The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved an astounding $4 billion payment on Tuesday to resolve sexual abuse claims made by more than 7,000 victims.
The allegations of abuse date back to 1959, most occurring in foster care and probation facilities.
A record-breaking settlement was made possible by California Legislative Bill 218. The bill 218 was passed to lift the law on limiting sexual misconduct involving minors, giving survivors of childhood sexual abuse more time to file lawsuits.
According to one of the lawyers representing the victims, for those assaulted as children, a historic settlement represents approval and accountability.
“These people suffer lifelong injuries that will never heal,” said Patrick McNicholas, who represents 1,200 plaintiffs. “This is an opportunity for them to be recognized to get some closure and hopefully move forward.”
However, the $4 billion settlement has opened a big hole in the county, with an annual budget of $49 billion, especially as the government faces unexpected costs associated with the Eton and Palisades fires.
LA County Supervisor Katherine Berger said the massive settlement was a “smash hit” for the county and would affect the government’s ability to negotiate labor contracts with union workers.
“I was in the county since 1989. People would not have been impressed now if they hadn’t had to pay back $4 billion,” Berger said, explaining why the county had increased by 0% to the cost of living for over 50,000 county workers.
The contract negotiation hurdle caused a 48-hour strike Monday evening when workers left their jobs and suspended or restricted public services throughout the region.
Berger added that the union is aware of the financial challenges facing the county, but the union accused the county of not negotiating the new contract fairly.
“Even the union knows that $4 billion is undermining its ability to negotiate,” Berger added. “When you write a check, you need to be able to make sure you can pay cash.”
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