DR. JOHN HOEFS SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS

Dr. Hoefs is accused of exploiting his trusted position as a physician to take advantage of vulnerable patients, some battling life-threatening conditions. Several patients allege he used medical exams as an excuse to inappropriately touch them, including claims that he removed their gowns to grope their breasts.

Dr. Hoefs was arrested and released on a $500,000 bond. His medical privileges were immediately suspended at three hospitals: Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, UCI Medical Center, and the Liver Specialty Center. He faces 20 felony charges: 17 counts of sexual battery by fraud and 3 counts of sexual battery. If convicted, he could receive a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Dr. John Hoefs’ History of Sexual Abuse

The allegations against Dr. John Hoefs span several years, with the earliest reported incident in 2006, according to a lawsuit. As investigations unfold, more victims may come forward. The District Attorney’s office is urging anyone with information or who believes they may have been a victim to contact law enforcement. Details about the allegations against Dr. Hoefs include:

• In 2017, a female patient reported to the California Medical Board that Dr. Hoefs had made her remove her top during exams in 2016 and 2017, and then fondled her breasts without wearing gloves. She also alleged that he refused to allow female staff members to be present as chaperones during the exams. Despite reporting this suspicious behavior to the Medical Board, no action was allegedly taken.
• In October 2022, Irvine police began investigating Dr. Hoefs after a female liver patient reported he touched her breasts at nearly every appointment over two years. He allegedly exposed her breasts during exams, moving her gown when she tried to cover up. She became uncomfortable and later learned from a social media forum for individuals with liver issues that the doctor’s actions were inappropriate. She also reported Dr. Hoefs’ actions to Hoag Hospital, according to the police.
• In May 2024, Dr. Hoefs was arrested for sexually assaulting two female patients at UCI and his Liver Specialty Center in Irvine. Following this, the California Medical Board temporarily suspended him, barring him from any contact—virtual or in-person—with former, current, or future patients.

Additionally, authorities have publicly asked for help in identifying more potential victims. As more women come forward, the case against Dr. Hoefs becomes even stronger.

• On August 26, 2024, fifteen women filed a lawsuit against Dr. John Hoefs, alleging he forced them to expose their breasts and often groped them under the guise of treatment. They also sued Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, the Liver Specialty Center, and the University of California Regents for negligence, emotional distress and other alleged violations. The suit alleges Hoag ignored multiple complaints dating back to 2017 and took no corrective action, allowing Hoefs to continue abusing vulnerable female 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

California 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 are not able to file claims or recover compensation.

Fortunately, California has recognized that the statute of limitations can act as a barrier to justice for sexual abuse survivors, which research has shown can take years or decades to come to terms with their abuse and the damages it had caused. As such, California passed the Child Victims Act in 2019 to extend the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse lawsuits.

Under the CA Child Victims Act

• Survivors sexually abused as minors can file claims until age 40 (22 years after turning 18)

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.