For many patients, healthcare professionals symbolize trust, safety, and care. Unfortunately, some individuals exploit this position of trust, taking advantage of vulnerable patients who seek medical care in good faith. Dr. Barry J. Brock, a former OB/GYN at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, now faces multiple lawsuits filed by survivors who allege he subjected them to a wide range of abuses during routine medical visits. Dr. Barry Brock sexual abuse lawsuits highlight a deeply troubling issue of alleged abuse spanning decades, enabled by the institutions that employed him.
Survivors have shown great courage in coming forward with their stories, motivated by a commitment to prevent future abuses and hold accountable those who failed to act. At Dolman Law Group, we are committed to supporting these survivors in their pursuit of justice, offering compassionate, survivor-centered legal advocacy. For survivors, filing a civil lawsuit isn’t just about seeking compensation—it’s about closure, validation, and systemic change to protect future patients.
Dr. Barry J. Brock and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: A Long Career and Troubling Allegations
Dr. Barry J. Brock served as an obstetrician-gynecologist for over 40 years, primarily at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a prestigious hospital in Los Angeles. During his career, Brock held positions within specialized care centers, such as the Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery Center and the Center for Women’s Incontinence and Pelvic Health. Although Brock’s career once appeared to be a distinguished one, the allegations against him now paint a darker picture of longstanding misconduct and abuse hidden by institutional failure.
Plaintiffs claim that Brock engaged in repeated, inappropriate behavior, leveraging his position of trust to exploit patients during vulnerable moments. Despite the complaints raised by multiple patients and even staff members, Brock retained his medical privileges at Cedars-Sinai until 2024. Survivors assert that Cedars-Sinai enabled this behavior by ignoring red flags, complaints, and warning signs over the years. These alleged failures by Cedars-Sinai underscore the importance of institutional accountability, especially in fields as sensitive as obstetrics and gynecology.
Timeline of Events
- Early 1980s - 2018: Dr. Brock practiced as a member of the Cedars-Sinai physician network
- 2018 - 2024: Maintained clinical privileges at Cedars-Sinai
- Fall 2024: Cedars-Sinai terminated Dr. Brock's hospital privileges following an investigation into patient complaints
- Late 2024: Multiple lawsuits filed by former patients
Understanding the Allegations Against Dr. Barry Brock
The claims against Dr. Brock detail a range of abusive practices, each more disturbing than the last. Survivors allege that he used his position to exploit, humiliate, and harm them under the guise of medical care. The main allegations include:
Inappropriate Comments and Objectification
Many survivors report that Dr. Brock made sexualized comments about their bodies during examinations, sometimes even in the presence of their loved ones. Such remarks not only violated medical ethics but also inflicted lasting emotional harm on these individuals, who trusted their OB/GYN to act professionally and respectfully.
Medically Unnecessary Examinations
Survivors allege that Dr. Brock conducted breast and pelvic exams without medical justification, often under the pretense of routine checkups. This pattern of behavior suggests an abuse of medical authority, turning vulnerable medical moments into opportunities for exploitation.
Invasive and Non-Consensual Touching
According to complaints, Dr. Brock engaged in inappropriate touching during exams, touching areas such as the clitoris or performing rectal exams without patient consent. For many, these non-consensual acts were traumatizing, leaving survivors hesitant to undergo necessary exams even years later.
Dismissal and Minimization of Patient Concerns
Multiple survivors have recounted experiences where Brock dismissed their medical concerns, often making them feel unheard, invalidated, or even mocked. Survivors report feeling that their health was secondary to Brock’s motives, further eroding their trust in the medical system.
The Impact of Medical Abuse on Survivors and the Need for Accountability
Medical abuse, especially in such personal fields as obstetrics and gynecology, leaves a profound impact on survivors. For many, this abuse leads to a breakdown of trust in healthcare professionals, making it difficult to seek necessary medical care in the future.
Survivors often face emotional and psychological trauma, which can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. This impact is particularly significant for OB/GYN patients, who are often at a vulnerable point in their lives, whether during pregnancy, childbirth, or routine women’s health checkups.
At Dolman Law Group, we understand the courage it takes for survivors to come forward, especially when they fear the stigma, shame, or disbelief that often accompanies reports of sexual abuse. By filing a civil lawsuit, survivors can take a powerful stand against abuse, seeking accountability and preventing future harm. Through the legal system, survivors can help to create meaningful change and ensure that medical institutions uphold their ethical obligations to protect patients.
Holding Medical Institutions Accountable
The lawsuits against Dr. Brock do not stop with him—they extend to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other facilities where he practiced. These institutions allegedly failed to act on repeated complaints, allowing Brock to continue working despite warning signs and red flags raised by patients and even their own staff. For survivors, holding these institutions accountable is essential, as it sends a message that neglecting patient safety will not be tolerated.
Institutions like Cedars-Sinai have a duty to protect their patients by thoroughly investigating complaints and removing dangerous individuals from practice. The lawsuits allege that Cedars-Sinai breached this duty by turning a blind eye to Brock’s behavior, effectively allowing the abuse to continue unchecked. Holding such institutions accountable is critical to ensuring that healthcare facilities enforce strict hiring, monitoring, and reporting protocols, ultimately creating safer environments for patients.
Legal Claims in Sexual Abuse Cases
A lawsuit against Dr. Brock and his affiliated institutions may involve several legal claims, each addressing different aspects of the alleged abuse and institutional failures. Some of the most relevant legal claims in this case may include:
- Sexual Battery: Sexual battery involves non-consensual and inappropriate touching, which can constitute a civil cause of action in cases where medical professionals exploit their position to touch patients for personal gratification rather than medical necessity.
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: This claim addresses the trauma inflicted by the abuse, which often leads to ongoing emotional harm for survivors. The impact of inappropriate comments, unwanted examinations, and betrayal of trust can lead to severe psychological consequences, justifying compensation for emotional distress.
- Negligent Supervision and Retention: Institutions like Cedars-Sinai may be held liable if they knew or should have known about Brock’s behavior but failed to act, thereby putting patients at risk. Negligent retention and supervision are critical components of these lawsuits, as they address the institutional responsibility to protect patients from harm.
- Fraudulent Misrepresentation: This claim applies when a professional misrepresents their intentions to achieve personal gain. In Dr. Brock’s case, allegations suggest that he may have misused medical procedures for exploitative purposes, undermining patient trust.
The Legal Process: What Survivors Can Expect in a Civil Lawsuit
Filing a civil lawsuit is a powerful step, but it can be a complex and intimidating process. At Dolman Law Group, we guide survivors through each stage, from the initial consultation to potential trial or settlement. Understanding what to expect can provide peace of mind and allow survivors to focus on healing while our team handles the legal details.
- Initial Consultation: During the confidential consultation, we gather information from survivors, review the allegations, and discuss potential legal options. This first step is often difficult, but our team offers a safe, confidential space for survivors to share their experiences.
- Filing the Claim: Once survivors decide to proceed, we file the claim on their behalf, outlining the specific allegations and legal grounds for the lawsuit.
- Discovery Process: During discovery, both sides gather evidence, which may include medical records, witness statements, and expert testimonies. This stage is crucial for building a strong case and demonstrating the impact of the alleged abuse.
- Settlement Negotiations: Many cases reach a resolution through settlement, allowing survivors to obtain compensation without the stress of a trial. We handle all negotiations, ensuring survivors receive a fair offer.
- Trial (if necessary): If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take the case to trial, where we will advocate fiercely for the survivor’s rights and interests.
Working with Local Counsel: Ensuring Ethical Standards Across Jurisdictions
Dolman Law Group works closely with local counsel in the respective jurisdiction, ensuring compliance with each state’s ethical guidelines. By partnering with local attorneys, we ensure that survivors receive representation from professionals who are licensed and knowledgeable about state-specific laws, providing seamless legal support in any jurisdiction.
How Civil Lawsuits Contribute to Healing, Closure, and Systemic Change
While no amount of compensation can undo the harm caused by abuse, a civil lawsuit can provide survivors with the means to seek closure, address emotional damages, and secure resources for ongoing care.
For many, the ability to confront their abuser in court or see institutions held accountable offers a sense of justice and validation. Survivors who pursue legal action contribute to broader systemic change, highlighting the importance of strict medical oversight and accountability.
Filing a lawsuit also empowers survivors to protect future patients. By holding individuals and institutions accountable, survivors help create a safer environment for everyone. This ripple effect of accountability, supported by cases like those against Dr. Brock, is essential to establishing trust in healthcare and protecting vulnerable patients from similar abuses.
Dr. Barry Brock Sexual Abuse FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions we hear about sexual abuse lawsuits.
Can I file a lawsuit if the abuse happened years ago?
Yes, it may still be possible to file a lawsuit even if the abuse happened years ago, though this depends on the state’s statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases. Many states have extended or adjusted these limitations, allowing survivors more time to pursue justice. Some states also recognize special circumstances, such as “discovery” rules, which account for survivors who may not have immediately recognized or reported the abuse.
In California, where Dr. Brock practiced, the state recently extended the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases, allowing survivors more time to pursue justice. Survivors now have up to 10 years from the date of the abuse, or three years from the date they discovered the psychological effects of the abuse, to file a civil claim. In addition, California opened a three-year “lookback window” from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2026, which allows lawsuits to be filed for sexual assault committed on or after January 1, 2009. Our team can help you understand if your case meets these requirements.
Will my identity remain confidential?
Yes, confidentiality is a priority for us at Dolman Law Group, and we understand the sensitive nature of these cases. Throughout the legal process, we take every measure to protect your privacy, whether through anonymous filings or restricted case details. Survivors often worry about their personal lives being exposed, but we have procedures in place to keep your identity protected. Our team is committed to ensuring you feel safe and supported every step of the way.
How long will it take to resolve the lawsuit?
The time to resolve a lawsuit can vary, as each case has unique factors that affect its timeline. Generally, cases involving complex evidence or large institutions may take longer due to the discovery process, negotiations, or trial preparation. At Dolman Law Group, we work efficiently to expedite the process wherever possible while maintaining a thorough and comprehensive approach. We understand that survivors want closure, and we strive to resolve cases in a way that provides timely justice and fair compensation.
Dolman Law Group: Supporting Survivors in the Pursuit of Justice
The decision to come forward with allegations of abuse is difficult, but it is also a brave and empowering step. At Dolman Law Group, we are here to offer compassionate support, experienced legal representation, and a commitment to justice for survivors of medical abuse. For those impacted by Dr. Barry J. Brock’s alleged abuse, taking legal action can provide a voice, a path to closure, and a chance to prevent similar harm to others.
If you or a loved one has experienced misconduct by Dr. Brock, we are here to help. The Dolman Law Group collaborates with local counsel in jurisdictions across the country to file lawsuits, adhering to each state’s ethical guidelines and ensuring survivors receive the highest standard of legal representation. at (833) 552-7274 or through our online form for a free and confidential consultation and take the first step toward justice.