In May 2024, authorities arrested Dr. John Hoefs after two female patients accused him of sexual assault during his tenure as a hepatologist at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Medical Center and his own Liver Specialty Center. The California Medical Board then suspended Dr. Hoefs’ medical license, and 15 women subsequently filed a civil suit for sexual abuse they suffered while seeking treatment from Dr. Hoefs. They named the doctor, the medical facilities, and Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian as defendants.
If Dr. Hoefs inappropriately touched you, instructed you to expose yourself unnecessarily, or committed any other form of sexual misconduct, you may also have grounds to file Dr. John Hoefs sexual abuse lawsuits. Whether you intend to actively pursue a claim now or simply want to understand your options, a sexual abuse attorney from Phillips Law Group can provide the information and legal support you need to proactively assert your rights.
Holding Medical Facilities Liable for Failing To Prevent Dr. Hoefs’ Abuse
Although authorities only criminally charged Dr. John Hoefs for sexual misconduct in 2024, the earliest currently known reports of his misconduct were first documented in 2006, and other victims of his earlier abuse may still need to come forward. In 2017, one female patient of Dr. Hoefs reported his misconduct, including allegations that he refused to allow female chaperones during exams and conducted breast examinations without gloves, directly to the California Medical Board, which failed to take any action whatsoever in response.
Other individuals filed further reports about Dr. Hoefs’ behavior with Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian and UCI Medical Center, including some reports that allegedly came from other physicians practicing within those facilities. Despite Hoag asserting that Dr. Hoefs was not their employee and only leased space from them for his independent practice, plaintiffs have already named Hoag as a defendant in at least one sexual abuse lawsuit filed against Dr. John Hoefs and may still hold the hospital liable for failing to protect patients from abuse.
What Damages Can a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Seek Compensation For?
Money alone cannot completely erase the pain and trauma resulting from unlawful sexual misconduct, and plaintiffs do not file suit against Dr. Hoefs and the medical facilities that enabled him in an effort to do so. Instead, individuals pursue claims of this nature to help mitigate specific financial, physical, and psychological harm resulting from Dr. Hoefs’ abuse, including:
- Medical care expenses incurred while treating injuries and psychological harm caused by Dr. Hoefs
- Lost work income and diminished long-term earning capacity
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional anguish
- Reduced enjoyment of life
Not every case will involve all these damages, but a conversation with a member of the Phillips Law Group can help clarify which losses a particular sexual abuse claim should address and explain how to pursue financial restitution.
Contact a Sexual Abuse Attorney About Filing Suit Against Dr. John Hoefs
Despite receiving numerous reports about his actions over the past two decades, various authorities still allowed Dr. John Hoefs to continue abusing patients in his care until law enforcement arrested him in mid-2024. If Dr. Hoefs sexually assaulted or abused you in any way, you deserve justice for the harm you suffered unjustly. While prosecutors continue pursuing criminal proceedings against Dr. Hoefs, you can also initiate a civil claim against him and the health care facilities where he practiced.
Phillips Law Group has decades of experience achieving favorable final outcomes from cases much like Dr. John Hoefs sexual abuse lawsuits. Call today for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your options with a member of our team.
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