Cedars-Sinai Lawsuits: Doctor Sexual Abuse
If you have experienced sexual abuse as a patient of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, you have legal rights and options to seek justice and accountability.
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Author: Kathryn Kosmides
Survivor Advocate
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is currently facing more than 35 civil lawsuits over doctor sexual abuse allegations against former gynecologist Dr. Barry J. Brock.
- Other cases of sexual harassment and abuse by doctors and staff at Cedars-Sinai have been reported over the last decade.
- If you have experienced sexual abuse while a patient at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, you have legal rights and options, including eligibility to file a Cedars-Sinai lawsuit over the harm you have suffered.
Cedars-Sinai Abuse Allegations: Overview & History
Cedars-Sinai is a nonprofit teaching hospital in Los Angeles, California, with over 2,000 physicians and 10,000 employees.
Cedars-Sinai is not only one of the largest hospitals in the United States but also one of the top-ranked hospitals in the nation. In addition, it is a research institute with some of the largest medical research programs in the nation.
While hundreds of thousands of individuals have received high-quality care at the hospital, others have faced medical and doctor sexual abuse by medical professionals employed at the medical institution.
Recently, 35 former patients of obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Barry J. Brock filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual abuse over several decades. The lawsuit also names Cedars-Sinai Medical Center as a defendant for allegedly covering up the abuse.
In December 2023, Gary Goulin, a former pediatrician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, was sentenced to seven and a half years in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material, or CSAM.
Dr. Anshul Gandhi, a contract physician at Cedars-Sinai, was arrested in January 2020 over allegations that he drugged and sexually assaulted a colleague. Three other women have since come forward alleging similar sexual assaults by Gandhi, and he currently faces several criminal charges related to the abuse. At least one of the women has filed a civil lawsuit as well.
Documented incidents of sexual abuse by Cedars-Sinai medical professionals include allegations of the following conduct:
- Sexual grooming
- Inappropriate sexual comments
- Unnecessary gynecological procedures
- Ungloved gynecological procedures
- Groping / inappropriate touching
- Sexual assault
If you have experienced any form of doctor or medical sexual abuse while a patient at Cedars-Sinai, even if the harm happened years ago, you have legal rights and options. We are here to help you understand those options so you can be informed and empowered to take the next step to seek help and healing.
- What is Doctor Sexual Assault?
- Doctor Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Filed Against Kaiser Permanente
- Utah Dr. David Broadbent Accused of Sexual Assault & Misconduct
- Dr. Edsel Sandoval Sexual Abuse Allegations
- Dr. William Thompson Sexual Abuse Allegations
- Dr. Tyler Hurst Sexual Abuse Allegations
- Major Michael Stockin Sexual Abuse Allegations
- New York Dr. Darius Paduch Accused of Sexual Assault & Misconduct
- New York Dr. Cheng Accused of Sexual Assault & Misconduct
- UCLA Gynecologist: Dr. James Heaps Convicted
- Dr. Hadden Lawsuit in New York
Cedars-Sinai Abuse: Lawsuits & Misconduct in the Media
Over the years, several doctors and other medical professionals at Cedars-Sinai have been accused of sexual misconduct. Some have faced criminal charges, and others have been accused in civil lawsuits, which also name Cedars-Sinai as a defendant. Many have since lost their medical licenses.
If you were harmed by one of the following or any other medical professional or staff member while a patient at Cedars-Sinai, you have legal rights and options. Contact us today. We can connect you with an experienced doctor sexual abuse attorney who can explain your options.
Dr. Barry Brock - December 2025 Updates
Dr. Barry Brock currently faces numerous lawsuits filed by former patients alleging sexual abuse and medical negligence. Brock was reported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center several times. He has also been reported to the Medical Board of California. He is under investigation but is currently allowed to practice medicine.
The sexual abuse allegations against Brock include unnecessary tests, inappropriate touching, and performing exams without gloves. He is also accused of sexual harassment involving inappropriate questions and suggestive comments.
One lawsuit also accuses Dr. Brock of performing post-childbirth “vaginal rejuvenation” procedures without consent.
If you were a patient of Brock and believe you have experienced sexual abuse by him, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible, particularly given the pending investigations and lawsuits.
Dr. Anshul Gandhi Charged with Sexual Battery of Four Women
In 2020, Dr. Gandhi was criminally charged with sexually abusing four women, including at least one female colleague. Gandhi had previously worked as an ER physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. One of the victims was reportedly a colleague at the hospital.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the California Medical Board did not revoke his license. Instead, he was prohibited from practicing medicine as a bail condition. However, the court lifted this restriction in November 2021, and Gandhi became eligible to practice medicine while awaiting trial.
He also faces at least one civil lawsuit for the abuse allegations.
Guillermo Fernando Diaz Investigated for Sexual Assault of Patients
In 2014, Guillermo Fernando Diaz, a nursing assistant employed by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, was accused of sexually abusing two female patients while they were sedated for medical procedures.
During the criminal investigation, it was discovered that Diaz had been reported over two prior sexual assault accusations. One allegation dated back 14 years. Another involved a co-worker who reported Diaz raped her a decade prior. Several individuals reported Diaz to the hospital and the police. At least one alleged victim claimed they did not take her complaint seriously and dismissed her allegations as dreams.
Cedars-Sinai has also been named as a defendant in several sexual harassment lawsuits filed by employees. It is also a defendant in the Dr. Brock lawsuits over its alleged role in the abuse. If you or someone you know has been harmed by any of the above individuals or any other staff member at Cedars-Sinai, you deserve to understand your legal rights.
Report Sexual Abuse at Devereux to Law Enforcement
Reporting abuse to law enforcement can be intimidating for abuse survivors, particularly when those connected to law enforcement or behavioral health have committed it.
Reporting may feel unsafe or overwhelming for those under 18 or still at a Devereux-run facility. A trusted individual outside the facility can provide support in understanding their rights and options. However, it’s crucial that they act only with the full knowledge and informed consent of the other person.
If the abuse occurred years ago, you still have the right to report it to law enforcement even if the applicable criminal statute of limitations has expired.
Filing a report initiates a criminal investigation. However, prosecutors’ ability to pursue charges will depend on factors such as the availability of evidence and the applicable statute of limitations. It’s important to note that individuals cannot file criminal charges—only prosecutors can bring charges. Although law enforcement might not be able to pursue charges, filing the report can create a valuable paper trail for you and others who may come forward.
Helping Survivors can guide you through the process of reporting abuse to law enforcement. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Rights and Options if Impacted by Cedars-Sinai Doctor Sexual Abuse
If you have experienced any form of sexual medical misconduct while a patient at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, you have rights and options. For instance, you can report the abuse and help prevent future harm to others.
Many survivors of medical or doctor sexual abuse may not recognize it as abuse when it happens. They may not speak about it to anyone for years. This happens for a variety of reasons, including not realizing a procedure was unnecessary or unnecessarily painful or not knowing that the doctor’s actions were medically unnecessary. Other victims are unaware of the abuse because they were sedated or under prescription drugs for a procedure.
Patients also have inherent trust in medical professionals to behave ethically and morally. However, over the last few years, dozens of doctors have been accused of severe and pervasive sexual abuse, including Dr. William Thompson, Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng, and Dr. Edsel Sandoval, among many others.
In general, patients have four options to report doctor sexual abuse:
- Report sexual abuse to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, including through the facility’s Office of Patient Advocacy
- Report to the Medical Board of California
- Report to law enforcement
- File a Cedars-Sinai sexual abuse lawsuit
Report Doctor Sexual Abuse to the Cedars-Sinai Office of Patient Advocacy
Patients who have experienced medical sexual misconduct by a doctor or other employee at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center can report the misconduct to the institution.
A report will trigger an internal investigation against the individual, potentially resulting in employment termination. You can file a report with the Cedars-Sinai Office of Patient Advocacy via email or phone.
We recommend filing a report in writing and recording all conversations to protect your rights. We also recommend speaking with an experienced doctor sexual abuse attorney before filing a report. If you have already submitted a report, speak with a lawyer immediately.
An experienced attorney can protect your rights while ensuring your claims are taken seriously and properly investigated.
Report Cedars-Sinai Doctor Sexual Abuse to the California Medical Board
If you have experienced doctor sexual abuse at Cedars-Sinai, you can also file a report with the Medical Board of California. This will trigger an investigation, which could result in suspension or revocation of the doctor’s medical license.
You can file a complaint online or via mail. Ensure all communications with the licensing board are documented, and any phone calls or in-person meetings are recorded.
Unfortunately, a 2021 Los Angeles Times investigation found that at least 10 California doctors since 2013 successfully regained their medical licenses after losing them for sexual misconduct. This phenomenon has left many patients who reported doctors for sexual abuse to the California Medical Board upset and feeling betrayed.
Therefore, we also recommend speaking to an attorney experienced in doctor sexual abuse cases before filing a report with a medical licensing board. Even if you have already reported to the California Medical Board, you should still speak with an experienced attorney. They can help ensure your rights are protected, and all legal requirements are met.
Report Cedars-Sinai Doctor Sexual Abuse to Law Enforcement
You can also file a police report to commence a criminal investigation against a perpetrator of medical sexual abuse. An investigation may result in criminal charges.
While an individual cannot press criminal charges against someone, filing a police report is the first step in a criminal investigation. The results will be shared with a prosecutor, who will determine whether to charge the perpetrator.
Every state has a criminal statute of limitations, which sets the deadline for bringing criminal charges. In California, the statute of limitations for sexual abuse crimes varies depending on circumstances such as the age of the victim, the nature and severity of the offense, and other factors. RAINN has created a helpful guide for individuals to understand the California criminal statute of limitations.
Even if you believe the criminal statute of limitations has expired, we recommend filing a report with law enforcement. Even if charges don’t result, it can create an important paper trail, which can be particularly valuable for other victims who might come forward.
If you have questions about the criminal reporting process, contact us, and we will provide answers.
File a Cedars-Sinai Doctor Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Many individuals impacted by doctor sexual abuse, including former patients of Dr. Brock, have filed sexual abuse lawsuits against perpetrators, the hospitals or medical institutions that employ them, and other responsible parties.
A doctor sexual abuse lawsuit enables individuals to seek monetary compensation for the harm that happened to them. Beyond financial compensation, individuals can also seek for policies to be changed or updated to help prevent future harm from occurring.
The recent lawsuits against Cedars-Sinai and Brock showcase the way this form of justice can help individuals seek accountability and healing beyond the criminal legal system.
In California, the civil statute of limitations, or the amount of time someone has to file a civil lawsuit after an incident occurs, depends on a variety of factors:
- If the assault occurred when you were an adult and took place on or after January 1, 2019, California law permits you to file a claim within 10 years from the incident or within three years of discovering that an injury resulted from an assault.
- If you were 18 or older at the time of the incident and the assault occurred before January 1, 2019, you have two years to file a lawsuit.
- If you were a child or the parent of an abused child, the civil statute of limitations varies. If the last incident occurred on or after January 1, 2024, there is no deadline to file a claim.
- If the childhood sexual abuse occurred before January 1, 2024, you must file your claim within five years of discovering the psychological injury caused by the abuse or by your 40th birthday, whichever occurs later.
The civil statute of limitations for filing a doctor sexual abuse lawsuit in California can be complex and confusing. Even if you believe the deadline has passed, contact us anyway. There are exceptions to the law that often enable victims to file suit.
Can I File a Lawsuit Against Cedars-Sinai for Doctor Sexual Abuse?
Yes.
In many cases, individuals who experienced doctor or medical sexual abuse as a patient at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center can file a sexual abuse lawsuit against the hospital.
While this may not be an option you have considered previously, it has recently become a key option for those impacted by doctor sexual abuse to seek justice, accountability, and healing.
A Cedairs-Sinai lawsuit for doctor sexual abuse may include claims of negligence for the hospital’s breach of its duty of care. It might also include claims based on the institution’s failure to report the abuse, protect patients, or respond to complaints.
You might be able to seek compensation in a Cedars-Sinai sexual abuse lawsuit for the following damages:
- Past and present medical and mental health expenses
- Future mental health expenses, including therapy, mental health medications, etc.
- Emotional anguish and psychological harm
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other economic and non-economic damages. including punitive damages
You might still be eligible to file a sexual abuse lawsuit against Cedars-Sinai Medical Center even if the individual is no longer employed there, has died, or did not face criminal charges.
We are here to listen and advocate for you.
Cedars-Sinai Lawsuit FAQs
We have helped many individuals impacted by doctor sexual abuse understand their rights, what filing a lawsuit entails, and the potential outcomes. Thus, we have compiled a list of questions individuals exploring a Cedars-Sinai lawsuit for sexual abuse may have.
If you contact us, we can answer specific questions and connect you with an experienced attorney who can provide a free consultation and represent you if you choose to move forward with no upfront costs.
How much does it cost to file a sexual abuse lawsuit against Cedars-Sinai?
An experienced law firm will take these types of cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for you. They receive a pre-agreed percentage of the settlement or judgment. You will pay no upfront costs for filing a Cedars-Sinai sexual abuse lawsuit.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for sexual abuse against Cedars-Sinai?
The California civil statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit.
Adults who were harmed on or after January 1, 2019, must file suit within 10 years of the incident date or three years after discovering the injury caused by the assault. If the harm occurred before January 1, 2019, adult victims generally have two years to file a lawsuit.
Minors sexually abused on or after January 1, 2024, have no deadline for filing a lawsuit. If childhood sexual abuse occurred before January 1, 2024, the lawsuit must be filed within five years of discovering the psychological injury caused by the abuse or by the victim’s 40th birthday, whichever occurs later.
You should still contact us even if you believe the deadline has passed. The law provides exemptions that enable individuals to file lawsuits after the standard deadline.
What are the potential outcomes of a sexual abuse lawsuit against Cedars-Sinai?
A civil lawsuit allows you to pursue monetary compensation for your damages via a settlement or court verdict.
Each case is unique, and the monetary compensation recoverable in a sexual abuse lawsuit will vary. The main factors include the severity and nature of the offense, the extent of the harm, the age of the impacted individual, the strength of the case, and how long ago the harm occurred. An experienced doctor sexual abuse attorney may be able to provide an estimate after understanding the specifics related to your case.
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