DR. FABIO ORTEGA SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS

Fighting Against Dr. Ortega and the Healthcare System that Allowed Sexual Abuse on Patients

Levy Konigsberg is reviewing sexual abuse claims from former patients who were sexually abused by Chicago-based gynecologist, Dr. Fabio Ortega.

Ortega, who has been employed with Swedish Covenant Hospital, NorthShore University Health System, and more, was arrested and charged with criminal sexual assault based on allegations of sexual abuse on a patient at his Skokie office that occurred in 2017.

Since then, over 300 women have stepped forward with stories of sexual abuse at the hands of this man who was, at the time, their trusted medical provider. At the time of abuse, these survivors were primarily Spanish-speaking, pregnant, Medicare recipients, those inexperienced in gynecological exams, and others who were potentially less aware of the abuse they were exposed to. 

Levy Konigsberg is known nationally for litigating sexual abuse claims against powerful institutions and has extensive experience fighting for survivors whom medical practitioners abuse and specifically, sexual abuse perpetrated by gynecologists.  If you have questions about a sexual abuse lawsuit involving Dr. Fabio Ortega, we want to help.

Dr. Ortega’s Sexual Abuse of Patients 

Dr. Ortega was an OB-GYN and his history of alleged sexual assault spans all the way back to the early 1990’s, beginning with his employment at Swedish Covenant Hospital.

Allegations against Ortega show a pattern of sexual abuse under the guise of routine or necessary medical care related to female sexual function and dysfunction.

Ortega would not only refuse to treat patients for conditions that they presented for in his office and falsify records, but would engage in sexually inappropriate behaviors that included:

• Calling and/or visiting patients outside of the office
• Encouraging appointments without cause
• Conducting pelvic examinations without cause
• Asking unnecessary questions related to the sexual activity of patients
• Conducting breast examinations including ‘fondling’ 
• Conducting vaginal examinations with attempted sexual stimulation
• Using fingers (often without gloves) to conduct breast, vaginal, and rectal examinations

During the period of time from 1989 until his arrest in 2018, he is believed to have abused hundreds of women, yet some of the details are even more disturbing when viewed in light of the fact that Swedish Covenant Hospital and NorthShore University Health System (now Endeavor Health) knew of allegations from patients at the time they occurred.

• In September 2018, Ortega was arrested and charged with sexual abuse of a single patient who was seen in his office in 2017. The arrest emboldened hundreds of additional women to step forward with their stories of sexual assault at the hands of this man who is alleged to have abused hundreds of patients, including minors, over a span of decades. 
• The investigation into Ortega is even more egregious when we consider the fact that NorthShore Hospital knew of said investigation and still allowed Ortega to practice unsupervised, contributing to the abuse of potentially even more patients.

Given Dr. Ortega’s 40 years of medical practice, there are likely many other victims who have yet to come forward.

Dr. Ortega Pleads Guilty and Survivors of His Sexual Abuse Seek Justice

• In 2021, Ortega was sentenced to three years of jail time after pleading guilty to aggravated criminal sexual abuse on two cases. His medical license has been revoked and he is no longer allowed to practice medicine. 

• However, while the criminal justice system has acted on behalf of victims and reached a verdict, and that verdict has been carried out, that does not mean that victims have no other recourse.  Over 300 women have already joined a lawsuit to hold Ortega and the health care facilities that continued to employ him legally responsible for the trauma they have endured. 

• These women allege that not only did they suffer at the hands of Ortega, but they also suffered from a health system that failed them, even as they continued to make complaints and even after the health system knew that Ortega was under investigation.

$453 Million is Being Paid to Survivors of Dr. Ortega’s Alleged Sexual Abuse

• In November 2024, Endeavor Health disclosed in a financial statement that it is spending $453 million to settle lawsuits from patients who alleged they were sexually abused by Dr. Ortega. While the financial statement released did not name the doctor, the relevant lawsuits involved Dr. Ortega.  In their lawsuits, the former patients have accused Ortega of sexual assault or abuse during routine gynecological appointments, contending he groped them, conducted unnecessary or inappropriate vaginal exams or asked inappropriate questions. In their lawsuits, some patients also contended that the hospital systems where Ortega worked failed to protect them from the abuse despite fielding complaints from other patients.

Do I Have a Case?

You may have grounds to file a civil legal action if:

• You were sexually abused by a doctor or medical staff.
• The abuse occurred at any medical facility.
• You were sexually exploited or abused by someone in a position of power within an organization meant to provide support and care.

Levy Konigsberg represents survivors in civil lawsuits that aim to hold medical facilities and other facility operators accountable for their failures to stop abusive staff members and protect patients.

As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:

• Your abuser is no longer alive.
• Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.

Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims

In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:

• Past medical and mental health expenses
• Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish and psychological harm
• Lost income
• Other economic and non-economic damages

Illinois Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Sexual abuse lawsuits, like other claims brought by plaintiffs who seek damages for injuries, are subject to a legal deadline known as the statute of limitations. When the statute of limitations expires, victims will not be able to file a claim or recover compensation.

Determining the statute of limitations in your claim can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse claims brought by victims who were abused as minors is generally as follows:

• Claims brought by survivors of childhood sexual abuse (abuse that occurred when the victim was under 18 years of age) may be commenced at any time for victims who were born on or after July 24, 1983.

Levy Konigsberg is a prominent law firm known for its expertise in representing victims of sexual abuse by doctors or healthcare workers. With a dedicated team of experienced attorneys, they have successfully handled numerous cases, ensuring that survivors receive the justice and compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse by a doctor or healthcare worker, Levy Konigsberg offers compassionate and professional legal support to help navigate this challenging time. Their commitment to holding perpetrators accountable makes them a trusted ally in the fight against medical misconduct.