UCLA officials agreed to pay $243 million for settling legal claims of sex abuse by around 200 women against a former gynecologist.
Former UCLA doctor accused of sexual abuse
The regents from the University of California, are settling the claims from a second lawsuit that is stemming from accusations against Dr. James Heaps, a former UCLA gynecologist. Dr. Heaps retired in 2018 after more than 30 years of service at the university. He is currently awaiting trial for 21 counts of sex abuse. He is maintaining his innocence by pleading not guilty. “(Heaps) adamantly maintains his innocence, and we are currently litigating the case in the court of appeal,” said Leonard Levine. Levine is Heaps’ criminal attorney.
Earlier in November 2020, UCLA agreed to pay $73 million for settling a class-action case over allegations against the gynecologist. However, hundreds of women did not accept it. This settlement was reached with the help of a private mediator following considerable litigation.
Here’s how the university is handling the situation
UCLA began investigating the doctor in 2017. However, he retired after the school did not agree to renew his contract. John C Manly, a lawyer of the plaintiff stated that the system reagents decided to resolve the claim instead of “unnecessarily inflicting further damage upon these survivors”. He believes that this should be a model for other universities and institutions facing such claims. “This historic settlement allows these brave women to achieve their litigation goals of accountability and compensation, paving the path for their continued healing,” stated Manly.
“The conduct alleged to have been committed by Heaps is reprehensible and contrary to the university’s values. We express our gratitude to the brave individuals who came forward, and hope this settlement is one step toward providing healing and closure for the plaintiffs involved,” stated the University. Additionally, UCLA also stated that it will be changing procedures for “preventing, identifying, investigating, and dealing with sexual misconduct”.
