Los Angeles County Cracks Down on Potential Fraud in Sex Abuse Claims Surge
los Angeles County is taking decisive action to address concerns about potentially fraudulent claims stemming from the recent surge in lawsuits related to childhood sexual abuse. This follows reports of individuals allegedly being incentivized to file lawsuits, raising questions about the integrity of the legal process. You may have heard about Assembly Bill 218 (AB 218), which temporarily lifted statutes of limitations for these types of cases, leading to a significant increase in filings.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and what the county is doing to ensure a fair and just process:
Addressing the Rising Concerns
Recently, investigations revealed allegations that some individuals were offered financial compensation to pursue legal action. This prompted the county to launch a multi-pronged approach to identify and address potential misconduct. It’s crucial to maintain the validity of legitimate claims while protecting against exploitation.
New Hotlines for Reporting
The county has established two dedicated hotlines to address this complex situation:
* AB 218 Fraud Hotline: This line is specifically for reporting misconduct related to the influx of sex abuse claims. If you have details about fraudulent activity, you can now report it.
* Victim Reporting Hotline (coming Soon): Recognizing the need for a safe space for survivors, the county is also planning a hotline for individuals to report allegations of sex abuse within county facilities. This will provide a confidential avenue for victims to come forward.
Public Awareness Campaign
Los Angeles County is actively informing the public about the illegality of filing false claims. A prominent banner now displayed on the county website clearly states that it is unlawful to file, pay for, or receive payments for fabricated claims of childhood sexual abuse. The banner visually depicts a hand distributing money, emphasizing the financial incentive aspect of the alleged fraud.
Online Reporting Portal
Furthermore, the county has launched a dedicated website where individuals can report instances of being offered cash to sue. This online portal asks key questions, including:
* Were you offered financial compensation to file a lawsuit?
* Which law firms were involved in the offer?
* Did anyone coach you on how to present your case?
This information will be vital in investigating potential wrongdoing.
A Call for Aggressive Outreach
Supervisor Holly Mitchell has voiced her strong support for these initiatives. She emphasized the need to publicize the hotlines as extensively as the plaintiff attorneys advertised for their cases. “You couldn’t turn on an urban radio station without hearing a commercial advertising these cases,” she stated, advocating for a similarly robust outreach strategy for the county’s resources.
What This Means for You
If you are considering filing a claim related to childhood sexual abuse, it’s essential to understand your rights and responsibilities. You should be aware that knowingly filing a false claim carries significant legal consequences. The county’s actions demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that legitimate survivors receive justice while deterring fraudulent activity.
This situation underscores the importance of a thorough and transparent legal process. los Angeles County is working to uphold that standard, protecting both victims and the integrity of the legal system.
