Congratulations to the team of Richard B. Koskoff, Amy S. Niven and Carly L. Edson of the Law Offices Booth|Koskoff for their recent $4 million settlement in a sexual molestation case in the California foster care program.
The Plaintiffs were two (2) young boys, ages 9 and 10. Due to abuse and neglect in their homes, the Plaintiffs were placed in foster care (agency confidential). Approximately one year after placement in a foster home, the County of San Bernardino and the foster family agency placed an older minor, Rickie F., in the home with the Plaintiffs.
Rickie F. had a history of molesting younger male children. Defendants did not warn the foster parent of Rickie F.’s predatory tendencies toward younger children. The foster agency neglected their duties to protect the Plaintiff children when placing a known sexual offender in the foster home and failing to warn the foster parent of his past behavior. Rickie F. began repeatedly and continuously sexually abusing and molesting Plaintiffs in the foster home for a period of six (6) months.
The Defendants’ contested the lawsuit and their defenses were callous and outrageous. Initially, although they claimed to have no knowledge of Rickie F.’s previous history. They also claimed that Rickie F. had been rehabilitated based on the amount of time between offenses. Then Defendants alleged that any damages on behalf of the two (2) young victims were a direct result of their economically disadvantaged upbringing and neglectful backgrounds. The Defendants further argued that the young victims were willful participants in the activity and suffered no injuries or damages. Booth|Koskoff refused to concede to the Defendants’ ridiculous excuses and continued their long and arduous fight for these innocent victims.
Experts obtained by Booth|Koskoff showed that these young victims were not protected in the foster home they were placed in by Defendants. In fact, the situation was quite the contrary.
The settlement concluded in mediation just two (2) days before the scheduled trial. The efforts of Booth|Koskoff saved the two (2) young victims from reliving the horrific events and embarrassment of testifying about the sensitive matter in Court.
What is perhaps most impressive about this victory is that the case took over five (5) years to reach conclusion. Thanks to the efforts of Booth|Koskoff to obtain for justice for the young victims, they can receive the assistance needed in the future to overcome the atrocities suffered from the Defendants’ failure to protect them.
Advocate Capital, Inc. is proud to support the important work done by trial lawyers across the country to make the world a safer place for all.
Senior Vice President
