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Los Angeles County to Consider $828 Million Settlement for Probation System Abuse Victims
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is set to review an $828 million settlement proposal on Tuesday that would resolve claims from 414 plaintiffs who allege they suffered childhood sexual abuse while under county probation supervision.
This substantial settlement follows an earlier $4 billion agreement reached with approximately 11,000 claimants, a financial burden that has already forced the county to implement spending reductions. Most county departments are currently operating under 3% budget cuts for the fiscal year, with some public services facing additional reductions.
Both settlement packages stem from claims filed under California Assembly Bill 218, which temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse allegations. Some of the claims in these settlements date back to 1959, spanning more than six decades of alleged misconduct within the county’s probation system.
In light of recent fraud allegations, county officials have strengthened their vetting procedures for all claims. Each plaintiff will now be required to submit “a detailed, multi-page written factual summary, under penalty of perjury, of the alleged misconduct and resulting harms” before receiving any compensation.
“The system created by AB 218 is inherently vulnerable to fraud, but the county established fraud protections from the beginning of the settlement discussions and has now strengthened the review process to further ensure that money goes only to the true victims of abuse,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger in a statement.
The board recently instructed its legal team to investigate claims that some individuals included in the $4 billion settlement may have been recruited and paid to file lawsuits against the county. This investigation follows reporting by the Los Angeles Times that uncovered evidence suggesting some plaintiffs were compensated by vendors to sue the county, with at least two cases involving allegedly fabricated claims.
According to the Times investigation, the plaintiffs in question were represented by Downtown LA Law Group (DTLA), a firm handling more than 2,700 cases in the abuse settlement. The publication identified seven plaintiffs who stated they were paid by “recruiters” to participate in litigation against the county.
DTLA has firmly denied the allegations, stating they never authorized anyone to offer money for lawsuits. “The allegations in this story are extremely concerning and describe conduct that is contrary to our firm’s values,” the firm told the Times. “While we do not believe they are accurate, we are taking them seriously.” The firm has reportedly hired an external company to investigate whether any false claims were submitted.
County officials have implemented additional safeguards in the settlement process. Any plaintiff suspected of submitting fraudulent claims will face scrutiny from an independent allocator who may demand further evidence to substantiate allegations. Confirmed fraudulent claims will result in immediate disqualification from the settlement, meaning those individuals will receive no compensation.
County Counsel Dawyn R. Harrison condemned the alleged misconduct in strong terms: “The conduct alleged to have occurred by the DTLA firm is absolutely outrageous and must be investigated by the appropriate authorities. Not only does it undermine our justice system, it also deprives legitimate claimants of just compensation.”
Harrison added that while both settlements include protections against fraudulent claims, additional legislative safeguards are necessary “to ensure unscrupulous lawyers don’t get windfalls at the expense of survivors of abuse.”
The massive settlements represent one of the largest financial obligations ever undertaken by Los Angeles County for abuse claims, highlighting both the extensive nature of the alleged misconduct and the significant fiscal challenges facing county leadership as they attempt to compensate victims while maintaining essential public services.
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8 Comments
The scale of this settlement underscores the gravity of the alleged abuses. While the financial impact on the county is significant, the priority should be ensuring a fair and transparent process that provides meaningful redress for survivors.
Agreed. Restoring public trust through robust claim vetting and demonstrating a commitment to systemic reforms will be crucial as the county works to address this complex and disturbing situation.
This is a sobering case highlighting the need for robust oversight and accountability within public institutions. While the settlement amount is staggering, the priority should be providing support and closure for victims of abuse.
Agreed. Implementing stronger safeguards to prevent future abuses is equally important as compensating victims. The county must demonstrate a commitment to systemic change.
This is a sobering case that highlights the importance of strong oversight and accountability within public institutions. While the financial burden is substantial, the county must prioritize supporting victims and implementing reforms to prevent future abuses.
An $828 million settlement to address decades of alleged abuse within LA County’s probation system is a substantial financial burden. It’s critical that proper procedures are in place to thoroughly vet all claims and ensure justice is served.
Reforms to strengthen claim vetting are prudent given the fraud allegations. Survivors deserve compensation, but the process must be fair and transparent to maintain public trust.
An $828 million settlement is an enormous financial burden for LA County. However, the allegations of decades-long abuse within the probation system are deeply concerning and demand a comprehensive response to deliver justice for the victims.