Dr. William Thompson IV, a 56-year-old infectious disease specialist from Newport Beach, was arrested following accusations of abusing nine patients. A recent lawsuit filed in Orange County suggests that he may have abused many more men under his care, with at least 73 patients now making similar allegations against him.

According to the lawsuit spanning 730 pages, the alleged victims claim that from 2011 to 2023, Dr. Thompson, who had access to patients at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian and ran a private practice in Newport Beach, abused his authority to subject them to unwanted sexual acts. Allegedly, these acts took place at various locations, including the hospital, his private offices, and his home, under the guise of medical examinations that were later found to be unnecessary.

The complaint asserts that Dr. Thompson exploited his patients' lack of knowledge about proper medical procedures, performing invasive tests solely to fulfill his sexual desires. He stands accused of fondling, stroking, and penetrating patients without legitimate medical justification.

All the claimants in the lawsuit were initially listed anonymously, but some have since come forward publicly.  Many victims cited the difficulty of coming forward, as male victims of sexual abuse often face stigma.

In response to these allegations, officials at Hoag acknowledged the bravery required for former patients to speak out. While emphasizing that Dr. Thompson was not a hospital employee, they noted that his clinical privileges at Hoag were suspended following his arrest.

Eligible victims who were sexually abused by Dr. William Thompson IV of Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, California, are encouraged to request a free, private case review for justice and potential compensation.

In California, three key statutes govern civil lawsuits related to sexual abuse:

1. Assembly Bill 452 (AB 452): Effective January 1, 2024, this law removes time limits for seeking damages in civil cases arising from childhood sexual assault, allowing victims to pursue justice without time constraints.
2. Age Limit for Childhood Sexual Abuse: Victims of sexual abuse under 18 must currently be under 40 to potentially qualify for legal action. Seeking guidance from a experienced attorney is crucial for navigating legal complexities.
3. Claims After 18th Birthday: For incidents after the victim's 18th birthday, there's a ten-year window from the assault or three years from realizing the injury to file a claim, applicable from January 1, 2019, onwards.

Due to the complexity of these statutes, consulting with a qualified attorney experienced in sexual abuse cases is strongly recommended. Legal professionals can offer personalized guidance to ensure victims understand their rights and options, empowering them to pursue justice and compensation effectively.

Victims who suffered sexual abuse when they were under 18 must now be under 40 to be eligible for legal action. Victims whose abuse occurred after their 18th birthday and on or after January 1, 2019, have (a) a ten-year window from the abuse or, (b) three years after realizing their abuse to file a claim. We encourage those eligible to request a free, private case review for justice and potential compensation.