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The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) reached a controversial $73 million settlement agreement with plaintiffs who had accused a former university gynecologist of sexual abuse. As part of the class-action lawsuit, more than 6,600 former patients of Dr. James heaps could receive part of the settlement. The settlement is now awaiting final approval by a judge. The proposed settlement will not fully compensate women who were severely affected. You must act now to make sure you get proper justice against UCLA and Dr. Heaps.
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs alleged that UCLA Health failed to properly manage complaints of sexual abuse against Heaps, an obstetrician-gynecologist who worked at UCLA Health from 2014 to 2018. Prior to that, he worked part-time from 1990 to January 31, 2014, in his private practice with privileges at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
The investigation into Heaps for sexual misconduct was triggered in December 2017 by a complaint from patients who received care at the UCLA health office in 2017 and 2018. The college also reported Heaps to the Medical Board of California and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) and law enforcement. While the investigation was proceeding, Dr. Heaps was allowed to continue seeing patients.
In June 2018, UCLA officials informed Dr. Heaps that his employment was being terminated. He chose to announce he was retiring instead. About a year later, on May 22, 2019, Dr. Heaps was charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office with two counts of sexual battery. He initially pleaded not guilty to both charges.
More than 200 women contacted UCLA after Dr. Heaps was arrested to report their experience of sexual misconduct and abuse during medical exams with Dr. Heaps.
We Can Help You Fight for Justice!
The Carrillo Law Firm is a sexual abuse law firm representing individuals seriously injured due to the negligence of others. The legal team has a long history of fighting for victims of crime, especially survivors of sexual abuse, through lawsuits in the civil justice system. Our trial lawyers are dedicated to getting anyone who has been victimized by Dr. Heaps the justice they deserve.
Contact Our Sex Abuse Attorneys Now!
If you have been victimized yourself, know anyone who has been a victim, or have more information about Dr. Heaps, we encourage you to call the Los Angeles sexual abuse attorneys at The Carrillo Law Firm at 626-799-9375. Although no amount of money will undo the harm caused, it can bring a sense of justice and closure for victims. You must act now to ensure you object to the class action settlement and fight for real justice against UCLA and Dr. Heaps.
