Dr. John Hoefs Sexual Abuse Allegations

In Orange County, Dr. John Hoefs sexual abuse allegations have sparked outrage after multiple patients reported sexual abuse during medical treatment. 

A longtime physician connected to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Dr. Hoefs, now faces criminal charges following complaints from female patients. According to the Irvine Police Department, he was taken into custody after accusations of misconduct during medical treatment.

At Injury Lawyer Team, we know how devastating it is when a doctor, trusted with a patient’s health and well-being, betrays that trust. Our doctor sexual abuse law firm stands with survivors who have been victimized in medical settings. 

We are committed to helping victims pursue justice through every legal avenue, holding both individual offenders and institutions accountable.

Female Patients’ Allegations for Sexual Abuse During Medical Exams

According to prosecutors, Dr. John Carl Hoefs, a 79-year-old liver specialist in Irvine, is accused of abusing his position with female patients. 

The charges include multiple counts of sexual battery and sexual battery by fraud, alleging that Hoefs inappropriately touched patients’ breasts and other parts of their bodies under the pretense of medical necessity during medical exams.

Investigators with the Orange County District Attorney said these incidents occurred at Hoefs’s office and a medical center affiliated with Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. Prosecutors also expressed concern about additional potential victims who may not yet have come forward.

Court documents confirm Hoefs was arrested and later released on a $500,000 bond. Authorities emphasized the seriousness of the sexual abuse allegations and the breach of trust involved. 

Female survivors said it has taken significant time to process what happened, and many continue to struggle with trauma.

Investigation by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has urged any additional potential victims to contact Detective Rebecca Steen. 

Survivors or witnesses with additional information are encouraged to reach out to California sexual abuse lawyers, as investigators believe more female patients were affected.

Authorities said Hoefs, then a 79-year-old doctor specializing in liver disease, used his role to gain access to vulnerable women seeking medical care. By presenting treatment as medically necessary, he allegedly concealed sexual abuse. 

This misuse of trust has heightened concern in the Orange County District about how oversight is handled in private practices and hospital-affiliated offices. The Irvine Police also continue to seek tips and cooperation from the public.

Legal Options for Survivors

Survivors of misconduct by a doctor like Dr. John Carl Hoefs are not limited to the criminal case. They also have the right to pursue civil lawsuits. 

In California, claims for sexual battery can be brought under California Civil Code § 1708.5, which allows victims to hold the accused personally accountable. Prosecutors said the criminal charges already involve several counts of sexual battery and sexual battery by fraud, but civil lawsuits remain an additional avenue for justice.

Hospitals that permitted Hoefs to treat patients—such as Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian—could face liability for negligent supervision or failure to protect patients. These lawsuits also provide a pathway to justice for additional potential victims who have not yet come forward.

Victims are further protected under Marsy’s Law (California Constitution, Article I, § 28), which guarantees rights such as notice of hearings, the ability to be heard, and restitution. 

At the federal level, the Crime Victims’ Rights Act (18 U.S.C. § 3771) provides similar protections. This information allows survivors to make informed decisions about how best to move forward.

Legal Damages and Compensation Available to Survivors

Survivors of hospital sexual abuse can pursue civil damages for both immediate harm and lasting consequences.

• Compensatory damages may cover medical bills, therapy, and lost wages.
• Pain and suffering damages address emotional harm such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the loss of trust in medical professionals. Many women described the repeated touching of their breasts as especially traumatic.
• Punitive damages punish egregious misconduct and deter future abuse.

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

At Injury Lawyer Team, we understand the courage it takes to step forward after experiencing sexual abuse by a trusted doctor. Patients deserve to be treated with dignity and care, not exploited.

Our sexual abuse law firm offers confidential consultations, compassionate guidance, and strong legal representation. We help survivors recover compensation for medical care, therapy, and other expenses, while pursuing accountability against negligent institutions. 

Survivors should not face this alone. We are here to fight for justice and provide support every step of the way.