Herman Law Triumphs in Historic $4 Billion Settlement for Childhood Sexual Abuse in Los Angeles
In a significant development in legal history, Los Angeles County has consented to a monumental $4 billion settlement to compensate nearly 7,000 claims of childhood sexual abuse associated with its juvenile facilities. This landmark decision marks the most substantial settlement for such claims in the United States. The law firm Herman Law, known for its commitment to representing victims of sexual abuse, played a pivotal role in facilitating this groundbreaking agreement.
The settlement, which is pending final approval from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, addresses decades of abuse allegations stretching back to 1959. Many of these claims refer to the now-defunct MacLaren Children's Center, which operated from 1961 until 2003. Initially intended as a temporary sanctuary for children awaiting foster placement, the center was later scrutinized for widespread abuse and systematic negligence, including a disturbing lack of criminal background checks for its staff across the decades.
"This settlement signifies a momentous step toward holding institutions accountable while delivering justice to survivors," asserted Blake Woodhall, an attorney at Herman Law. "We at Herman Law take pride in advocating for individuals who have displayed remarkable courage in recounting their experiences."
The settlement's realization was facilitated by California Assembly Bill 218, enacted in 2020, which temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for cases of childhood sexual abuse. In addition to offering financial restitution to the victims, this agreement mandates Los Angeles County to execute several reforms aimed at preventing future abuses. This includes establishing a dedicated hotline for reporting abuse and expediting investigation protocols.
"For the survivors, this settlement transcends monetary compensation. It recognizes the deep, enduring pain of the victims while creating a crucial standard for accountability and change within institutions," added Justin Felton, another attorney from Herman Law. As the country’s foremost law firm representing sexual abuse victims, Herman Law remains dedicated to pursuing justice, prioritizing victim safety, and advocating for systemic reforms to protect at-risk populations.
Herman Law's commitment extends beyond legal representation; the firm tirelessly works to bring about reforms that safeguard vulnerable communities from future abuses while facilitating healing processes for survivors.
For individuals seeking more information or assistance from Herman Law, the firm underscores that they remain steadfast in their mission to guide victims through the complexities of civil litigation with empathy and integrity. To learn more about the services offered, visit HermanLaw.com.
The settlement, which is pending final approval from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, addresses decades of abuse allegations stretching back to 1959. Many of these claims refer to the now-defunct MacLaren Children's Center, which operated from 1961 until 2003. Initially intended as a temporary sanctuary for children awaiting foster placement, the center was later scrutinized for widespread abuse and systematic negligence, including a disturbing lack of criminal background checks for its staff across the decades.
"This settlement signifies a momentous step toward holding institutions accountable while delivering justice to survivors," asserted Blake Woodhall, an attorney at Herman Law. "We at Herman Law take pride in advocating for individuals who have displayed remarkable courage in recounting their experiences."
The settlement's realization was facilitated by California Assembly Bill 218, enacted in 2020, which temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for cases of childhood sexual abuse. In addition to offering financial restitution to the victims, this agreement mandates Los Angeles County to execute several reforms aimed at preventing future abuses. This includes establishing a dedicated hotline for reporting abuse and expediting investigation protocols.
"For the survivors, this settlement transcends monetary compensation. It recognizes the deep, enduring pain of the victims while creating a crucial standard for accountability and change within institutions," added Justin Felton, another attorney from Herman Law. As the country’s foremost law firm representing sexual abuse victims, Herman Law remains dedicated to pursuing justice, prioritizing victim safety, and advocating for systemic reforms to protect at-risk populations.
Herman Law's commitment extends beyond legal representation; the firm tirelessly works to bring about reforms that safeguard vulnerable communities from future abuses while facilitating healing processes for survivors.
For individuals seeking more information or assistance from Herman Law, the firm underscores that they remain steadfast in their mission to guide victims through the complexities of civil litigation with empathy and integrity. To learn more about the services offered, visit HermanLaw.com.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.