California Doctor & Hospital Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Doctors and medical professionals are among the most highly trusted people in our communities. We rely on their judgment and services to help us heal and recover. Unfortunately, many doctors abuse this same position of trust to commit atrocious acts of sexual abuse and assault. 

Doctor sexual abuse can be an extremely devastating and confusing experience, and the liable parties need to be held accountable for their actions and conduct. Pursuing legal action can provide financial assistance for survivors of such abuse and can help expose patterns of violations.

At The Pride Law Firm, we understand the challenges and needs of sexual assault survivors. In particular, sexual assault that takes place in a hospital presents unique and challenging issues. If a healthcare professional assaulted you or a loved one, contact us at (619) 516-8166. We can set up a no-cost consultation with a California doctor sexual abuse lawyer at our firm to review your case in a fully confidential setting.

“Jessica Pride's law firm has done an amazing job. I truly appreciate her ambition, her intelligence, and her work ethic. Thank you for taking my case. You did the best job, and people around the world should know about what an amazing attorney you are. Thank you, Jessica Pride Attorney At Law.”

- Carolyn K. | Client

What Is Considered Sexual Abuse in a Hospital?

In many cases, survivors are unsure if what happened to them constitutes abuse. Often, sexual abuse is an extremely devastating and confusing experience. Liable parties might explain away their actions or conduct by stating they've done it before. But if you're ever uncertain, you can approach the authorities or a California doctor sexual abuse lawyer at any time.

Sexual assault in a hospital can happen in many ways and can take on various forms, including: 

• Inappropriate contact or touching during a medical examination.
• Forcing a patient to undress or expose body parts not needed for the procedure.
• Making unwelcome sexual comments or advances.
• Inquiring about the patient’s sexual history when not relevant to any medical purpose.
• Taking photos of a patient without their consent or for personal viewing.
• Withholding or failing to provide a medical gown.
• Requesting sexual favors in exchange for medical treatment, medication, or money.
• Overmedicating or sedating a patient to commit sexual misconduct.
• Improper hygiene, such as not wearing gloves during an exam.
• Committing any form of rape.
• Engaging in a sexual act with a patient who is unable to give valid consent (such as a minor, a person with an intellectual disability, or a sedated patient).

In many instances, initiating or pursuing a romantic relationship with a client can also constitute hospital sexual assault. If a doctor or medical professional wants to pursue a consensual romantic relationship with a patient, they must terminate the doctor-patient relationship beforehand.

This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, as we understand the nature of sexual assault makes navigating it quite confusing to survivors. If you are at all unsure about the appropriateness of what you have experienced in a hospital, you should alert authorities and contact a California doctor sexual misconduct lawyer for advice on your situation.

The Growing Concern of Sexual Assault in Hospitals

Sexual assault in hospitals is a serious and often underreported issue that continues to rise across the United States. In 2023, a report from The Joint Commission, a nonprofit focused on healthcare quality and safety, revealed a 77% increase in violent crimes in hospitals over the past two years. These incidents include assault, rape, sexual assault, and homicide, with sexual assault making up 43% of the total cases reported.

Breaking down these statistics further:

• 50% of incidents involved patient-on-patient assaults.
• 28% involved staff assaulting patients.‍
• 13% were assaults committed by patients against staff members.

One of the most disturbing findings from the report is that, for the first time, incidents of assault, rape, sexual assault, and homicide were among the top five patient safety events reported by hospitals in the past year.

The Surge in Sexual Misconduct Complaints Against California Doctors 

Sexual abuse by trusted medical professionals is a heartbreaking reality, and unfortunately, California is not exempt from this disturbing trend. 

While hospitals are meant to be places that care for their patients' health and well-being, some have violated that trust in the worst way possible. Over the years, there has been a troubling rise in reported cases where California doctors have been accused of sexual misconduct or abuse, leaving victims feeling betrayed, frightened, and often unsure of where to turn for help.

Since the fall of 2017, complaints against physicians for sexual abuse or inappropriate behavior have jumped by 62%. This rise in complaints mirrors a national trend, where more people are speaking out about abuse by doctors and other trusted professionals.

In the fiscal year that ended in June, the California Medical Board received 11,406 complaints against doctors, the highest number ever reported. Among these complaints, sexual misconduct was one of the fastest-growing categories. Between 2017 and 2018, there were 280 sexual misconduct complaints, compared to just 173 the year before. That number remained nearly the same in 2018-19, with 279 complaints filed.

In California, doctors must follow strict rules, and if they break those rules, they can lose their medical license. From mid-2017 to 2019, 23 doctors in California lost their licenses due to sexual misconduct.

The Real-Life Stories of California Doctor Sexual Abuse 

The rise in sexual abuse cases in California isn't just about numbers—there have been some high-profile cases that have grabbed national attention. Below are a few examples of the larger, systemic problem of sexual abuse in California’s medical community: 

• In 2023, Dr. Heaps, a longtime gynecologist at UCLA, was sentenced to 11 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing female patients between 2009 and 2018. 
• In 2024, 15 women filed a civil lawsuit against Dr. Hoefs, a 79-year-old physician in Irvine, CA, accusing him of sexually abusing them during medical exams.
• Dr. Tyndall, a former gynecologist at the University of Southern California, was accused of sexually abusing hundreds of women over nearly three decades. The allegations came to light in 2019, with victims claiming he inappropriately touched them during exams and made lewd comments.

What to Do After Sexual Abuse by a Doctor?

If you've been a victim of sexual assault in California, take these steps to make sure your report is handled effectively and respectfully:

• Prioritize your safety and seek immediate medical attention if needed.
• To protect potential evidence, avoid showering or changing clothes. Save all related communications from before and after the incident.
• Get a free forensic exam at a hospital. This can help preserve critical evidence, even if you do not report the assault immediately.
• When ready, report the incident to local law enforcement. California permits anonymous reporting, allowing you to preserve evidence without identifying yourself immediately.

What Are Your Rights in a Medical Environment?

You should expect professionalism when you visit a hospital or see a doctor for any examination, treatment, or procedure. It is your right to: 

• End the examination when you request it: If anything makes you feel uncomfortable, you can let the examiner know and ask them to stop.
• Request to have another person in the room: You may ask to have a nurse, friend, or relative present during a procedure.
• Demand your privacy: Patients should be provided with a private place to change clothes before and after a medical exam. The exam should also be in a private area or behind a curtain. 
• Ask for a medical professional of a specific gender: If you desire, you can ask to be seen by someone of a specific gender (though this can sometimes require selecting a new doctor, which might not always be possible in emergencies). 
• Undress to your comfort level: You should only need to undress the body parts under examination and keep the rest of your body dressed or covered. 
• Get answers to your questions: Your doctor or medical provider should be able to answer any questions, especially regarding why certain steps are being taken. 
• Seek information in your language: Doctors and examiners should try to provide information in the language you understand. You may request an interpreter or have a friend or family member interpret. Language manipulation is often a factor in cases involving immigrant sexual assault.

If you feel that any of these rights may have been violated, you may have a claim for doctor sexual assault. You should inform your healthcare provider and authorities and contact a California doctor sexual misconduct attorney to help determine what your next steps should be.

Trust and Confidentiality With a California Hospital Sexual Assault Lawyer: A Safe Space for Your Story 

If you have experienced sexual assault in a hospital, or anywhere for that matter, we understand how isolating it can feel. The process of legal action can stir up a lot of emotions as you recount what happened.

The Pride Law Firm is here to ensure that your conversations are completely confidential and that you can trust us every step of the way. In this video, Managing Partner Jessica Pride explains how confidentiality is at the heart of our approach, giving you a safe space to share your story without fear. Watch to learn how a California hospital sexual abuse lawyer can support you with privacy, respect, and compassion during this difficult time: 

What Kind of Damages Can a California Doctor Sexual Abuse Attorney Help Me Recover?

Filing a claim against a doctor for sexual harassment can help survivors on their journey to recovery. This could mean expenses or even emotional losses resulting from the incident. These can be a major financial burden for the survivor, but a damages award can help cover:

• Medical Bills: These can include therapy, counseling, medications, hospitalization, and future treatment costs.
• Lost Wages: Survivors may lose salaries, wages, benefits, and revenue while recovering from the incident. Damages from a lawsuit can also help with these.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation can help with physical and emotional injuries, including pain, emotional distress, trauma, and other conditions. 
• Punitive Damages: Some cases may provide additional compensation to punish abusive doctors or negligent medical organizations. 

There have been several significant settlements brought against perpetrators and institutions associated with sexual assault in the medical field. For example, following the arrest of gynecologist Dr. Heaps, UCLA paid nearly $700 million in lawsuit settlements to hundreds of victims. Similarly, USC agreed to pay $1.1 billion to the patients of gynecologist George Tyndall.

We know no amount of financial compensation can ever undo the damage and hurt caused by a doctor's assault. However, extra financial assistance can help survivors heal and improve their quality of life. 

The amount of damages available varies according to several factors. These factors include the extent of the person’s losses and the skill and experience of the attorney handling the case. Thus, selecting the right California hospital sexual abuse lawyer to handle your claim is important.

For most survivors, it isn't just about the money. It's accountability. Had one brave woman not come forward about USC gynecologist and predator George Tyndall, 700 others would not have felt empowered to do so. And that's why we do this. Because we know there's too often not just one victim.

Help our California doctor sexual abuse lawyer get justice for you and others. Reach out today by phone at (619) 516-8166 or online.

In What Medical Settings Can Sexual Assault Occur?

Sexual assault can happen in any type of medical setting. Assault may happen in:

• Hospital Institutions
• Outpatient Clinics
• Private Practices
• Nursing Homes
• Mental Health Facilities
• Prisons
• Rehab Centers

These are intended to be spaces where you heal and recover, not suffer further or face harm. When trust is broken in these environments, it can change your life forever and leave lasting emotional and physical scars. 

A California hospital sexual assault attorney will support you in speaking out against these institutions because when one survivor speaks up, it can spark a ripple effect, revealing hidden patterns of abuse and helping to protect others from experiencing the same trauma.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in a California Hospital Sexual Assault Lawsuit?

Sexual misconduct happens most frequently when patients are alone with their doctor. Abuse also occurs frequently when there is a heightened sense of authority and trust between the doctor and patient. 

The types of doctors most commonly accused of sexual assault or abuse include: 

• Obstetricians and Gynecologists: This type of abuse often occurs when perpetrators go beyond standard examination procedures.
• Psychiatrists: A large percentage of medical sexual abuse cases involve psychiatrists and psychiatric facilities. This is because psychiatric sessions often involve a patient and a doctor alone in a private setting. Patients with mental health issues are, therefore, especially vulnerable to sexual misconduct.
• Doctors Prescribing Medication: Physicians who prescribe addictive substances like opioids or staff in rehab clinics can often abuse their position. They can, for instance, exchange medications in return for sexual demands. 
• Nurses and Nurse Practitioners: Nurses and nurse practitioners have frequent, direct contact with patients and are often responsible for routine examinations and assisting with personal care.
• Hospital Technicians: Technicians, such as radiology technicians or laboratory technicians, may also be in a position to exploit patients. These professionals often perform tests, take medical images, or assist with diagnostics in private rooms or spaces, which can provide opportunities for misconduct.
• Medical Assistants and Other Support Staff: Medical assistants and hospital support staff may assist with examinations, check-ups, or even administrative duties. Although their interactions with patients might seem less invasive, there is still potential for abuse when patients are left vulnerable and alone in rooms or hallways.

Perpetrators of sexual harassment in a medical setting are typically males; however, female doctors can also abuse male patients, and abuse can happen across all types of gender interactions. 

The Pride Law Firm has extensive experience in litigating medical sexual assault cases, including claims involving a surgeon, a psychiatrist, and a man posing as a cosmetic surgeon. At our firm, we are passionate about seeking justice for our clients and protecting the health and safety of our communities. 

If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse or assault at the hands of any hospital staff member, reach out to The Pride Law Firm by calling (619) 516-8166 or filling out our quick online form for a confidential consultation discussing how a California doctor sexual misconduct lawyer can help you.

How Can a California Medical Sexual Assault Lawyer Help Me?

Doctor sexual assault claims can be complex and will contain highly sensitive issues and information. A lawyer handling such a claim must have extensive training and experience in providing support and guidance for a patient undergoing intense emotional and psychological distress. 

A qualified and experienced California hospital sexual assault lawyer can provide the following tasks and services for a survivor of assault: 

• Reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.
• Providing legal information and legal advice regarding the case.
• Offering emotional support and guidance for the survivor.
• Researching the relevant laws that apply to the case.
• Gathering all pertinent evidence and documentation for the claim.
• Formulating a strong trial strategy and legal approach.
• Negotiating for the maximum amount of financial compensation for the survivor.
• Holding the proper parties accountable for preventing future instances of abuse.

This last point is essential. Many survivors of doctor or medical sexual assault are hesitant to report abuse because of fear, embarrassment, and confusion. Pursuing legal action through a lawsuit can help uncover other instances of abuse and require medical institutions to improve their health and safety standards. 

For example, a lawsuit may require a hospital to perform more thorough background and licensing checks of doctors and may require them to make stronger efforts to remove offending doctors. Lawsuits are often a source of inspiration for new bills and legislation to reform sexual assault laws.

Working with a lawyer can potentially impact the outcome of your case. In fact, a Martindale-Nolo study found that more than 90% of people who had a lawyer on their side got a settlement or award, while only about half of those who handled their claims themselves had the same success.

What Evidence Will a California Hospital Sexual Abuse Attorney Collect for My Case? 

Proving sexual assault in a hospital can be difficult, especially when the evidence you need is often locked behind hospital walls. Gathering the right documentation and reports is crucial, but it’s also complicated, and some of this evidence may only be accessible by the hospital. 

A California hospital sexual assault attorney knows exactly how to find and collect the evidence that will build your case and give you the strongest chance at justice. Key evidence may include: 

• The perpetrator's employment records, such as background checks, credentials, and any relevant disciplinary actions.
• Incident reports, investigation findings, and police reports about the assault and any similar past incidents.
• Records of previous complaints or allegations against the perpetrator.
• Hospital policies and procedures related to hiring, handling allegations, and safeguarding patients.
• Medical records documenting injuries or treatments directly linked to the assault.
• Testimonies from witnesses who can support your claims.
• Surveillance footage that may have captured the assault.

New Laws to Protect Patients in California Hospitals

In February 2025, Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria (D-Merced) introduced two important bills aimed at improving patient safety in California hospitals and holding medical professionals accountable for sexual assault.

AB 848 will increase penalties for felony sexual battery by fraud when the crime occurs in a hospital setting. Offenders would face sentences of four to eight years and fines of up to $20,000, up from the current maximum of four years and $10,000.

AB 849 requires healthcare facilities to provide medical chaperones for sensitive procedures like ultrasounds and establishes new training standards for staff to ensure patient safety and protect against inappropriate behavior during exams.

Contact The Pride Law Firm: California Doctor Sexual Assault Attorneys

“I am privileged and honored to represent survivors of sexual assault, and I will not stop until I don’t have a job anymore.”

- Jessica Pride | Managing Partner

Doctor sexual assault is one of the most alarming and concerning types of violations. Doctors and medical professionals are among the most highly trusted people to work with; abuses of such trust and services can often lead to cyclical abuse patterns involving multiple patients, not just one. 

Legal action may be needed to uncover and expose such wrongdoings to protect survivors and prevent additional abuses. At The Pride Law Firm, our team is dedicated to helping survivors of doctor and medical sexual abuse recover and regain their power. We provide our strongest efforts and attention towards making our clients whole again.

Why Hire The Pride Law Firm

At The Pride Law Firm, we have over 100 years of combined experience in sexual assault litigation. We have helped hundreds of survivors regain their sense of peace and confidence. Our experience allows us to provide the highest quality legal services in a confidential, compassionate, and understanding atmosphere. 

If you or a loved one have been affected in any way by sexual assault, contact us at (619) 516-8166 to set up a no-cost, no-obligation consultation where we can privately discuss your legal options. Reaching out to us may be the most important step on your path toward justice. 

Proudly Representing California Residents