Allegations of Fraud in L.A. County Sexual Abuse Cases: Insights from Attorney Sam Dordulian
In a troubling revelation made by a Los Angeles Times investigation, allegations have surfaced that certain plaintiffs were compensated to create false sexual abuse claims against L.A. County. Sam Dordulian, a prominent sexual assault attorney, has expressed profound outrage regarding these claims, calling them a betrayal to actual survivors and an attack on the credence of our justice system.
Dordulian, who has spent years dedicating his legal expertise to representing sexual abuse survivors, has voiced his dismay over these allegations. He emphasizes the serious implications such fraudulent actions have on legitimate survivors, such as Tammy Rogers and Trinidad Pena, who suffered heinous abuses in county custody during their childhoods. The distressing reality is that those who have bravely come forward to seek justice now face the prospect of diminished compensation, as the fraudulent claims muddy the waters for equitable settlements. Each dollar allocated to a false claim essentially represents funds that could otherwise serve the needs of real survivors.
The ramifications of this scandal extend beyond financial repercussions. When allegations of extensive fraud emerge, they cast a shadow on all sexual abuse cases, potentially damaging the credibility of true victims in the eyes of juries and defense attorneys alike. The systemic implications are staggering: jurors who learn of these allegations may enter courtrooms with skepticism, predisposed to question the integrity of survivors who require validation of their trauma and claims.
Dordulian points out the vicious cycle this creates for attorneys working on sexual assault cases. He asserts that for practitioners who ardently advocate for survivors, these proven allegations make an already challenging field even more difficult. Individuals who have sustained traumatic experiences are often met with skepticism, and the atmosphere fostered by these fraudulent actions will likely worsen the existing obstacles in proving their cases.
In handling sexual assault and childhood abuse cases, there is not just a requirement for legal know-how but also a deep-seated commitment to ethical practices and sensitive representation. Dordulian stresses that such cases necessitate a thorough, trauma-informed approach - a far cry from the transactional nature of mass tort litigation often executed by those untrained in this specific legal area.
Among the allegations raised includes reported actions of incentivizing vulnerable individuals, such as those at welfare offices, to produce fabricated testimonies. The deeply problematic practice of viewing sensitive cases as mere inventory easily undermines the integrity of the legal framework meant to protect survivors.
Dordulian has joined calls for accountability in light of these allegations, urging immediate investigations by the State Bar regarding the capping and solicitation activities alleged, alongside a comprehensive audit of claims prior to any distribution of funds. He has also called for federal investigations where fraud evidence surfaces, and for safeguards against attorney misconduct in mass tort litigation to be strengthened.
To all the survivors of sexual abuse, his message is clear: they deserve more than anyone's exploitation; they deserve empathetic representation that prioritizes their humanity over monetary gain. He highlights that the legal system, having failed many survivors in their youth, must not falter again due to exploitation and fraud.
Dordulian’s own background, having served for over a decade in the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and later as a civil litigator, has granted him a unique perspective on the adversities victims face. Having built his practice on the principles of ethical representation and specialized knowledge, he sits at the cusp of the burgeoning movement toward sustainable advocacy for sexual abuse survivors. He has represented thousands of clients, particularly those impacted by historical abuse in juvenile facilities in Southern California.
With a surge in the number of attorneys pivoting to sexual abuse litigation in recent years, Dordulian urges that the majority should act in good faith; he fiercely condemns those who exploit this field solely for financial benefit. He reminds us of the significant stakes tied to the fight for the rights of survivors, one that should not be jeopardized by opportunistic motives seeking profit over the pursuit of justice.