions. 

These lawsuits highlight how hospitals, universities, and other medical facilities often failed to protect patients, allowing abuse to continue unchecked. Below are some of the most widely reported cases.

Dr. Barry Brock and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Dr. Barry Brock, a gynecologist affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other Los Angeles facilities, has been accused of sexually assaulting more than 35 patients. Allegations in these California sexual abuse lawsuits claim he subjected women to inappropriate touching, sexual comments, and unnecessary pelvic exams spanning four decades. 

Several medical institutions, including Cedars-Sinai and Beverly Hills OB-GYN, are accused of ignoring complaints, enabling the abuse. LA sexual abuse lawyers have filed lawsuits against Brock and the facilities, which are now moving through the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Dr. David Broadbent

Dr. David Broadbent, a former gynecologist in Utah, is facing lawsuits from more than 100 women who accuse him of sexual abuse across a career spanning over 40 years. Allegations include unnecessary pelvic exams, improper touching, and invasive procedures without explanation. 

Despite repeated complaints, employers like Intermountain Healthcare failed to act. In 2022, Broadbent was criminally charged with forcible sexual abuse, marking the first such charges against him. Nearly 100 women are now pursuing legal action.

Dr. Fabio Ortega and NorthShore University Health System

Dr. Fabio Ortega, a Chicago-based gynecologist, has been accused of abusing more than 300 women during his employment at Swedish Covenant Hospital and NorthShore University Health System. Allegations include conducting unnecessary pelvic, breast, and vaginal exams under the pretense of treatment, sometimes without gloves. 

He was arrested in 2018 and later pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault, receiving a three-year prison sentence. Hundreds of survivors have since stepped forward, and sexual abuse lawsuits in Illinois continue against Ortega and the institutions that allowed his abuse.

Dr. George Tyndall

George Tyndall, a gynecologist at the University of Southern California’s student health center, faced accusations of sexual abuse from hundreds of women. Survivors reported that he engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior and photographed patients without consent during exams. 

After years of complaints, Tyndall was arrested in 2019 and charged with multiple counts of sexual battery. In 2021, USC agreed to pay $1.1 billion in settlements to female patients who filed sexual abuse lawsuits in California, one of the largest payouts in university history.

Dr. James Heaps

James Heaps, a former UCLA gynecologist, was accused of sexually abusing more than 200 women over decades. Survivors in Los Angeles sexual abuse lawsuits stated he masked his behavior under the guise of medical professionalism while performing unnecessary breast and pelvic examinations. 

In 2022, Heaps was convicted of three counts of sexual battery and sexual penetration of an unconscious person. UCLA later reached a $243.6 million settlement with victims.

Dr. Robert Hadden

Former gynecologist Robert Hadden of Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital was accused by dozens of female patients of sexual abuse between 1993 and 2012. 

With the help of sexual abuse lawyers in NYC, more than 70 former patients have filed claims against Hadden, including Evelyn Yang, wife of former presidential candidate Andrew Yang. In December 2021, the hospitals agreed to a $71.5 million settlement, one of the largest settlements in New York sexual abuse lawsuits at the time.

Dr. Scott Lee

Dr. Scott Lee, a prison gynecologist, is facing lawsuits from incarcerated women who accuse him of sexual abuse during routine examinations. Allegations in California women’s prison sexual abuse lawsuits include that he used his position of authority to coerce female patients into sexual acts framed as necessary examinations. 

Survivors claim he performed unnecessary pelvic exams and engaged in sexually inappropriate conduct without consent, leaving victims traumatized and afraid to take action while in custody at the California Institution for Women (CIW) in Chino. 

What Constitutes Sexual Misconduct by an OB/GYN?

Sexual misconduct by a gynecologist occurs when a physician crosses professional boundaries, engages in inappropriate behavior, or uses medical examinations as a pretext for sexual contact.

Examples of sexual misconduct in gynecology may include:

• Performing unnecessary pelvic or breast exams without medical justification.
• Touching patients in a sexual manner or without consent.
• Making sexually suggestive comments during medical visits.
• Conducting exams without proper explanation, chaperone, or informed consent.
• Engaging in sexual relationships with patients, which violates medical ethics.
• Exploiting the doctor-patient relationship to commit acts of sexual abuse or assault.
• Ignoring or dismissing complaints from patients who report discomfort or misconduct.

These actions not only violate professional standards but can also rise to the level of sexual abuse or battery, or medical malpractice, depending on the circumstances. For many survivors, the abuse is compounded by the trusted role of a doctor, making it even more difficult to come forward.

Holding gynecologists accountable for misconduct is essential to protecting women’s health and ensuring that future patients are safe during exams and treatment. Survivors have the right to pursue justice through both civil lawsuits and criminal proceedings.

Who Is Legally Liable in Gynecologist Sexual Abuse Cases?

In gynecologist sexual abuse claims, the individual doctor is often the primary defendant, but liability rarely ends there. Several parties can be held legally responsible, including:

• The Doctor – A gynecologist accused of sexually abusing or assaulting patients can be sued for damages in civil court and may also face criminal charges.
• Hospitals and Medical Facilities – If a hospital or another medical facility ignored complaints, failed to investigate misconduct, or continued employing a doctor despite warning signs, it may share liability.
• Universities and Healthcare Systems – In cases involving student health centers or university-affiliated hospitals, institutions may be sued for negligence in hiring, supervision, and reporting.
• Professional Boards and Licensing Agencies – While not typically defendants in lawsuits, regulatory boards can face scrutiny for failing to act on prior allegations.

Legal claims may include sexual battery, civil negligence, or institutional misconduct, depending on the facts of the case. In some situations, survivors also pursue class action lawsuits when many women were abused by the same gynecologist over decades.

What Laws Govern Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Related to Gynecologists?

Gynecologist sexual abuse cases are shaped by both state and federal law. Survivors may pursue claims in civil court to recover damages, while prosecutors can bring criminal charges against doctors who engaged in sexual misconduct under the guise of medical care.

Each state defines sexual misconduct under its own statutes. Federal law can apply in certain circumstances, especially when misconduct happens in public institutions or prisons. Survivors may bring claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 if their constitutional rights were violated by a state-employed physician. 

How Long Do Victims of Gynecologist Sexual Abuse Have to Take Legal Action?

The time limits to file a lawsuit are governed by sexual abuse statutes of limitations, which vary widely by state. In many places, lawmakers have recently expanded or extended filing windows in response to widespread sexual abuse cases involving doctors, hospitals, and universities. 

As of January 1, 2024, California law completely removes the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving childhood sex abuse. Under AB 452 (2023), survivors can now file claims for damages at any time, regardless of their current age, as long as the abuse occurred on or after January 1, 2024. 

For cases filed by plaintiffs aged 40 or older, state law under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 340.1 still requires a certificate of merit, signed by both the plaintiff’s attorney and a licensed mental health professional, explaining that the claim has a valid basis.

As of January 1, 2014, Illinois removed the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving childhood sexual abuse. Survivors after that date can bring claims at any age, no matter how much time has passed since the abuse. Illinois has also eliminated the statute of limitations for felony criminal sexual assault and abuse of minors, allowing prosecutors to bring charges at any time.

Adult survivors generally have 2 years from the date of the assault to bring a civil lawsuit under Illinois Compiled Statutes § 13-202, unless another exception applies (for example, if the abuse was tied to medical malpractice).

New York has passed several laws in recent years to expand access to justice for survivors of sexual abuse. Under the Child Victims Act (2019), survivors can file civil lawsuits against abusers and institutions until they reach age 55. This law also created a temporary lookback window (2019–2021) that allowed previously expired claims to be filed.

Adult sexual abuse: Under CPLR § 213-c, adult survivors of sexual assault have 20 years from the date of the assault to file a civil claim for damages. For many felony sex crimes, New York allows prosecution for up to 20 years after the offense (N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law § 30.10), with longer timelines for cases involving minors.

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

Pursuing justice in gynecologist sexual abuse cases is never simple. Survivors often face unique challenges, including powerful hospitals and healthcare systems that deny responsibility, complex medical and legal questions about whether exams were necessary, and the emotional toll of reliving traumatic experiences. 

Institutions may also try to delay, minimize allegations, or use procedural defenses like statutes of limitations to avoid accountability. At Injury Lawyer Team, we understand these obstacles and provide the support survivors need to move forward. Our sexual abuse attorneys:

• Investigate allegations thoroughly — reviewing medical records, institutional policies, and prior complaints against the doctor.
• Hold institutions accountable — pursuing claims not just against abusive doctors, but also against hospitals, universities, and other institutins that enabled misconduct.
• Guide survivors through the legal process — explaining every step, protecting their privacy, and ensuring their voices are heard in court.
• Pursue maximum compensation — including damages for medical costs, emotional trauma, lost income, and punitive damages where available.
• Coordinate with experts — from medical specialists to trauma-informed mental health professionals, to strengthen each case.

We represent survivors on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you. We also offer a free, confidential consultation so you can share your story, understand your rights, and learn about your legal options without any financial risk. Contact us today!

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.