How Do I Know If I Am a Victim in the Sexual Abuse Case at UCLA?

One way to know if you are a victim in the sexual abuse case at UCLA is that if you were a patient of Dr. Heaps during his tenure at UCLA, you may be a victim of sexual abuse and entitled to financial recovery. Dr. James Heaps had staff privileges at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) student medical center from 1988 to 2018. The former staff gynecologist worked part-time at the center from 1983 to 2010.

Often, a sexual abuser will make victims feel as though abusive or inappropriate behavior is acceptable. There are also many cases of sexual assault and abuse that are unreported, particularly if it involved a student and a prominent physician.

The best way to determine if you were a victim of sexual abuse is to talk to an attorney who understands these kinds of cases.

Charges Against Dr. James Heaps

According to CBS, Dr. Heaps was arrested on two counts of sexual battery and one count of sexual exploitation. He also faces countless civil lawsuits along with his former employer, UCLA. The university was aware of several complaints of alleged sexual abuse but allowed Dr. Heaps to continue seeing patients. As Heaps’ employer, UCLA was negligent in its failure to protect patients from harm.

Dr. Heaps has been accused of the following actions:

  • Performing medical exams with ungloved hands.
  • Groping and fondling patients’ breasts and buttocks.
  • Making sexual remarks during medical exams.
  • Conducting unnecessary pelvic exams.
  • Asking unnecessary questions about patients’ sexual relationships.

UCLA Is Responsible for Its Employee’s Misconduct

UCLA officials have been accused of the following actions:

  • Not taking immediate action to investigate sexual abuse allegations.
  • Allowing Dr. Heaps to continue examining patients despite complaints.
  • Not encouraging other sexual abuse victims to come forward.

Proving Liability in a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Seeking recovery in a sexual abuse lawsuit relies on proving liability. There are several conditions of liability:

  • Duty of care
  • Breaching of this duty
  • Causation of injuries
  • Damages

Both Dr. Heaps and UCLA did not uphold a duty of care to patients by allowing an alleged sexual abuser to treat female patients.

We Help You Seek Recovery in a UCLA Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

USA Today reports that dozens of women have come forward with complaints about alleged sexual abuse and assault by Dr. Heaps. Many have taken legal action. Given Dr. Heaps’ lengthy term of employment at UCLA, there may be hundreds or thousands of women who were sexually abused or assaulted.

If you were a patient at the UCLA student medical center during this time, you could be entitled to financial recovery.

  1. Miller & Associates, PLLC represents plaintiffs in sexual abuse, sexual assault, and sexual violence cases.

Financial Recovery in a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

We can help you recover damages which may include one or more of the following:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages and diminished earnings due to trauma
  • Therapy, counseling, and other medical treatment
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of consortium

Statute of Limitations

Most states have a statute of limitations for sexual abuse lawsuits. If you miss the deadline for seeking recovery, it is likely that your case will be dismissed. The legal team at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC can explain your legal options including the statute of limitations in your state.

Your Story Should Be Heard

Telling your story, especially if you have not told anyone before, can feel overwhelming. However, it is the first step in getting you the financial recovery you may deserve. You are also bringing additional awareness to the severity and extent of this alleged abuser’s actions. You deserve justice if you were a patient of Dr. James Heaps at the UCLA medical center and experienced sexual abuse, harassment, or assault.

Everything you say to your attorney is privileged information. A lawyer with D. Miller & Associates, PLLC is your safe and confidential legal advocate. We are with you every step of the way.

Our Legal Team Is Ready to Help

We invite you to call for a free, confidential case evaluation. If we take your case, we will ask you for permission to speak to the defendant’s lawyers on your behalf. You will also sign a release form that gives us permission to speak with your healthcare provider about how the alleged abuse affected your physical and emotional well-being.

Even if you are not sure if you know if you are a victim in the sexual abuse case at UCLA, please call D. Miller & Associates, PLLC: (713) 850-8600.