Are You Currently Experiencing Abuse? Take These Steps Now to Keep Yourself Safe
If you or someone you know is the victim of foster care abuse, please take the following steps to ensure your safety and well-being.
After alerting authorities and getting support from local organizations, you can contact our Tacoma law office to discuss what has happened. Discussions with our team are confidential, and legal consultations are free of charge.
Notify Puyallup Law Enforcement
Call 911 to report the mistreatment to Puyallup law enforcement. You can also reach Puyallup Police directly by calling (253) 841-5415.
Report Abuse in Foster Care
Report the incidents of child abuse to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families, which can be reached online or by phone at (888) 713-6115.
Contact Child Advocacy Groups
Seek support services from the Children’s Advocacy Center of Pierce County.
We Stand with Abuse Survivors
Throughout Washington
Legal Aid for Foster Children Who've Endured Mistreatment
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Statutes of Limitations You May Have a Deadline to File a Legal Claim
Filing Criminal Charges
There is no statute of limitations on criminal prosecution of sexual abuse in a foster home involving a child younger than 16. The criminal statute of limitations for other forms of abuse vary based on the offense.
Filing a Civil Claim
There is no statute of limitations for civil actions involving child sexual abuse committed after June 6, 2024. The deadline to file other civil claims varies depending on the nature of the foster care neglect or abuse.
Our Lawyers Are Ready to Listen Set Up a Free and Confidential Case Evaluation
If you've experienced sexual abuse, neglect, or physical violence while in foster care, we encourage you to speak with a attorney about taking legal action. In addition to any criminal charges the perpetrator faces, you can seek legal compensation for the many hardships you were forced to endure.
At Cochran Douglas, you do not have to pay any fees for a consultation or our legal services. Our lawyers only get paid if we can win your case.
To set up a free case review with our team, contact our law firm in Tacoma, WA.
(253) 472-7777
You Can Count on Our Attorneys Fighting for Puyallup and Other Washington Communities
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
View on GoogleI was very satisfied with the high level service from the Cochran and Douglas team. They helped take a bad situation, and found the silver lining. I highly recommend them, they are very helpful and and professional.
View on GoogleWhat Our Legal Team Can Offer You Why We Are Trusted Victims' Rights Advocates
Free Legal Consultations
At Cochran Douglas, your consultation with our lawyers is completely free. During this free, no-obligation consultation, we will listen to your story and help you figure out if you have a case and what steps to take next. This ability to speak with an attorney without a fee is helpful for many foster children who do not feel heard.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Our attorneys understand that keeping matters private is essential for maintaining your safety and avoiding unwanted attention. Your consultation and all correspondence with us will be completely confidential. We will take great care to make sure your identity or details about your personal life are not made public.
A Record of Dedicated Advocacy
The lawyers at Cochran Douglas have spent years helping survivors of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. It does not matter if that abuse and neglect occurred in a foster home, at a school, or in another setting. Our attorneys are vigilant advocates for abuse survivors seeking damages from the perpetrators of abuse.
Contingency Fee Representation
Cochran Douglas offers contingency fee representation, meaning that clients do not pay a retainer or hourly attorneys fees for our services. Instead, our lawyers only get paid if we can successfully settle your case or win a favorable verdict in court. If we can't successfully resolve your case, you don't have to pay us anything.
Cochran Douglas Is On Your Side We Can Help Make Your Voice Heard
Set Up a Free Case Evaluation with Our Team Contact Our Attorneys to Review Your Legal Options
At Cochran Douglas, our lawyers understand the long-lasting effects of abuse and mistreatment. We've worked with abused children and adults who are only now coming to terms with what they experienced growing up while in foster care.
It doesn't matter if you're from Puyallup, Sumner, South Hill, or any of the neighboring communities in South Puget Sound. Our attorneys are ready to listen to you and offer our support in any way we can.
To set up a free case evaluation and to be heard, contact our Tacoma law office today.
(253) 472-7777
Our Lawyers Are Here for You A Past Client Shares His Experience
"Cochran Douglas has changed my life. They have done an amazing job at representing me. Throughout the entire process they were supportive and responsive. I always knew what was happening and what to expect. If you are looking for a law firm that is trustworthy and will stand up for you legally don’t hesitate to choose Cochran Douglas." Myron
The Long-Term Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect
If you were the victim of repeated violence while growing up in foster care, the effects of that trauma can last well into your adult life. Many survivors of child abuse and sexual abuse experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as difficulties with self-esteem and self-worth. The trauma from an abusive upbringing can also contribute to substance abuse issues and possible addiction.
Filing a civil lawsuit against your abuser allows you to take back some control in your life. Legal damages or settlement money can be used to pay for medical treatment, psychological counseling, and assistance with overcoming addiction.
While our lawyers can't undo the past, we can give you the legal support to ensure a better future for you and the people you love.
A Trusted Personal Injury Firm in Washington Representing Survivors in Puyallup and South Puget Sound
Loren and his team took all the headache away and made the process simple for me. Thanks again everyone for all your amazing work.
View on GoogleLoren and Cole both demonstrate the upmost professionalism and sincerity. They are both very knowledgeable and hardworking. I would not hesitate to work with them again in the future and would strongly encourage anyone seeking legal council to contact them.
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