Los Angeles County Launches Investigation into $4-Billion Sex Abuse Settlement
Los Angeles County has initiated an investigation to determine whether a record $4-billion sex abuse settlement approved this year may be tainted. The county supervisors unanimously approved a motion to have county lawyers investigate possible misconduct by “legal representatives” involved in the recent flood of sex abuse litigation against L.A. County.
The investigation comes after a Times investigation found that seven plaintiffs in the largest sex abuse settlement in U.S. history claimed they were paid by recruiters to sue the county. Two people said they were told to make up claims of abuse. The plaintiffs who spoke with The Times said the recruiters paid them outside a social services office in South Los Angeles.
Allegations of Misconduct and Exploitation
Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who first called for the investigation, expressed her concern and disgust at the allegations. “It is appalling and sickening that anyone would exploit a system meant to bring justice to victims of childhood sexual abuse,” she said. Barger emphasized the need to ensure that every penny allocated to victims goes directly to the survivors.
The Downtown L.A. Law Group (DTLA), a personal injury firm with more than 2,700 plaintiffs in the settlement, has denied any involvement with the recruiters. However, the firm’s denial has raised questions about the legitimacy of the claims and the potential exploitation of the system.
Consequences of the Settlement and Investigation
The $4-billion settlement was agreed upon to resolve thousands of lawsuits by people who said they were sexually abused inside the county’s foster homes and juvenile halls as children. The settlement has had a significant impact on the county’s budget, with most departments having to slash their budgets to pay for the settlement.
Supervisor Holly Mitchell highlighted the “painful irony” that many of the people who were paid to sue were seeking help from the South L.A. social services office in her district, which now faces cuts. “We are not an ATM machine,” Supervisor Hilda Solis said. “We are the safety net.”
The investigation will also examine the role of attorneys involved in the case, who will receive 40% of their client’s settlement. Barger expressed her shock at the potential amount of taxpayer money that could go to law firms, stating that it could have a significant impact on the county’s ability to function.
Call for Transparency and Accountability
The motion passed by the supervisors directs county lawyers to enlist law enforcement “as necessary” and consider referring the allegations to the State Bar. California lawmakers, labor leaders, and a powerful attorney trade group have also called for the bar to investigate.
The State Bar has declined to comment on whether it will launch an investigation but emphasized that California law prohibits making payments to solicit or procure clients. A majority of the supervisors expressed anger at the 2020 change in the statute of limitations, which they say has left the county “hemorrhaging billions.”
Former lawmaker Lorena Gonzalez, who championed the law change, believes that plaintiffs’ attorneys have taken advantage of her legislation and is looking for someone in Sacramento to pass a new bill that will make it easier for jurisdictions to defend themselves.
The investigation and settlement have raised important questions about the need for transparency and accountability in the legal system. As Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said, “These funds must go to survivors — not individuals or entities who are looking to profit from someone else’s suffering.”
For more information on the investigation and settlement, visit Here
Image Source: www.latimes.com
