Understanding the Dr. Barry Brock Lawsuit & Your Rights as a Patient

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The current lawsuit against obstetrician-gynecologist Dr Barry J. Brock at Cedars‑Sinai is drawing national attention as more patients come forward, realizing they may have been a victim. It’s not a good feeling, but it’s crucial to take action.

Sexual abuse by medical professionals is highly underreported, with some estimating that only 5-10% of victims report the abuse. The Dr. Brock case has raised important questions about patient rights, medical oversight, and accountability. 

It is alleged in the legal Complaints filed that for decades, Dr. Brock engaged in sexual misconduct against hundreds of patients—all under the guise of professional, medical treatment. Now, hundreds of former patients have filed civil lawsuits against the doctor and the medical institutions that failed to protect them.

Here, we’ll give you a quick overview of the case, your rights in this situation, and how McGrath Kavinoky LLP can help patients explore the best legal options. 

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Background of the Allegations Against Dr Barry Brock

Dr Brock practiced obstetrics and gynecology for more than four decades at Cedars-Sinai and affiliated clinics. Former patients now allege that during that time, Dr Brock subjected them to inappropriate and non-consensual examinations. 

Patients were also exposed to unwarranted gynecological procedures, remarks, and/or touches that crossed the line of legitimate care. Some lawsuits state that the conduct occurred under the guise of routine exams or postpartum care. 

Since 2024 and into 2025, multiple lawsuits have been filed in the L.A. County Superior Court naming Dr. Brock and Cedars-Sinai as defendants. Many cases allege that medical institutions were informed of these complaints and delayed in taking action, allowing him to continue practicing. This raises serious questions about institutional liability, especially regarding the doctor’s conduct.

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Your Rights as a Patient Under California Law

It’s important to understand that as a patient, you have rights under California law that cannot be violated. Your California Patient’s Rights include:

Right to Safe and Competent Medical Care

Each patient is entitled to the care of a doctor who acts with reasonable skill, competency, and safety. Health-care institutions must protect patients from foreseeable harm, including harm caused by sexual abuse or misconduct during treatment. When that duty is breached, the patient may have a civil claim for negligence or intentional misconduct.

Right to Civil Redress for Sexual Misconduct

When a patient has been harmed by sexual misconduct in a medical setting, California law enables civil litigation. These claims can include the following:

• Sexual assault or battery
• Invasion of privacy
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress
• Institutional negligence

For example, if the hospital retains a doctor despite known risks, it could be liable for negligent retention or supervision.

Statute of Limitations and Recent “Look-Back” Provisions

With the passage of AB 250 in mid-October 2025, patients now have a more direct path to pursue civil claims. When it appears there may have been a cover-up, anyone who experienced sexual misconduct (regardless of when the abuse occurred) may have the ability to file a case. 

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AB 250, also called the Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault Act, is particularly applicable to the Dr. Barry J Brock and Cedars-Sinai case because institutional failures are among the core allegations.

The new rule gives survivors an extra window from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027. It can also apply to other claims, like wrongful termination or sexual harassment, that are linked to the assault.

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How McGrath Kavinoky LLP Is Working With Survivors

McGrath Kavinoky LLP is actively investigating claims against Dr Brock and Cedars-Sinai in California. The firm provides survivors of alleged medical sexual abuse with services that include:

• Confidential legal review of their care by a female attorney -- You will only speak with a woman when you call.
• Evaluation of institutional records
• Support through litigation
• A listening ear and a safe space

How can the firm help?

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What Happens If You Were a Patient of Dr Brock and Believe You Were Harmed?

Step One: Document Your Experience

Even if you are uncertain whether the treatment you received was appropriate, you should begin documenting your experience. Make a detailed written account of what occurred, when, where, and how it made you feel. Collect any medical records, insurance records, or correspondence from the clinic or hospital that you can find.   

Step Two: Seek Legal Evaluation

Contacting a female lawyer at McGrath Kavinoky LLP for a confidential consultation provides a safe, professional assessment of whether your case has legal merit under California law. The firm will review your records, discuss timelines, and advise on next steps.

Step Three: Investigation and Evidence Gathering

If you proceed, McGrath Kavinoky LLP will take care of everything: the Firm will obtain medical records, hospital credentialing, and patient complaint files. We have already been hard at work reviewing how the facility responded to complaints about Dr. Brock, interviewing relevant witnesses , and building a case foundation.

Step Four: Pursuing Claims and Seeking Accountability

Based on your circumstances, your lawyer may file a civil suit alleging sexual abuse or sexual battery against Dr Brock and negligent hiring, retention, or supervision against Cedars-Sinai or its affiliates. 

These claims may provide compensation for past medical costs, therapy, emotional distress, and other damages, and, as in other cases we have handled, will prompt institutional reform to protect future patients. This means what happened to you will never happen to someone else.

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Why Institutional Liability Matters in the Brock Case

The problem doesn’t just stem from the doctor. The hospital (which, as alleged in the Complaints, ignored inappropriate behaviors) is putting additional people in harm’s way. While individual misconduct by Dr. Brock is the focus of many lawsuits, the institution's role is equally central under California law. This is why institutional liability matters.

Hospitals have an independent duty to monitor physicians, act on credible complaints, and ensure patient safety. When they ignore warning signs, allow misconduct to persist, or conceal reports, they risk civil liability for negligent supervision or retention. They have a duty to protect you.

The lawsuits in the Brock case allege that Cedars-Sinai enabled Dr. Brock by failing to investigate complaints, failing to restrict his practice, and prioritizing reputation over patient safety. It really raises questions about whether some healthcare institutions are doing enough to keep patients safe.

What Survivors Should Know About Compensation and Outcomes

Survivors of alleged sexual abuse in a medical setting may be eligible for several types of damages under California law, including:

• Economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages
• Non-economic damages such as emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages in cases where institutional conduct is especially egregious

Importantly, the outcome of any case depends on the specific facts, including:

• The extent of harm
• How long the misconduct has occurred
• How the institution responded
• Whether the available evidence supports the claims

Experienced legal counsel, like McGrath Kavinoky LLP, can help assess these factors, quantify potential damages, and pursue those rights.

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What’s Next?

The allegations against Dr Barry J. Brock and the questions surrounding Cedars-Sinai’s institutional oversight mark a pivotal moment for patient safety in California. For many survivors, this case has reopened painful memories, raised long-unanswered questions, and revealed that what they experienced may not have been acceptable medical care. 

With California’s updated laws, including AB 250, many former patients now have a renewed opportunity. If you were a patient of Dr. Brock and believe something about your care felt wrong, you are not alone. Your concerns are valid, and you have rights under California law that protect your safety, dignity, and ability to pursue civil remedies. 

McGrath Kavinoky LLP is committed to helping survivors understand those rights, evaluate evidence, hold institutions accountable, and ensure that what happened to you does not happen to anyone else.

If you believe you may have been harmed, now is the time to learn your options. Visit www.mklawllp.com to speak privately with a member of our team and find out whether you may still have time to file a claim. Justice is possible, and we are here to make sure you get it.

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