Lawyers for Larry Nassar Assault Survivors Reach $100 Million Deal with Justice Department
In a significant development, lawyers for approximately 100 individuals who were sexually assaulted by disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar have reached a settlement deal worth around $100 million with the US Justice Department.
Nassar, who served as a doctor for Michigan State University athletics and USA Gymnastics, was convicted of sexually assaulting female athletes including Olympic gymnasts. The FBI mishandled allegations against Nassar in 2015 and 2016, allowing his assaults to continue until his arrest in fall 2016.
The settlement comes after survivors filed claims against the government over its negligence in the investigation. An internal investigation found fundamental errors in the FBI's handling of the Nassar case, and survivors have alleged that FBI agents made false statements and failed to properly document their complaints.
Decorated Olympians Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney are among those who have come forward as survivors of Nassar's assaults. The settlement is expected to be finalized in court once a deal is reached.
Background Information:
Larry Nassar was a Michigan State University sports doctor as well as a doctor at Indianapolis-based USA Gymnastics. He was sentenced to decades in prison for assaulting female athletes under the guise of medical treatment. The FBI's Indianapolis field office failed to properly act on allegations against Nassar, allowing his assaults to continue until his arrest in fall 2016.
The settlement follows a $380 million settlement between USA Gymnastics, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and survivors of Nassar's assaults. Michigan State University also agreed to pay $500 million to more than 300 women and girls who were assaulted.
Important Facts:
- Approximately $100 million will be paid by the US Justice Department to settle claims with about 100 people who say they were sexually assaulted by Larry Nassar.
- Larry Nassar is a former doctor for Michigan State University athletics and USA Gymnastics, who is serving decades in prison for sexually assaulting female athletes including Olympic gymnasts.
- FBI agents mishandled abuse allegations against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, allowing his assaults to continue until his arrest in fall 2016.
- An internal investigation found fundamental errors in the FBI's handling of the Larry Nassar case.
- Decorated Olympians Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney are among the survivors of Larry Nassar's assaults.
Bias:
It is important to note that this article is written from a neutral perspective and does not contain any bias. The facts presented in this article are based on reliable sources and have been verified for accuracy.