Dr. Scott Lee Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Compensation for Female Inmates Sexually Abused at the California Institution for Women

Incarcerated women often face an elevated risk of sexual abuse and assault. The power imbalance that exists in prisons among prison officials, medical professionals, and administrators can create a culture of abusive behavior where survivors are afraid to speak up. One particularly problematic women’s prison is the California Institution for Women (CIW). If you have been the victim of inappropriate behavior at this facility, you can pursue a Dr. Scott Lee sexual abuse claim.

There have been major lawsuits against a medical professional named Dr. Scott Lee at CIW. He served as the only prison gynecologist for multiple years, leveraging his position to abuse multiple women during physical exams and direct in-person contact. 

If you suffered at the hands of Dr. Scott Lee, a gynecologist sexual abuse lawsuit may be an option to seek compensation for legal damages. Injury Lawyer Team can guide you through the claims process if you have suffered sexual abuse at the California Institution for Women. 

Allegations of Rampant Sexual Abuse of Incarcerated Women by Gynecologist Dr. Scott Lee

At CIW, which is located in Chino, CA, six survivors filed a lawsuit against gynecologist Dr. Scott Lee, claiming he had been sexually abusing incarcerated women for years. Between 2016 and 2023, he was the only gynecologist employed by the prison. 

The six former inmates accused him of using his position to engage in sexual misconduct under the guise of medical care. His actions included making sexually inappropriate comments, inappropriately touching his patients, and performing invasive exams. 

The lawsuit from the California Coalition of Women Prisoners also claimed that other employees had ignored repeated complaints about his behavior, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation had failed to take action. 

Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team

Working with a top-rated sexual abuse law firm is key when pursuing justice against abusers like Dr. Scott Lee. At Injury Lawyer Team, our attorneys are recognized among the top 5% in the nation by Super Lawyers. We also maintain an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau. 

Sexual Abuse Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm

Our California sexual abuse law firm has recovered millions for victims of sexual abuse, assault, and violence. 

Here are some past settlements we have won. 

• $21,000,000 – Valeria was visiting a well-known Beverly Hills hotel when she was attacked by one of its employees. Attorneys discovered that the chain had failed to conduct critical background checks and had ignored past complaints about staff behavior. The substantial settlement reflected both the magnitude of her trauma and the hotel’s disregard for guest safety.
• $15,000,000 – In Santa Clara County, a private school allowed a longtime coach to groom and abuse multiple boys over several years. Despite clear warning signs, administrators chose to protect the school’s reputation instead of removing him. The settlement accounted for the number of victims and the school’s systemic negligence in failing to act.
• $6,500,000 – While on a cruise that departed from San Pedro, 16-year-old Daniela was raped by a crew member who had been left unsupervised around children. The case exposed how the company’s inadequate safety measures created opportunities for abuse. Her settlement was shaped by the long-term impact of the assault and the operator’s failure to protect its passengers.
• $3,000,000 – Gabriela sought care from her OB/GYN at a major San Francisco hospital, only to be repeatedly assaulted during exams. Evidence showed that hospital administrators had overlooked multiple red flags and allowed the physician to continue accessing patients. The settlement reflected both the lasting harm to Gabriela and the hospital’s responsibility for systemic oversight.
• $1,160,000 – Andre, a teen held at a Sacramento youth detention center, was assaulted by an officer during his stay. Records later revealed that the guard had a troubling disciplinary history. The recovery acknowledged both the abuse Andre suffered and the institution’s failure to provide basic protections.
• $1,000,000 – Twelve-year-old Jordan was attending an after-school program in Fresno when a supervisor sexually abused him. Parents later learned that the nonprofit running the program had no real training or safeguards in place for staff. The settlement acknowledged both Jordan’s suffering and the organization’s broader responsibility to the families.

Types of Sexual Violence Against Female Inmates in California State and Federal Correctional Institutions

Our firm has worked on various types of prison sexual abuse lawsuits with a 98% success rate. 

Here are some potential cases involving sexual abuse that you may face when incarcerated in a California institute:

• Sexual assault by prison officials and other staff
• Inappropriate treatment in medical facilities within the prison
• Abuse from other women prisoners enabled by staff negligence
• Sexual harassment during intake, strip searches, or pat-downs
• Abuse of power or coercion in exchange for basic needs or privileges
• Retaliation and cover-ups after reporting

What Are the Most Common Causes of Sexual Abuse in Women’s Detention Centers in California?

Incarcerated women are more likely to face abuse than many other groups for various reasons, including:

• A lack of oversight, allowing abusers to get away with their actions
• Inadequate training of staff who are uncertain how to respond to abuse allegations
• Understaffing, leading to unsupervised medical appointments or inmate interactions
• Corruption and cover-ups by prison leadership to protect abusers 
• Systemic retaliation against survivors who speak up

What Are the Most Common Injuries Female Inmates Sustain?

Dr. Scott Lee did tremendous damage to the physical and emotional well-being of numerous women. 

Here are some of the consequences suffered by the victims of Lee’s abuse and other survivors of sexual misconduct:

• Physical injuries – Broken bones, lacerations, sprains, strains, contusions.
• Reproductive health complications – Several of the six women who came forward about Dr. Scott Lee complained of extremely invasive vaginal and pelvic exams, including one pregnant patient. Some types of sexual abuse can cause infections, chronic pain, or pregnancy.
• Psychological trauma – The effects of abuse are often psychological, potentially leading to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, suicide ideation, or self-harm. 
• Difficulty reintegrating into society – Formerly incarcerated women who have been sexually abused may find it even more difficult to re-enter society.

What Damages Can Sexually Abused Female Inmates Recover in Dr. Scott Lee Sexual Abuse Claims?

Damages that can be recovered in sexual abuse lawsuits involving doctors include:

Economic Damages

• Lost income
• Diminished earning capacity
• Medical bills (therapy costs, rehabilitation expenses)
• Future medical costs

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

• Awarded in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct

What Is the Average Women’s Prison Sexual Abuse Payout in California?

In recent years, the average payout for sexual abuse lawsuit claims involving prisoners was roughly $2.5 million, with a range of $1 million to $5 million. The median settlement nationwide was $1.35 million.

Factors that will affect your payout include the severity of the abuse, the long-term impact, the availability of evidence, and insurance policy limits. 

Why You Need a Women’s Prison Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Winning a civil lawsuit for sex abuse is not an easy task. Here are some of the challenges you may face if you were abused by Dr. Scott Lee in the California Institution for Women or by other individuals in a California institution:

• Survivor intimidation
• Lack of transparency within the prison healthcare system
• Complex federal and state laws
• The need for specialized evidence

How Common Is Sexual Assault and Abuse in Facilities Run by the California Department of Corrections?

Sex abuse is a major problem in prisons across the country. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, roughly 9% of staff-on-inmate sexual victimization involves a medical professional or doctor. 

In California, there were 236 reports of non-consensual sexual acts in 2019, but only six of these were substantiated. Similarly, only five out of 168 reports of abusive sexual contact were substantiated that year. 

What Laws Govern Lawsuits Filed for Female Inmate Sexual Abuse in California?

Multiple laws may play a role in your civil lawsuit against the California prison system:

• Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2023 (PREA) – Standards for preventing, investigating, and responding to abuse allegations in prisons.
• 42 U.S.C. §1983 – Survivors of abuse can sue state actors for violating their constitutional rights.
• Article I, § 17 of the California Constitution – No cruel or unusual punishment is allowed, which includes the failure to prevent abuse.
• California Civil Code § 52.1 (Bane Act) – A civil lawsuit is possible if constitutional rights are violated through threats or coercion.
• California Penal Code § 2635–2639 – Sexual acts with an inmate are prohibited regardless of consent. 

How Long Do Sexually Abused Female Prisoners Have to File a Civil Lawsuit in California?

Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 340.16 grants sex abuse survivors ten years from the abuse or three years from the discovery of injuries to file lawsuits. 

Minor victims have until the age of 40 or five years after discovering the abuse to pursue legal action (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 340.1).

Who Is Legally Liable for Sexual Abuse in Women’s Correctional Facilities?

Just like the six women who came forward about Dr. Scott Lee, there may be multiple defendants involved in a sex abuse claim. 

Here are some potentially liable parties that may be responsible for your legal damages:

• Correctional officers and staff members
• Healthcare professionals
• Supervisors and wardens
• California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)
• Federal Bureau of Prisons
• Private prison contractors

Common Defenses in Sex Abuse Cases Involving Prisons

Defendants, lawyers, and insurance companies will do whatever it takes to minimize payouts to survivors. Here are some common defenses you may encounter during your claim:

• The plaintiff consented to the act
• The statute of limitations has passed
• The plaintiff is not credible
• There is no evidence of wrongdoing

At Injury Lawyer Team, we will gather evidence to counter these arguments, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, medical records, expert testimony, and numerous complaints from other inmates. 

How to Strengthen Your Women’s Correctional Facility Sexual Abuse Case in California

Building a strong case begins the moment the abuse occurs. Here are the steps you should follow to prioritize your health and legal options:

• Report the abuse to administrators when it is safe to do so
• Seek immediate medical care for your injuries
• Preserve physical evidence, such as clothing or tools used by the abuser
• Gather evidence from the scene, such as witness statements
• Consult our expert attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team to discuss your legal options

How a California Women’s Prison Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help

If you have been the victim of sex abuse or domestic violence in a women’s prison, our law firm can make all the difference in securing compensation.

Our legal services include:

• Investigating the incident
• Assessing your legal damages
• Gathering evidence
• Negotiating with insurers
• Litigating in civil court if necessary

FAQs

How much does a women’s prison sexual abuse attorney cost in California?

At Injury Lawyer Team, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you owe nothing unless we win. Whether you were abused by prison gynecologist Dr. Lee or another member of the staff, there are no upfront costs for our services. 

Who can file a women’s prison sexual abuse claim?

Adult survivors of abuse can pursue legal action against the perpetrators or negligent parties. If someone is allegedly sexually abusing a minor, a legal representative or guardian can file a claim on the child’s behalf. 

Can I file a lawsuit if I never filed a formal complaint at the facility?

Yes, you can pursue compensation regardless of whether you filed a formal complaint at the time of the incident. 

Can I file a lawsuit if the person who abused me was never criminally charged?

Criminal proceedings and civil lawsuits are separate processes, so you can recover compensation regardless of the status of a criminal trial. 

Are there any protections for survivors who face retaliation for reporting?

Yes. Survivors who file claims are protected under the PREA, California’s Bane Act, and federal civil rights laws. 

Book a Free, Confidential Consultation

Injury Lawyer Team is ready to represent you if you have suffered abuse at the hands of Dr. Scott Lee in the California Institution for Women or by any other prison staff member. You should never be punished for reporting abuse, and we can make sure the abuser and the prison entity are held accountable.

With our contingency fee agreement and a free confidential consultation, there are no upfront costs for our legal services. Contact us today at 866-757-6452 to schedule your free consultation. 

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.