The University of California system has proposed a $73 million settlement in a lawsuit filed by seven women who said a former gynecologist sexually abused them, according to The Hill.
The payout could also reach more than 6,600 patients who received treatment from James Heaps.
The accusers have said Heaps abused them between 1983 and 2018, when he worked at the UCLA Medical Center and UCLA student health center.
"The incidents described in the lawsuit reflect alleged conduct that is contrary to our values," UCLA Health wrote in a statement, The Associated Press reported. "We thank the individuals who came forward and hope that this settlement — which is still subject to court approval — is one small step forward for the patients involved."
"In our view, these women were still put in harm's way and deserve compensation on those grounds," said Elizabeth Kramer, an attorney representing one of the victims. "We don't have a way of knowing every single woman who would allege sexual misconduct by Dr. Heaps."
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