Sexual abuse by trusted medical professionals is a devastating betrayal that can leave lasting emotional, physical, and psychological scars. When patients seek care from an OB-GYN, they expect compassion, professionalism, and respect, especially during vulnerable moments like examinations, pregnancies, or procedures. Unfortunately, cases like that of Dr. Barry J. Brock, a former obstetrician-gynecologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, highlight how such trust can be exploited.
At KMD Law, we are committed to supporting survivors of medical sexual abuse, helping them navigate the legal system to seek justice and compensation.
In this post, we’ll explore the allegations against Dr. Brock, the broader issue of sexual misconduct in OB-GYN practices, your legal rights as a survivor, and how our firm can assist you in holding perpetrators and institutions accountable.
The Allegations Against Dr. Barry J. Brock
Dr. Barry J. Brock, who practiced medicine for over four decades, has faced serious accusations from hundreds of former patients. These women allege that he engaged in sexual assault, harassment, and misconduct under the pretense of providing medical care at Cedars-Sinai and affiliated facilities.
Key claims include:
- Inappropriate and Unnecessary Examinations: Reports describe repeated, unwarranted pelvic, breast, and rectal exams performed without gloves or chaperones, often causing unnecessary pain and complications.
- Sexual Comments and Grooming: Patients have recounted invasive remarks about their bodies, personal lives, and even the doctor’s own preferences, creating an environment where questioning his behavior felt impossible.
- Negligent and Harmful Procedures: Allegations extend to risky childbirth methods, such as improper vacuum extractions, leading to injuries for mothers and infants. Some survivors report unnecessary suturing after delivery, described in disturbing terms like making patients “virgin-tight.”
- Failure to Provide Proper Care: In one documented case, a patient underwent a dilation and curettage procedure for a miscarriage, only to experience severe pain, prolonged bleeding, and the need for a repeat procedure due to incomplete treatment.
These accusations have led to multiple lawsuits, with claims from over 100 women. Dr. Brock has denied the allegations, but he surrendered his California medical license following a complaint from the state’s Medical Board, permanently barring him from practicing in the state. Cedars-Sinai, where he held privileges for years, suspended and later terminated his access after receiving complaints, stating that such behavior contradicts their core values.
Importantly, lawsuits also target the institution itself, claiming Cedars-Sinai ignored repeated warnings from patients and staff, failed to report misconduct, and prioritized reputation over patient safety. This pattern of institutional negligence is all too common in medical abuse cases, allowing predators to continue harming others for years.
The Broader Issue: Sexual Abuse in OB-GYN Settings
The Dr. Brock case is not isolated. Sexual misconduct by OB-GYNs affects thousands of patients nationwide, often going unreported due to shame, fear, or disbelief.
According to various reports and legal actions, common forms of abuse include:
- Non-consensual touching or penetration disguised as routine exams.
- Lack of informed consent for invasive procedures.
- Emotional manipulation to normalize inappropriate behavior.
- Medical negligence resulting in physical harm, such as infections, scarring, or complications from botched surgeries.
Institutions like hospitals and clinics can exacerbate the problem by dismissing complaints, failing to investigate, or renewing privileges despite red flags. This systemic failure not only prolongs the abuse but also erodes public trust in healthcare.
If you’ve experienced something that “didn’t feel right” during an OB-GYN visit—whether with Dr. Brock or another provider—it’s crucial to recognize that your instincts matter. Behaviors like ungloved exams, unsolicited comments, or unnecessary procedures may constitute sexual assault under the law, even if they occurred years ago.
Your Legal Rights and Options in California
California law provides strong protections for survivors of sexual abuse, including in medical settings.
Key considerations include:
- Statute of Limitations and Lookback Windows: Traditional time limits for filing claims can be extended through California’s lookback window for sexual assault cases. This means that even if the abuse happened decades ago, you may still be able to pursue a civil lawsuit. Recent legislative changes have opened doors for survivors whose claims were previously time-barred.
- Types of Claims: You can seek compensation through:
- Personal Injury Lawsuits against the individual perpetrator for assault, battery, or negligence.
- Institutional Liability against hospitals or clinics for failing to protect patients, which often leads to larger settlements due to their resources.
- Sexual Assault Lawsuits if the abuse involved non-consensual touching, penetration, or other violations during medical care.
- Potential Compensation: Survivors may recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages to punish egregious conduct. In similar high-profile cases involving university-affiliated doctors, settlements have reached hundreds of millions of dollars collectively.
At KMD Law, we handle these cases on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect if we win your case. Our experienced team understands the sensitivity of these matters and works to ensure your story is heard without added trauma.
How KMD Law Can Help You Seek Justice
If you were a patient of Dr. Barry J. Brock or have suffered similar abuse from an OB-GYN, you are not alone, and you don’t have to face this journey by yourself. KMD Law specializes in representing survivors of sexual abuse, with a track record of holding powerful institutions accountable.
We offer:
- Confidential Consultations: Share your experience in a safe, no-obligation discussion.
- Thorough Investigations: We’ll gather evidence, including medical records and witness statements, to build a strong case.
- Compassionate Advocacy: Our team prioritizes your well-being, guiding you through every step of the legal process.
At KMD Law, we fight for the full recovery you deserve, including for long-term impacts like therapy or ongoing medical needs. Remember, coming forward can not only bring personal closure but also prevent future harm to others. By joining forces with other survivors, you contribute to systemic change in healthcare.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
If the allegations against Dr. Barry J. Brock resonate with your experience, or if you’ve endured sexual abuse from any medical professional, contact KMD Law today for a free, confidential consultation. Our dedicated team is here to listen, support, and advocate for you. Call us at (833) 456-3529 or fill out our online form to get started. Justice starts with your voice; let us help amplify it.