Los Angeles County has agreed to a substantial $828 million settlement to resolve over 400 additional sexual abuse claims involving county employees. This new agreement follows a record $4 billion settlement reached earlier this year, marking another significant payout in the ongoing legal battles related to allegations of abuse in county juvenile facilities and foster care dating back decades.
A Historic Settlement Agreement
In a continuation of the unprecedented settlements that began in April, Los Angeles County has tentatively agreed to pay $828 million to settle additional sexual abuse claims against county employees. This deal comes just six months after the approval of a $4 billion settlement with approximately 11,000 victims, making it one of the largest sexual abuse settlements in U.S. history. The latest agreement, still pending approval by the county’s board of supervisors, adds to the mounting financial burdens faced by the county.
Financial Impact on Los Angeles County
The settlements, which address allegations of sexual abuse and mistreatment in foster care and juvenile detention facilities dating back to 1959, have had a significant financial impact on Los Angeles County. In addition to the financial strain caused by the settlements, the region is grappling with the aftermath of devastating wildfires earlier this year. Despite the financial strain, county officials emphasized the need for fairness and compassion in compensating victims, while also ensuring that taxpayer money is protected from fraud.
Ongoing Investigation into Fraudulent Claims
As part of the new settlement, the county has vowed to thoroughly investigate the credibility of all claims submitted by plaintiffs. Allegations have surfaced that some individuals were paid to file false claims, leading to concerns about fraudulent activity. Nine plaintiffs from the initial settlement have reportedly admitted to receiving payment for submitting claims. Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of this issue, with potential consequences for those found to be involved in submitting fraudulent claims.
Legal Basis for the Lawsuits
The lawsuits filed by thousands of individuals, many of whom allege abuse that occurred in county juvenile facilities or foster care, are allowed due to a California law that temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse victims. This law, which took effect in 2020, allowed victims to file lawsuits even for incidents that occurred decades ago. As a result, the county is facing an overwhelming number of cases, complicating the process of determining the validity of each claim.
Scrutiny of Downtown LA Law Group
The settlement has also brought attention to the role of the Downtown LA Law Group (DTLA), which represented many of the plaintiffs in the original $4 billion settlement. Some plaintiffs involved with the firm have accused outside parties of offering money in exchange for filing claims. The DTLA firm has denied any wrongdoing, stating that it strictly adheres to the law. However, some claims will undergo further scrutiny to ensure they were not fraudulent, including additional interviews and requests for proof of abuse.
Safeguards and New Measures
In response to the concerns raised about fraudulent claims and the ongoing abuse, the county has implemented new safeguards to prevent further exploitation. A new hotline will be established by the end of the year to allow individuals to report allegations of sexual abuse by county employees. These measures are part of a broader effort to ensure that such incidents are handled swiftly and transparently, while also safeguarding taxpayer funds.
The Strain on Local Resources
Despite the need to compensate victims, Los Angeles County officials have warned that the financial burden of these settlements has placed significant stress on local resources. Cuts to essential programs and services are anticipated as a result of the mounting financial obligations. Joe Nicchitta, acting county chief executive, stressed the importance of finding a balance that can support both victims and the county’s social safety net, ensuring that essential services remain intact for vulnerable populations.
California’s Historic Sexual Abuse Settlements
The $4 billion settlement reached in April surpassed the previous record of $2.6 billion set by the Boy Scouts of America settlement in 2022, marking it as the largest sexual abuse settlement in U.S. history at the time. While the financial settlements provide compensation to victims, they also highlight the persistent issue of abuse within institutions and the growing trend of large-scale legal resolutions in the U.S.
Future of Victims’ Compensation
As more claims continue to come forward, the county is working to establish a process for compensating victims fairly while ensuring the credibility of the claims submitted. The need for legal reforms to protect both victims and local governments is becoming increasingly clear, with officials calling for “common sense fixes” to prevent further financial strain while ensuring justice for survivors of abuse. The ongoing lawsuits and settlements highlight the complex intersection of justice, financial responsibility, and public policy in addressing decades of abuse within county facilities.