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Closed West Linn medical practice placed under court oversight amid new abuse claims
West Linn Family Health Center has entered receivership as at least eight more people pursue claims against the clinic over alleged abuse by former physician David B. Farley. The clinic’s insurer settlement provides $3 million toward potential claims, while new demands total at least $6 million.
West Linn Family Health Center, the now-closed clinic where physician David B. Farley practiced, was placed into receivership this week as it faces new claims from people who allege Farley sexually abused them during medical care.
Court filings say lawyers for eight additional people have notified the clinic of claims against it, with demands totaling at least $6 million. Other claims have not yet included monetary demands, and none of the newer claims have been resolved, the clinic’s attorney, Christopher N. Coyle, wrote in a filing.
The clinic obtained $3 million through a settlement with its insurance carriers, which had disputed coverage for claims involving alleged sexual abuse. That money is set aside to address potential claims, according to the filings. The clinic has been selling its assets since it stopped seeing patients in March, said Dr. Joyce Endo, one of its founding shareholders along with Farley.
In January, Farley settled a civil lawsuit brought by former patients who accused him of disguising sexual abuse as medical care. The lawsuit involved 180 former patients and also named the clinic and two hospitals where Farley saw patients, alleging they failed to supervise him adequately or prevent abuse. Attorney Courtney Thom, who represented 174 people in the case, described the resolution as a global settlement. Its terms were not made public.
Farley, 68, separately faces an 18-count criminal indictment in Clackamas County Circuit Court. He has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging he sexually abused six people, including two children under 14, from 2009 to 2020. His trial is scheduled for April.
Farley posted 10% of his $100,000 bail last October and remains out of custody on pretrial supervision in Utah. Prosecutors have told the court they will seek enhanced penalties if he is convicted, citing allegations that he targeted vulnerable people, abused multiple victims and violated public trust.
The Oregon Medical Board suspended Farley’s license on Aug. 6, 2020. He surrendered it on Sept. 22 of that year.