




In past California hospital abuse cases, many victims in class actions received only a fraction of what individual plaintiffs obtained. Understanding your options can make a life-changing difference. Our firm fights for justice, ensuring your voice is heard and that compensation reflects the true impact of your experience.
Every case is personal. Class actions group victims together into one claim, while individual lawsuits allow victims to pursue damages based on their own unique experiences and injuries. Our attorneys can guide you through both options to help you make an informed decision and pursue the strongest path to recovery.
Dr. Barry J. Brock: Class Action Lawsuits Explained
A class action lawsuit allows many people with similar claims to combine their cases into a single legal action against a common defendant. Instead of each person filing separately, the group - known as the “class”-shares representation and any compensation awarded is distributed among all members. This structure is often used when a company or institution allegedly causes harm to a large number of people in the same way.
However, class actions are not always the best solution for everyone. While they can provide efficiency and quick resolution, they also limit the ability to address each person’s individual harm. In cases like the Cedars-Sinai / Dr. Barry J. Brock matter, patients may have experienced different levels of trauma or injury. Those seeking personalized justice may benefit from pursuing an individual claim, where their specific circumstances and emotional impact can be fully considered by the court.
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Dr. Barry J. Brock, a former OB-GYN at Cedars-Sinai, faces allegations of sexually abusing patients over his decades-long career. Survivors are now turning to McGrath Kavinoky LLP, the renowned law firm known for holding predatory doctors and institutions accountable, including in the high-profile case against UCLA gynecologist Dr. James Heaps.
Jennifer McGrath and Darren Kavinoky bring unparalleled expertise in representing survivors, with a track record that includes a $375 million settlement for Heaps’ victims. Their compassionate approach and commitment to systemic change make them the go-to advocates for survivors seeking justice.
“No one should have to endure betrayal by a trusted doctor,” says McGrath. Survivors of Dr. Brock can rely on McGrath Kavinoky LLP for hope, empowerment, and justice.

Legal proceedings are actively underway. Lawsuits filed against Dr. Brock include claims of sexual assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The California Medical Board has filed a formal Accusation of negligence. New information is surfacing regularly as more patients come forward. Dr. Brock’s hospital privileges have been revoked, but the case is still in its early stages, with the potential for further legal consequences for all parties involved.
The University of California (UC) system has agreed to a record $700 million in settlements related to sexual abuse allegations against Dr. James Heaps, a former UCLA gynecologist. This marks the largest payout ever for sexual abuse cases involving a public university. The settlements address claims from hundreds of women, including a $374.4 million agreement for 312 former patients [represented by McGrath Kavinoky LLP] and earlier settlements totaling $317 million.
Dr. Heaps, affiliated with UCLA from 1983 to 2018, faces allegations of sexual abuse disguised as medical procedures. Victims include cancer patients and others who claim Heaps conducted inappropriate examinations and made lewd comments. Lawsuits allege UCLA ignored decades of complaints, prioritizing Heaps' status as a top-earning physician over patient safety. Despite an internal investigation in 2017 uncovering misconduct, Heaps was allowed to continue practicing until 2018. UCLA has since reported him to the California Medical Board.
The settlement eclipses payouts from Michigan State and the University of Michigan... Survivors emphasize the need for accountability and justice for institutional failures that allowed abuse to persist.



Jennifer McGrath was lead counsel in Jane Doe vs. The Regents of the University of California, et.al. She and Darren Kavinoky represented 312 brave women who are survivors of alleged sexual predator UCLA gynecologist Dr. James Heaps, which resulted in the largest sex abuse settlement of 2022. She is also well-known for representing Terry Bollea-- aka professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan-- against media giant Gawker.com for the site’s unauthorized release of a private video. She helped earn Bollea a $140 Million verdict— the second-largest invasion of privacy jury verdict in the United States at the time.


Darren Kavinoky is an award-winning lawyer with several dozen winning trial verdicts. He and Jennifer McGrath represented more than 300 women who alleged sexual abuse by Dr. James Heaps and UCLA. Darren has worked as a TV legal analyst for Entertainment Tonight and The Insider, and as a regular contributor to CNN and HLN. He was the co-creator and host of crime TV shows Deadly Sins and Did He Do It? on Investigation Discovery. Most importantly, his deep understanding of criminal law helps his sexual abuse clients should they wish to be involved in criminal proceedings. Darren’s vast media experience and relationships help ensure accountability both in court and in the court of public opinion.
A class action combines many similar claims into one case, with compensation divided among all participants in the group.
An individual lawsuit is filed by one person, allowing damages and outcomes to be based on their specific experience and injuries.
Typically, individual claims result in significantly higher settlements because they account for each victim’s unique harm and impact.
Companies favor class actions because they limit overall financial exposure and settle all related claims at once.
No. Victims can usually “opt out” of a class action before it’s finalized to pursue their own independent lawsuit. However, once it’s finalized, there’s no way to opt out.
You may receive much less compensation and lose the ability to pursue a personal case later for higher damages.
In past cases, average payouts were between $2,500 and $10,000, compared to over $1 million for private representation.
Patients of Dr. Barry J. Brock at Cedars-Sinai may qualify if they were treated or affected by his alleged misconduct.
Each patient’s trauma and treatment experience are different. Personal representation ensures your story, and compensation are unique to you.
Contact McGrath Kavinoky LLP for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your options at (310) 322-4444