Civil lawsuits filed by McGrath Kavinoky against Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and former obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Barry J. Brock are increasingly centered on a single, high-stakes allegation: that warnings were raised inside Cedars-Sinai, and the hospital did not act in time to protect patients.
That allegation became especially prominent after a national CNN report aired in late December in which a survivor described reporting Brock's conduct to another Cedars-Sinai physician and receiving a direct assurance that the hospital would address it. According to the survivor, it did not.
The claims are civil, not criminal. The allegations have not been adjudicated. Brock and Cedars-Sinai deny wrongdoing and are entitled to contest the claims in court. Still, the lawsuits have expanded as more women have come forward, alleging a pattern of abuse and a breakdown in institutional safeguards.
A Survivor's Account: "I Will Take Care of This"
In the CNN segment, a woman identified by the pseudonym "Suzanne" described an encounter she said occurred when she was 21. She said Brock dismissed a nurse, had her undress in front of him, and proceeded with an examination she characterized as sexualized and abusive.
What followed, she said, is at the heart of the McGrath Kavinoky lawsuit: internal reporting.
CNN reported that Suzanne told her mother immediately and that together they told another Cedars-Sinai doctor what had happened. Suzanne recalled trusting that the doctor "would do what he said," adding: "I will take care of this."
According to Suzanne, no meaningful action followed, and Brock continued practicing.
What the McGrath Kavinoky Lawsuit Alleges
The McGrath Kavinoky lawsuit alleges that Brock engaged in inappropriate and abusive conduct during gynecological care, including exams that plaintiffs contend were medically unnecessary or performed in a manner designed to exploit patients.
But the claims against Cedars-Sinai go further. Plaintiffs allege the hospital breached independent duties owed to patients by failing to investigate complaints, restrict Brock's privileges, or warn patients.
Brock's License Surrender
Brock surrendered his California medical license in June 2025 following an accusation by the California Medical Board involving negligent care. His attorney has stated that Brock retired and that the surrender was not an admission of wrongdoing.
AB 250 and the Civil Claims Window
Assembly Bill 250 amended California Code of Civil Procedure section 340.16 to create a revival window allowing certain civil sexual assault claims to be filed through December 31, 2027.
Experience from Prior Litigation
McGrath Kavinoky previously represented more than 300 plaintiffs in the UCLA gynecology abuse litigation involving gynecologist Dr. James Heaps.
Discovery and What Comes Next
The lawsuits are expected to proceed through discovery, including requests for hospital records and testimony from staff.
Due Process
All allegations remain unproven unless established in court. Defendants are entitled to due process.
For Further Information
These civil lawsuits were filed by McGrath Kavinoky, a California law firm led by attorneys Jennifer McGrath and Darren Kavinoky. Additional information is available at OBGYNabuse.com.
