Echo Glen Children’s Center in Snoqualmie, Washington, is a maximum-security juvenile detention facility. Its purpose is to provide safe housing for at-risk youth adjudicated through the justice system.
Instead of serving its underlying function of rehabilitating kids and helping them prepare for the future, this facility and its administrators have allowed a culture of abuse to develop unchecked. If you or a loved one suffered mistreatment in this facility, reach out to Phillips Law Group to discuss Echo Glen Children’s Center sexual abuse lawsuits.
Abuse at Echo Glen Children’s Center
Over the past several years, investigations and legal proceedings have exposed serious allegations involving child sexual abuse at residential facilities throughout Washington, including Echo Glen Children’s Center.
One of the earliest cases involving sexual assault at the facility occurred in 2009 when a security officer was accused of grooming and violently assaulting a juvenile inmate. Her civil claim was settled in 2011 for a publicly announced amount of $375,000.
In recent years, additional lawsuits have involved a variety of abusive acts by adult employees and juvenile residents. A report by the Seattle Times highlighted that several core issues, including understaffing, low pay, and stagnant hiring, contributed to the culture of abuse.
Possible Defendants
It is possible to sue different parties for abuse that occurred in Echo Glen Children’s Center. While it is natural to blame the abuser, claims can also be successful against any person or entity that facilitated the abuse or covered it up.
The first defendant in most of these cases is the individual perpetrator, who was typically an employee of the facility at the time the abuse occurred. The downside is that these individuals often lack the financial resources to pay the full value of a claim on their own.
For that reason, many plaintiffs also sue the facility for allowing the abuse to occur. Many past lawsuits have argued that administrators were aware of the culture of abuse within Echo Glen Children’s Center and did nothing about it. In some cases, legal action is also appropriate against other institutions or organizations involved in operating the facility.
Recovering Damages Resulting From Abuse
If a civil lawsuit is successful, financial compensation can be pursued. Different types of recoverable damages are available, depending on the circumstances. Medical costs and expenses related to physical injuries are often the most important factors in a standard negligence case, but child sexual abuse claims frequently focus on the emotional impact. A survivor could be entitled to recover compensation for the following:
- Past and future mental health expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Emotional distress
- Lost income
The results of a sexual abuse lawsuit against Echo Glen Children’s Center can have a profound impact on the life of a survivor. While this process might seem daunting, the support of an experienced attorney can make it easier.
Talk to a Lawyer About Sexual Abuse Lawsuits at Echo Glen Children’s Center
If you or someone in your family suffered abuse while residing at Echo Glen Children’s Center, the team at Phillips Law Group is ready to help. They understand the traumatic impact that abuse can have and will work tirelessly to help you secure the justice you deserve.
They can advise you on whether you have valid grounds for a civil suit and help you navigate every step of the process, from negotiating a settlement to filing a claim. Call Phillips Law Group as soon as possible to learn more about Echo Glen Children’s Center sexual abuse lawsuits.
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