Sauder Schelkopf is investigating lawsuits against UCLA on behalf of individuals who were victims of sexual misconduct by a former staff gynecologist. According to the Los Angeles Times, “UCLA Medical Center learned in 2014 that a breast cancer patient had made abuse allegations against gynecologist Dr. James Mason Heaps, but officials did not move to fire him until four years later, after more accusations came to light, university records obtained by The Times and interviews show. The patient said she told UCLA Health that she was ‘completely shocked and embarrassed’ by what she claimed were inappropriate sexual touching and comments during a medical consultation. She also filed a complaint with the California Medical Board.” According to UCLA, the doctor was employed at UCLA Health as an obstetrician-gynecologist from February 2014 to June 2018. From 1990 to January 31, 2014, the doctors’ private practice was independent from UCLA Health, but he had privileges at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, and from 1989 until 2018, he served on the Medical School faculty. It was further reported that a patient who alleged she was sexually abused by a “UCLA Health gynecologist was awarded $2.25 million in a settlement finalized [in June 2019] with the University of California regents, according to university records . . . . The patient’s accusation stemmed from a February 2018 appointment with Dr. James M. Heaps. Heaps was charged in early June with sexual battery and exploitation in connection with his treatment of two patients — including the woman whose claim was settled [in June 2019].” The doctor pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Experience Matters
Sauder Schelkopf has a nationally recognized litigation practice. Our former prosecutors have extensive experience representing victims of all ages. Sauder Schelkopf, and co-counsel, recently reached a $215 million settlement on behalf of female patients of Dr. George Tyndall, a gynecologist at the University of Southern California accused of sexual misconduct since the 1990s. We currently represent survivors of clergy sexual abuse in dioceses throughout the country. We have a class action lawsuit pending on behalf of males who were victims of sexual misconduct by Dr. Richard Strauss, the Ohio State team doctor, while they were students and student-athletes at Ohio State University.
We Want to Hear from You
If you believe you were the victim of sexual misconduct by the former staff gynecologist at UCLA’s health center, please contact the female sexual abuse attorneys at Sauder Schelkopf by confidentially submitting your information.