Foster Care
Abuse Lawyer
When the foster care system fails to protect children, certain parties can be held accountable.
Our foster care abuse lawyers can help you stand up to abusive foster parents and negligent state agencies.
See why so many choose Cochran Douglas in Tacoma, WA, to help them get their lives back on track.
Get Help Now If You or Someone You Know Is Being Abused
Whether you're a child or teen in an abusive foster home or you're an adult who knows someone in an abusive foster care situation, there are people and communities that can help.
- Call 911 if you're in immediate danger.
- Call Pierce County local law enforcement to report an incident that's no longer in progress at (253) 287-4455.
- Report the abuse or neglect to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families at (888) 713-6115.
Once you're safe and the authorities are aware of the abuse, our Tacoma attorneys can help determine the next steps you can take.
We’ve Earned Millions for Clients
Our Tacoma attorneys have earned millions in jury verdicts and settlements. Here are a few of the cases we’ve taken on in which a child was mistreated or abused:
$3.8 Million
Our Tacoma foster care abuse attorneys held the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) accountable for their failure to investigate a child who was experiencing sexual abuse and harassment.
$3.25 Million
Our lawyers secured $3.25 million from the State of Washington DSHS when they failed to investigate allegations of sexual abuse and neglect.
$3.1 Million
Our lawyers held the DSHS accountable went they placed a state-dependent child with a convicted child rapist.
$2.75 Million
Our lawyers secured a settlement against the DSHS when they failed to protect a foster child from sexual abuse.
"Exceeded my expectations in every way."
robert
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
View on GoogleAlexander
Tacoma, WA
2024
I had the pleasure of working with Cochran Douglas Attorneys at Law, and I can confidently say that they exceeded my expectations in every way. From the moment I reached out for legal assistance, their team demonstrated unparalleled professionalism, expertise, and a support. I felt heard, guided, and well taken care of while working with their awesome team.
View on GoogleWhat Your Case Can Accomplish and How Long You Have to File
Civil Suit
A civil suit is a case for a crime that has been perpetrated against an individual. This kind of lawsuit is filed in pursuit of monetary compensation for damages like physical injuries and mental anguish.
The statute of limitations varies depending on the nature of the abuse. Sexual abuse that occurred after June 6, 2024, does not have a statute of limitations. Sexual abuse that occurred before June 6, 2024, has a statute of limitations of three years.
Criminal Charges
A criminal case involves the state or people versus the defendant. If the defendant is found guilty in a criminal case, they have committed a crime against society and can go to jail.
The statute of limitations for pressing criminal charges depends on the nature of the abuse, neglect, or endangerment. However, there is no statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases that occurred when the victim was under the age of 16.
The lawyers at our Tacoma personal injury office can help determine how much time you have to take legal action.
Is It Too Late for Criminal Charges?
If it's too late to file criminal charges in your case, you should still make the authorities aware of the abuse. This action will establish a trail that can help others. For example, if your abuser is still working in foster care, you can help protect foster children by making the state aware of the situation. If you reported the mistreatment already, but the state failed to take action, you can hold them accountable and make them take allegations of abuse more seriously in the future.
Our lawyers serving Tacoma, Seattle, and beyond can help you submit a statement to the authorities that can ultimately help those in the foster care system.
"They were incredibly on top of my case and they helped me reach a larger settlement than anticipated. Everyone was so kind, helpful, and professional ❤ eternally appreciative of their efforts." Savannah
Justice for Sexual Abuse Victims
Our sexual abuse lawyers have tried many cases on behalf of victims of all ages. Cochran Douglas is focused on achieving justice for these victims. We are also dedicated to holding responsible parties accountable in order to prevent future acts of abuse.
The Long-Term Effects of Foster Care Abuse
When a child is abused in the foster care system, they can carry the long-term consequences into adulthood. An adult who was abused may:
- Have low self-esteem
- Struggle with addiction
- Have lower educational attainment
- Have limited employment opportunities
- Exhibit signs of depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Be at higher risk for delayed brain development
Help is available to those who are experiencing difficulties after being abused as a child. FindTreatment.gov can help you locate a program near you that can address mental health concerns, substance abuse, and more. You can also contact our lawyers to take legal action.
Our Attorneys Can Help Make Things Right Contact Our Tacoma Law Firm Today
If you’re an adult who was abused in foster care, you owe it to yourself to hold your abuser accountable and get the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Compensation can go toward therapy and medical bills for physical injuries you sustained while in foster care, allowing you to live more comfortably. Additionally, your case could ultimately help protect other children from enduring the same abuse as you.
Let our attorneys help you make things right. Contact our Tacoma personal injury attorney office serving Seattle and all of Washington state.
(253) 472-7777
"These are the people you want on your side!"
Michael
Tacoma, WA
2023
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!
View on GoogleDaron 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 GoogleWho Can Be Held Accountable for Foster Care Abuse?
The foster care system is meant to protect children and provide them with a safe home when their own parents or families can't take care of them. Unfortunately, foster care abuse is common and can be committed by parties that are responsible for providing a safe environment. Our lawyers can help you hold negligent and abusive parties accountable, like:
Foster Parents
Foster parents who neglected or physically, emotionally, or sexually abused a child should be held responsible for the damage they've inflicted. They can be sued for damages and prosecuted for criminal offenses.
Foster Care Agencies
Foster care agencies are responsible for screening foster parents, placing children in safe environments, and investigating allegations of child abuse. When they fall short, they can be held responsible.
Washington State
The state of Washington is responsible for training foster parents, conducting background checks, and investigating allegations of child abuse. The state can be sued for negligence when it fails to protect children from harm.
