William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. Reaches a $28 Million Settlement in Lawsuit Against Orange County Social Services for Catastrophic Injuries to Infant
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Feb. 20, 2025 – William D. Shapiro Law, Inc reached a $28 million settlement in Hooker v. County of Orange, resolving the lawsuit in which they accused Orange County Social Services of violating mandatory child welfare duties, leading to catastrophic brain injuries for a two-month-old infant.
William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. filed the case, arguing that the Orange County Social Services Agency (OCSSA) unlawfully removed the baby from her parents’ custody and placed her in the care of a paternal grandmother without conducting the required safety assessments or background checks. The attorneys contended that this negligent placement exposed the infant to severe neglect and abuse, causing permanent and life-altering brain damage.
“This case is a tragic example of what happens when the agencies entrusted to protect vulnerable children fail to fulfill their legal obligations,” said William D. Shapiro, Esq. lead attorney for the plaintiff. “Our client, a helpless infant, was placed in a situation that was entirely preventable had the mandated child protection protocols been followed. While no amount of money can undo the suffering she has endured, this settlement will help provide her with the medical care, rehabilitation and support she will require for the rest of her life.”
Attorneys for the plaintiff exposed major systemic failures within Orange County’s child welfare system, including its failure to vet placement homes, conduct criminal background checks and provide a safe environment for at-risk children. The attorneys argued that these deficiencies violated California’s Welfare and Institutions Code, which requires thorough safety assessments before placing children with non-parental caregivers.
The firm aggressively pursued justice, not only securing financial compensation for the victim but also calling for systemic changes to prevent future tragedies. “This case serves as a wake-up call to child protective agencies nationwide,” Shapiro emphasized. “The government must protect children in its care rather than exposing them to harm. We hope this settlement leads to meaningful reforms and greater accountability within the system.”
The $28 million settlement will cover extensive medical and rehabilitative care the young girl needs for the rest of her life. The funds will also support ongoing therapies, specialized education and assistive care to help improve her quality of life.
“This settlement cannot undo our client’s unimaginable suffering,” Shapiro said, “but it provides the resources necessary to give her the best possible quality of life moving forward. Our firm remains committed to fighting for victims of negligence and ensuring justice.”
The case is Hooker vs County of Orange, San Bernardino County Superior Court, Case No. CIVSB2126796
About William D. Shapiro Law, Inc.
William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm specializing in catastrophic injury, wrongful death, government liability, product defects and complex litigation. With decades of experience, the firm has built a reputation for holding corporations and public entities accountable for negligence, securing justice for victims and achieving landmark verdicts and settlements.
For more information, visit www.wshapiro.com
Media Contact:
Joe Marchelewski, AIJ Communications, jmarchelewski@gmail.com
