Foster Care Abuse Lawyer
Lakewood, WA
Survivors of foster care abuse deserve legal representation that holds abusive foster parents and negligent state agencies accountable.
The attorneys of Cochran Douglas can help those who have been traumatized while in foster care. We fight for child abuse victims in Lakewood, Tacoma, WA, and other Puget Sound communities.
Our Lawyers Want to Hear Your Story How the Victims' Rights Advocates of Cochran Douglas Can Help
Founded in Tacoma, WA, in March 2020, Cochran Douglas is a personal injury law firm that puts victims first. Our attorneys take time to listen to every client so we can understand what happened and determine the best way to present these compelling stories through litigation. We work with clients in Lakewood, Olympia, and other communities around Puget Sound.
Statutes of Limitations That May Apply to Cases of Foster Care Abuse
A statute of limitations is a deadline by which a legal action can be filed. These deadlines are different for seeking criminal prosecution and filing civil litigation.
Statute of Limitations for Criminal Cases
For criminal prosecution of foster home or foster care abuse, there is no statute of limitations for the sexual abuse, trafficking, or exploitation of a child younger than 16. The criminal statute of limitations for other forms of child abuse, neglect, and endangerment can vary depending on the nature of the offense.
Statute of Limitations for Civil Litigation
For civil litigation of foster home or foster care abuse, the statute of limitations can vary based on the nature of abuse or neglect. However, there is no statute of limitations for civil actions filed for any act of child sexual abuse committed after June 6, 2024.
Our Attorneys Are Ready to Listen to You Request a Free Case Review with Our Lawyers
Have you survived childhood abuse or neglect while in foster care? You should speak with an attorney about taking legal action. Victims of foster home abuse may be able to seek damages or negotiate a settlement by filing a civil case.
At Cochran Douglas, all initial case reviews are free. If we work on your case, you don't have to pay us unless we win.
To learn more about your legal options for enduring foster care neglect and abuse, contact our law office in Tacoma, WA. Our lawyers serve numerous Puget Sound communities, including Lakewood, Olympia, and Kent, WA.
(253) 472-7777
Our Lawyers Will Make Sure Your Story Is Heard Serving Lakewood and Other WA Communities
Lindsey
Tacoma, WA
2024
Loren, Cole, and their entire office were of such great help during a difficult time in my life. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney
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Tacoma, WA
2024
i would like to thank the Cochran Douglas firm Cole and Loren for there excellent work settling my case it took some time but they were able to get me 4 times the amount plus some that was being offered the team kept me informed through the whole process i felt they had my back and that meant a lot to me thanks again Robert
View on GoogleChild Abuse Has Long-Term Consequences The Wounds Can Last Well Into Adult Life
Survivors of child abuse face long-lasting repercussions even after they've left the foster care system. The harm they've endured can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and negatively impact their self-esteem and overall mental health. The lifelong effects of child abuse could impact future career and employment prospects and may even contribute to substance abuse and addiction in adulthood.
It's estimated that the lifetime economic burden of child abuse survivors is $592 billion.
If you've experienced child abuse in the foster care system, it's worth speaking with an attorney about your legal options. Money earned in a settlement or won in a jury trial can help cover the cost of therapy and counseling as well as medical bills associated with past child abuse in the foster care system.
Free Case Evaluations and Contingency Representation Our Law Firm Relieves the Financial Burden on Abuse Survivors
Given the lifelong financial impacts of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse while a child is in foster care, our lawyers offer free case reviews and representation on a contingency basis.
Survivors who are low-income, have limited means, or are worried about legal fees can come forward with abuse and neglect allegations without feeling any financial pressure.
Free Legal Consultations
Some law firms charge money just for an initial consultation. At Cochran Douglas, your initial consultation is free. That means you can speak with an attorney without paying anything upfront. Find out what your next steps should be when seeking restitution for foster care abuse.
Representation on a Contingency Fee Basis
If our foster care abuse lawyers work on your case, you will not have to pay a retainer or any hourly legal fees. There are no hidden charges either. You only have to pay our attorneys if we can secure a settlement or win damages in a civil trial. If we don't win, you don't pay.
Request a Free Consultation with Cochran Douglas Discuss Your Legal Options with Our Lawyers in Tacoma, WA
Did you experience abuse while you were in foster care? You need our foster care abuse lawyers on your side. Our Tacoma personal injury attorneys serve Lakewood, Olympia, and neighboring communities. As victims' rights advocates, Cochran Douglas takes all foster care abuse cases seriously. Our lawyers fight diligently to hold perpetrators of abuse accountable through civil litigation.
If you want to learn more about filing a lawsuit for abuse or neglect you experienced as a child, contact our victim's rights lawyers today.
(253) 472-7777
A Client Shares His Experience with Us Proudly Serving Tacoma, Lakewood, and the Entire Puget Sound
"I just wrapped up my case with Cochran Douglas representing me and I am grateful they were the ones to do so. There’s a lot of headache when dealing with these types of things and these guys did all the legwork for me and made the process as seamless as possible. I didn’t have to call in for an update and always felt in the loop. I was happy with he outcome of their work and will be sure to use them in the future and recommend them with full confidence. Thanks again to the whole team for all of your efforts!" Michael
Who Can Foster Children Sue for Abuse and Neglect? Liable Parties for Foster Home Maltreatment
Foster children can sue different parties for negligence or mistreatment depending on the nature of what happened. Below are just four parties that our lawyers can hold liable.
Abusive or Neglectful Foster Parents
Foster parents who abuse, neglect, exploit, or otherwise mistreat children in their care can be sued for damages in addition to being prosecuted for criminal offenses.
Abusive Respite Care Workers or Volunteers
Respite workers are hired to provide temporary relief of duties to foster parents and other primary caregivers. Sadly, foster children may be abused by respite workers, which is why it's possible to file a lawsuit against these short-term caregivers.
The State of Washington
The state is responsible for screening and training foster parents. The state is also responsible for investigating complaints of abuse of those in foster care. When state agencies fail to protect children from harm, the state of Washington can be sued for negligence.
Foster Care and Child Placement Agencies
Private organizations and agencies may be involved in different aspects of foster care, from caregiver screenings and child placement to investigating abuse allegations. Foster care agencies can be sued if they fail to protect the welfare of foster children.
We Can Hold Government Agencies Accountable Our Lawyers Aren't Afraid to Sue the State for Negligence
If a state agency fails to investigate allegations of foster care abuse or does not properly screen a potential foster parent, the lawyers of Cochran Douglas can help. Our attorneys can assist abuse survivors in Lakewood, Tacoma, and other Puget Sound communities in cases against Washington State agencies meant to protect the well-being of foster children.
More Client Reviews for Our Dedicated Lawyers Helping People in Tacoma, Lakewood, and Neighboring Cities
Daron Buxton
Tacoma, WA
2023
This is a first-class law firm. They went above and beyond to settle my case, and greatly exceeded my expectations. They are genuine, kind, and compassionate. Cochran Douglas has an amazing staff that will keep you informed through the process and work to ease the anxiety surrounding your case. These are the people you want on your side!
View on Googletruc doan
Tacoma, WA
2023
I want to say thank you for the good service I was got. They really care, kind and do the best job for my case. They respond and support right away via email, phone all my questions. Finally my case is closed and I’m glad to get the good compensation that my attorney tried to get for me. Thank you so much Tiffany Wilke, Loren Douglas and Dawn Plaster. You all did very great job.
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