Dr. James Heaps, a former gynaecologist at the University of California, Los Angeles was indicted by a grand jury on 21 counts of sexual abuse felonies. Dr. Heaps was accused of sexually assaulting seven women. As per the copy of the indictment he was accused of several counts of fraudulent sexual battery, sexual exploitation of a patient and sexual penetration of an unconscious person by fraudulent representation. These incidents occurred between 2009 and 2018.
Dr. Heaps was free on bond, however, after the unsealing of the indictment, he was taken into custody on Monday 24th May 2012 on a $1.19 million bail. All this wrongful activities are counted in medical malpractise and needed very professional Lawyers to handle this types severe cases to get justice for victims and we are of them who had bring justice to victims in this medical malpractise.
From 1983 to 2018 when Dr. Heaps worked at the UCLA student health center and UCLA Medical Center, several patients accused him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct. The accusations included making sexually inappropriate comments, sexually touching the patients during a medical examination without wearing gloves and simulating intercourse with the patient roughly with an ultrasound probe.
In November, a $73 million settlement was agreed by the University of California system in a class-action lawsuit. The settlement covered more than 6,600 patients of Heaps who would be eligible to receive a payout, even if they had not come forward and accused him of any abuse. More than 100 former patients of Heaps have also filed individual lawsuits.
The attorneys handling the civil lawsuits against Heaps have stated that the latest indictment by the jury will allow for a maximum sentence of 91 years. Confirmation from the District Attorney’s Office on this is awaited.
Attorneys Darren Kavinoky and Jennifer McGrath strongly believe that the indictment will help strengthen their clients’ claims against Heaps and UCLA. They stated that UCLA took no steps to protect the patients after knowing that Dr.Heaps was a predator.
After the $73 million settlement was announced last year for the victims of Dr.Heaps, Governor Gavin Newsom had also approved a measure that allowed a one-year window for victims to file lawsuit and claims against Heaps and UCLA. All the survivors who are barred from filing a claim because of the existing statute of limitations can file a claim during the window period (the whole of 2021).
If the claim is filed before the end of 2021, the victims would be eligible to file a civil lawsuit against Dr. Heaps and UCLA Health, irrespective of how long ago the sexual abuse occurred.
Looking at the number of potential claims, it is recommended that the victims file their individual lawsuits as soon as possible. If you or your family member was sexually abused by Dr. James Heaps, filing a civil lawsuit to claim financial damages is the best way to obtain justice. Civil lawsuits are different from criminal suits. The result of Heaps’ criminal trial will not affect any of the civil lawsuits.
As a victim of sexual abuse filing a civil lawsuit against Dr. James Heaps and UCLA Health will help you potentially recover financial compensation for emotional and psychological trauma suffered, post-traumatic stress disorder etc.
To file a claim, contact us at 951.461.2387 for a free and confidential consultation. Whether you want to file a claim or need legal guidance, we at Khashan Law Firm are here for you. Our team of experienced and knowledgeable lawyers are ready to listen to you and provide you with the required support to help secure the justice you deserve.