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Los Angeles County is set to consider an $828 million settlement with 414 plaintiffs alleging childhood sexual abuse by county probation workers, adding to an earlier $4 billion agreement that covered approximately 11,000 claimants.
The Board of Supervisors will vote Tuesday on the proposed settlement, which comes as the county already grapples with significant financial constraints stemming from the initial settlement. Many county departments are currently operating under 3% budget cuts for the fiscal year, with some services facing reductions.
Both settlements address claims made possible by California Assembly Bill 218, which temporarily lifted the statute of limitations on childhood sexual abuse allegations. Some claims date back to 1959, spanning more than six decades of alleged misconduct within the county’s probation system.
The proposed agreement comes amid heightened scrutiny following recent allegations of potential fraud within the settlement process. County officials have emphasized that every claim in both settlements will undergo rigorous review before any payments are made.
“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 county has implemented a verification system requiring all plaintiffs to provide “detailed, multi-page written factual summaries, under penalty of perjury” that outline the alleged misconduct and resulting harm. This represents an intensified effort to ensure settlement funds reach legitimate victims.
The increased vigilance follows a Los Angeles Times investigation that revealed some plaintiffs may have been paid by vendors to file lawsuits against the county. In at least two cases, individuals allegedly fabricated claims to qualify for settlement money. The Times identified seven plaintiffs who claimed they were recruited and paid to join the litigation.
The allegations center primarily around Downtown LA Law Group (DTLA), which represented more than 2,700 cases in the abuse settlement. The firm has denied any wrongdoing, stating it never authorized payments to potential plaintiffs. DTLA told the Times it has launched an external investigation into the possibility of false claims.
“The allegations in this story are extremely concerning and describe conduct that is contrary to our firm’s values,” the law firm said in a statement. “While we do not believe they are accurate, we are taking them seriously.”
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.”
Under the enhanced verification process, plaintiffs suspected of submitting fraudulent claims must provide additional evidence to an independent allocator. Those found to have filed fraudulent claims will be removed from the settlement process and receive no compensation.
The county has called for legislative reforms to prevent similar situations in the future, with Harrison noting that both settlements include protections against fraudulent claims, but “legislative protections must be put in place to ensure unscrupulous lawyers don’t get windfalls at the expense of survivors of abuse.”
The settlements represent one of the largest financial obligations in Los Angeles County history. The financial impact will likely be felt for years as the county balances its responsibility to compensate legitimate victims while maintaining essential public services for its 10 million residents.
The Board’s Tuesday vote will determine whether the county moves forward with the additional $828 million settlement, while the verification process for both settlements continues to ensure funds are properly distributed to victims of abuse.
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14 Comments
While the settlement amount is significant, it’s clear that the trauma and harm suffered by the victims is immeasurable. Providing adequate support and resources for survivors should be a top priority for the county moving forward.
Absolutely. Financial compensation is important, but the county must also invest in comprehensive mental health and victim support services to help survivors heal and rebuild their lives.
It’s disheartening to see the extent of the abuse that occurred over such a long period of time. This settlement is a necessary step, but the county must also work to regain the public’s trust through transparent and proactive measures.
Agreed. Transparency and accountability will be essential for the county to demonstrate that they are committed to protecting vulnerable children and preventing future abuses.
The proposed settlement is a step in the right direction, but the county must remain vigilant in addressing any potential fraud within the claims process. Rigorous review and oversight will be crucial to ensuring that every legitimate claim is properly addressed.
You raise a good point. The integrity of the claims process is paramount, and the county must be proactive in identifying and preventing any fraudulent activity to maintain public trust.
While the settlement amount is staggering, it’s important that victims receive the justice and closure they deserve. Hopefully, this will lead to much-needed reforms within the probation system to prevent similar abuses in the future.
You’re right. Reforms should be a key focus to ensure these tragic events never happen again. Oversight and accountability will be critical going forward.
This settlement highlights the importance of statutes of limitation reform, which can help survivors of childhood abuse seek justice later in life. However, the county must also address the systemic issues that allowed this abuse to occur in the first place.
That’s a good point. Reforming statutes of limitation is a crucial step, but it’s just the beginning. Meaningful systemic changes within the probation system are needed to prevent future abuses.
This is a significant settlement that highlights the need for robust systems to protect vulnerable children. It’s concerning to see such widespread historical abuse, but it’s good the county is taking responsibility and providing compensation.
Absolutely. Protecting children from abuse should be a top priority, and this settlement demonstrates the county’s commitment to addressing these past failures.
This settlement is a sobering reminder of the long-lasting impact of childhood abuse. While the financial cost to the county is substantial, the true price is the immense harm done to the victims. Hopefully, this will spur meaningful change and prevent future generations from experiencing similar tragedies.
Well said. The focus should be on the victims and ensuring they receive the support and justice they deserve. The county’s efforts must go beyond just the financial settlement and address the root causes to prevent such abuses from happening again.