Total payments settling allegations against former UCLA gynecologist reaches nearly $700 million
UCLA has agreed to pay $374.4 million to settle a lawsuit filed by 312 plaintiffs who alleged sexual misconduct by former gynecologist James Heaps.
"UCLA failed here, and instead ignored predatory behavior because Dr. Heaps was economically valuable to UCLA Health," said attorney Jennifer McGrath. "They put dollars and cents over patients."
The settlement announced Tuesday is the latest the university has reached over allegations of sexual abuse by the former UCLA physician, who was accused of assaulting scores of women as he treated them. One settlement announced in February resolved lawsuits filed by 200 women for $243 million, while one approved by a federal judge in July of 2021 settled a different lawsuit brought by 5,500 women for $73 million.
"I am still tormented by the events that transpired," said Gabby, one of Heaps' former patients.
The total that UCLA has agreed to pay to settle allegations against Heaps is now more than $690 million, the most a public university has ever agreed to pay over sex abuse allegations. UCLA released a statement on the settlement saying:
The University of California has agreed to a $374.4 million settlement with 312 plaintiffs who filed suit in California state court. This agreement, combined with earlier settlements involving other plaintiffs, resolves the vast majority of the claims alleging sexual misconduct by James Heaps, a former UCLA Health physician.
The conduct alleged to have been committed by Heaps is reprehensible and contrary to our values. We are grateful to all those who came forward, and hope this settlement is one step toward providing some level of healing for the plaintiffs involved.
We are dedicated to providing the highest quality care that respects the dignity of every patient. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure our patients' well-being in order to maintain the public's confidence and trust.
To that end, UCLA Health and the Arthur Ashe Student Health & Wellness Center have taken substantial action to adopt and implement policies and procedures to prevent, detect and address sexual misconduct. UCLA convened a special committee in June 2019 to conduct an independent review of allegations of sexual misconduct against medical professionals. We are addressing the recommendations issued in the committee's report, which was released publicly in June 2020.
The University of California has also issued additional directives and guidance in furtherance of these objectives, and UCLA Health and the Ashe Center have taken actions to incorporate those directives, including:
- Updating and enhancing chaperone policies for sensitive exams and procedures, including the expanded use of chaperones in clinical settings and the rotation of chaperones between clinicians;
- Instituting rigorous pre-hiring and credentialing protocols;
- Developing an interdisciplinary team, including Title IX, to coordinate effective and timely responses to reports of sexual misconduct in the clinical setting;
- Expanding training for employees in order to recognize and report sexual violence and sexual harassment;
- and Strengthening patient feedback mechanisms.
The settlement will not impact UCLA's teaching, research and service, including patient care, student life and campus activities. It will be covered by the UC systemwide insurance and risk financing program. Any additional required resources will be provided by UCLA Health and campus operating revenue.
The University takes complaints of sexual misconduct very seriously. We renew our commitment to never tolerate sexual violence or harassment in any form, and to promptly address and take appropriate actions to ensure our patients are safe, protected and respected. Our first and highest obligation will always be to the communities we serve.
Heaps worked as a physician for nearly 30 years, treating both students and non-students. His patients started coming forward in 2019, filing lawsuits that opened a floodgate of accusations. Some of Heaps' accusers allege that he gave them false diagnoses in order to have them return to his office.
"Many of us have lived for many years with the false fear of a terminal cancer diagnosis from one of UCLA's top doctors and I have forever lost faith in our medical system," said alleged victim Ellen.
UCLA has also been accused of dragging its feet in investigating complaints against Heaps. A report released by the UC system found that UCLA repeatedly failed to properly investigate abuse allegations and also allowed Heaps to return to practice, even as an internal investigation was underway.
Heaps was taken into custody last year on a 21-count indictment charging him with sexually assaulting seven patients between 2011 and 2018.
"I am still tormented by the events that transpired," said Gabby, one of Heaps' former patients.
