When a child enters foster care in the State of Washington, the state assumes a legal duty to protect that child and ensure their safety in any placement. However, despite this obligation, children may still suffer harm. When such harm occurs, it may be the result of foster care abuse or neglect.
Foster care abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as neglect by a foster family. In many cases, this abuse is concealed and may go unnoticed for years before a child or their loved ones recognize what has happened. In other instances, the abuse is so severe that it becomes immediately apparent and demands urgent intervention. The State of Washington can also be held liable for negligently allowing a child to stay in the custody of an abusive or neglectful biological parent or relative, leading to abuse, injury or death.
If you are a victim of foster care abuse, you may have several legal options available to you.
Washington law takes foster care abuse seriously, and so do we. Learn how we can help you.
If you have experienced sexual abuse in foster care, speaking with an attorney familiar the subject can help you evaluate whether these injuries may entitle you to compensation through the legal process.
A Washington foster care abuse law firm can help you evaluate your options and determine what, if any, legal action you may want to pursue.
If you have questions about bringing a wrongful death lawsuit or wish to learn more about what to do if a child you know has died while in foster care, contact our Washington foster care abuse law firm today.
If you have experienced foster care neglect or believe you know of a child who has experienced neglect, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible in order to evaluate your possible claim.
Claimants who have been abused or assaulted in Washington State group homes as minors have successfully sued the State of Washington for compensation. Victims who were placed in these homes are encouraged to contact us, even if the abuse happened long ago.
Our firm believes in providing comprehensive support and advocacy for individuals who were injured or abused while in foster care. Our dedicated attorneys have experience helping former foster care youth and their family members navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation that they deserve. We recently represented plaintiffs in a case against the State of Washington that settled for $6.4 million.
We understand that the legal system can be complex and overwhelming, and we know the challenges that individuals and family members deal with when reckoning with abuse that occurred while in foster care. For many former foster care youth, it can take years to come to a place of stability in their life where it is possible to consider legal options. We are here to support you in this work and in holding your abusers and the system accountable.
Learn MoreMany people believe they can only take action against foster parents. In some cases, the State of Washington may also be held accountable. We help you understand what’s possible.
You don’t need complicated legal explanations. We’ll explain your situation in plain language so you can decide what to do next.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and walk you through the steps.
If you believe you may have experienced abuse in the foster care system and are hoping to find out more about your options, contact the foster care attorneys at Truitt and Lyons today for an initial consultation.
If you are a victim of foster care abuse, you may have several legal options available to you. Washington law takes foster care abuse seriously. Washington law allows for civil liability for foster care abuse against the individuals involved in the abuse, as well as organizations or professionals who may have neglected their responsibilities and allowed abuse to occur. A civil lawsuit seeks monetary compensation rather than a criminal conviction. Our law firm can help you evaluate your options and determine what, if any, legal action you may want to pursue.
No. A civil lawsuit for foster care negligence has different standards than a criminal case, and a criminal conviction is not required. Even if a survivor chooses not to move forward with criminal charges, or criminal charges are no longer possible, a survivor may still be able to bring a civil lawsuit for foster care negligence. A negligence claim can be brought against any individual or organization that may have had a duty to protect a child from foster care negligence and failed to do so. This means that negligence is not limited to the abuser themselves. If you have a concern about how best to proceed where there has been no criminal conviction, speaking with our Washington foster care attorneys can help you to consider your options.
Yes, unlike claims for sexual abuse, Washington state law has a three-year statute of limitations for bringing a wrongful death claim. This means that a parent generally has three years from the date of a child’s death to bring a claim. There are particular exceptions to this three-year time limit, but they generally apply only in rare circumstances and cannot be relied upon to give a family additional time.
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Kids who enter foster care are supposed to be protected from abuse. But what happens when they’re harmed while in foster care? Generally speaking, in Washington State and elsewhere throughout the US, children enter foster...
