Dr. John Carl Hoefs: How Patients Can Seek Help
If you were touched, groped, or experienced any other form of inappropriate conduct by Dr. John Carl Hoefs, you have legal rights and options. We’re here to help.
"*" indicates required fields
Author: Kathryn Kosmides
Survivor Advocate
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Hoefs was arrested on May 3, 2024, and currently faces seven criminal charges for allegedly sexually abusing his patients, including exposing and groping their breasts.
- The criminal investigation is ongoing. The Orange County District Attorney believes Dr. Hoefs may have victimized other patients and is encouraging them to speak to law enforcement as soon as possible.
- Patients assaulted by Dr. Hoefs may also be entitled to file a civil lawsuit against him and the institutions he was affiliated with to seek compensation for their harm.
Dr. John Carl Hoefs: Sexual Abuse Allegations
Dr. John Carl Hoefs is a 79-year-old hepatologist, or liver specialist, who practiced in Irvine, California. He was arrested on May 3, 2024, and currently faces seven counts of sexual battery by fraud for groping two female patient’s breasts during medical exams.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office believes other patients may have been the victims of doctor sexual assault by Hoefs and encourages them to come forward. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison if convicted on all counts. However, more counts could be added if additional former patients come forward.
The two female patients who have come forward so far describe similar experiences. They both allege they were dressed in medical gowns during medical exams when Hoefs exposed and fondled their breasts. One patient said this happened on five separate occasions beginning in 2020. The other patient said this occurred twice—in October 2016 and October 2017.
At the time of his arrest, Dr. Hoefs was leasing a space for his medical practice at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. He was previously affiliated with UCI Medical Center and the Liver Specialty Center in Irvine, California.
If you were a former patient of Dr. Hoefs and he exposed, touched, groped, or sexually assaulted you in any other way during a medical procedure, you have rights and options to seek justice, accountability, 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
Legal Rights and Options for Patients of Dr. John Carl Hoefs
Dr. Hoefs is a longtime medical practitioner, and it is unknown when he may have begun sexually abusing patients. While the two women who have come forward allege he exposed and groped their breasts during routine medical exams, it is also unknown what other sexually inappropriate acts Hoefs may have committed during his time as a doctor.
Doctor sexual assault can be hard to recognize and label in the moment, given most patients inherently trust medical professionals and lack the knowledge of what is medically necessary. If you only now realize that you were the victim of doctor sexual assault, you are not alone. You deserve help, healing, and justice. You have different rights and options to pursue justice depending on your wishes and the circumstances of your experience.
However, one major factor affecting your rights is the applicable statutes of limitations. These laws govern both criminal and civil cases and impose deadlines for filing lawsuits and criminal charges. Each state has its own statutes of limitations, which vary for criminal and civil cases.
Thus, speaking with an experienced doctor sexual abuse attorney as soon as possible is critical. Helping Survivors works with a network of law firms nationwide and can connect you with an experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate attorney today.
We are here to listen and advocate for you.
Report Dr. Hoefs to Law Enforcement
The Orange County District Attorney believes Dr. Hoefs may have sexually abused other patients. There is an active and ongoing criminal investigation, and new criminal charges may be added to the seven charges he is currently facing if others come forward.
In general, a police report must be filed in person at the local police station in the jurisdiction where the harm occurred. However, you may be able to reach out to the district attorney’s office and schedule a time to meet with them.
It can help to write down everything you remember before reporting to law enforcement, including the date, what happened in your own words, how it made you feel, any evidence, and any potential witnesses. You should also note if you told someone close to you following the incident. Consider taking someone with you for support when filing a police report.
Helping Survivors can also help. We can connect you with an experienced attorney before filing a report with law enforcement so you can better understand the process.
File Doctor Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Dr. John Carl Hoefs
If Dr. Hoefs has groped, fondled, inappropriately touched, or sexually abused you in any way, you may be eligible to file a civil lawsuit and seek monetary compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
Experiencing sexual abuse, especially at the hands of a doctor, can have a profound impact on individuals. From anxiety to depression and beyond, these impacts can cause a wide range of chronic health conditions and impacts on your daily life.
You may be able to file a civil lawsuit against Hoefs and others to help pay for medical bills, mental health support, lost work, and punitive damages to help prevent future harm from happening to others.
Over the last few years, we have seen hundreds of patients come forward to pursue justice by filing civil lawsuits against the doctors who assaulted them and the medical institutions those doctors worked for or were affiliated with. The alleged perpetrators include Dr. Alan Cheng, Dr. Edsel Sandoval, Dr. Tyler Hurst, and Dr. Hadden.
If you contact us today, we can help you understand your rights and options and connect you with an experienced doctor sexual abuse attorney. Every law firm we work with offers free consultations and will represent you on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to you, and they only get paid if and when you win.
Speak to an Experienced Doctor Sexual Assault Lawyer Today
A doctor sexual abuse attorney can help you understand the legal processes for both criminal and civil court proceedings. They can help you make an informed decision so you can take the next best step in your healing journey.
In California, the statute of limitations to file a civil lawsuit over doctor sexual assault is generally only two years. Thus, speaking with an attorney experienced with handling such cases is critical as they are the only ones who can truly evaluate your eligibility.
An experienced doctor sexual abuse attorney can do the following:
- Investigate and gather evidence of the assault
- Draft a complaint to the California Medical Board against Dr. Hoefs
- Report the incident to law enforcement if you have not yet been so
- File a sexual assault lawsuit against Dr. Hoefs and associates
- Handle all communications regarding the lawsuit
- Assist in the discovery and deposition process if necessary
- Negotiate with the opposition for a possible settlement
- File the claim under seal or anonymously as a “Jane Doe” or “John Doe” to protect your identity as allowed by law
- Represent you in all court appearances and advocate aggressively for your interests
If Dr. Hoefs has sexually abused you, you have rights and options. We can help you understand them.
We are here to listen and advocate for you.
Dr. John Carl Hoefs Lawsuit FAQs
Can I file a lawsuit against Dr. John Carl Hoefs?
If Dr. Hoefs has sexually assaulted you, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit and seek monetary compensation for the harm you have suffered. The only way to know if you are eligible is to speak with an experienced attorney. They can evaluate the facts and circumstances to understand if you have a legal claim.
Does it cost money to file a lawsuit against Dr. John Carl Hoefs?
The reputable law firms we work with provide free consultations and take doctor sexual abuse lawsuits on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs for pursuing a claim against Dr. Hoefs and associates, and the lawyer only gets paid if and when you recover compensation.
What are the potential outcomes of filing a lawsuit against Dr. John Carl Hoefs?
In a civil lawsuit against Dr. Hoefs, you might recover financial compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses. Additionally, a court may award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future misconduct. You must establish that the defendant acted with oppression, fraud, or malice to receive punitive damages. Sexual assault likely satisfies this standard.
An experienced lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you regarding the possible outcomes, including the potential settlement value.
Want To Speak With A Lawyer?
