Facts

Lisa Castillo and minors B.U. and L.V., sued the County of Los Angeles and Child Services Workers Rihana Acklin, Erasmo Aguilar, Norma Ward, Virginia Espinoza, and Christina Alfaro, in connection with an alleged incident that occurred on Oct. 3, 2012.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
On Oct. 3, 2012, plaintiff bathed her youngest child, a three-month-old infant, put him to bed and went to have dinner with her family. She later returned to find the baby unresponsive. They called 911 and the baby was rushed to the hospital where he died five days later. Social workers went to the hospital and spoke with plaintiff's other minor children and thereafter took them into custody. Plaintiff claimed there was no sign of any abuse or neglect of her baby, but the social workers nevertheless took her children away. Plaintiff was not returned custody of her children for almost ten months. Plaintiffs sued defendants, for allegedly taking plaintiff's children without a warrant. Defendants also allegedly forced her to sign off on a safety plan resulting in her children's lengthy detention. Plaintiffs asserted causes of action for several counts for violation of civil rights under Section 1983 and a Monell claim.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Defendants denied the allegations and asserted various affirmative defenses.

Result

The parties reached a $999,999 settlement.

Other Information

FILING DATE: Oct. 4, 2012.