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Foster Care Abuse Lawyers
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Oregon Foster Care Abuse Lawyers
You Have a Place to Turn for Real Answers From Experienced Attorneys
Goldberg & Loren are foster care abuse lawyers located in Portland, Oregon. We serve the entire state of Oregon by providing legal representation for those who have been victims of foster care abuse.
Our team of experienced attorneys have a deep understanding of the complex laws that govern foster care and are committed to helping you seek justice.
We know the tremendous emotional and physical trauma that is endured by those who have been abused while in foster care, and we strive to provide personalized legal representation designed to help you find closure.
Our goal is to help you get the compensation and justice that you deserve.
Call Goldberg & Loren today at (971) 339-8080 for a free consultation.
How Does Foster Care Abuse Happen?
Foster care abuse can take many forms, including physical, sexual, or psychological abuse. There are also cases of neglect, where the foster parents fail to provide adequate care and protection for their charges. Victims of abuse must know they have rights and can seek justice through legal action.
Most vulnerable children are typically those in foster care who have been placed with parents or guardians who fail to provide proper supervision or otherwise fail to protect them from harm. It is important that victims of abuse feel empowered to report their experiences and seek help.
Types of Foster Care Child Abuse Cases We Handle
There are several types of cases that our attorneys handle.
These include:
- Physical abuse - any form of physical contact that causes harm
- Sexual abuse - any sexual behavior between a child and an adult or other person in authority
- Emotional abuse - any action that harms the emotional development of a child
- Neglect - failure to provide adequate care for a child
We also handle cases involving financial exploitation, such as when foster parents take advantage of a child’s trust and siphon off money for personal gain.
Sexual Abuse in Foster Care
In Oregon, there have been multiple cases of sexual abuse that have gone unreported in foster care. When the perpetrators are adults, they may go unpunished due to the vulnerability of their victims.
Symptoms of child sexual abuse can include fear of being with certain people, anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and difficulty sleeping. Regardless of the circumstances or how long ago the abuse may have occurred, victims need to know that help is available.
Physical Abuse in Foster Care
Physical abuse in foster care can include anything from slapping to more serious forms of violence. Unfortunately, physical abuse is often overlooked and unreported due to the shame associated with it. Symptoms and signs of child abuse include bruising, broken bones, burns, refusal to go to school or social events, and changes in behavior.
Table of Contents
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Oregon Foster Care Abuse Lawyers
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How Does Foster Care Abuse Happen?
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Types of Foster Care Child Abuse Cases We Handle
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Sexual Abuse in Foster Care
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Physical Abuse in Foster Care
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Neglect in Foster Care
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Oregon's History of Foster Care Abuse
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What Can An Oregon Foster Care Abuse Lawyer Do?
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What Types of Damages Can a Foster Care Child or Adult Claim or Sue For?
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Economic Damages vs Non-Economic Damages in Foster Care Abuse Cases
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Who Pays in a Foster Care Child Abuse Claim?
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What Should I Do if I am the Victim of Forster Care Abuse?
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Oregon Statute of Limitations in Foster Care Abuse Cases
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If You See Something? Say Something!
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Contact Our Foster Care Abuse Attorneys
Neglect in Foster Care
While this is one of the least common forms of abuse, yes, neglect occurs in foster care. Neglect can take many forms from not providing adequate nutrition to not providing appropriate medical care or supervision. The signs of neglect can include poor hygiene, lack of clothing, and malnutrition.
Oregon's History of Foster Care Abuse
Oregon has a long history of foster care abuse, with reports dating back to the 1950s. In recent years, several cases have come to light that shed light on the issues children in foster care face.
These cases demonstrate why it is important for victims of abuse to understand their rights and contact an Oregon foster care abuse lawyer as soon as possible.
In 2020 alone, Oregon was rocked by several stories of abuse in foster care, including reports of a foster father who molested and exploited multiple children over more than 20 years. In other cases, parents were accused of physical or psychological abuse against their charges.
What Can An Oregon Foster Care Abuse Lawyer Do?
A foster care abuse attorney in Oregon can help you understand your legal rights and options. They will provide the advice and support you need to navigate the complicated process of pursuing a claim.
The attorneys at our firm understand the emotional toll that dealing with such cases can take on victims, so they are committed to providing compassionate service and helping you pursue a favorable outcome.
If your child has suffered abuse while in the Oregon foster care system, an attorney from our firm can provide the legal representation and advice needed to protect your rights.
Our attorneys are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of victims of abuse and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
What Types of Damages Can a Foster Care Child or Adult Claim or Sue For?
Victims of abuse in the foster care system can pursue a variety of damages, including compensation for:
- Medical expenses, (past/future)
- Emotional trauma, (past/future)
- Pain and suffering, (past/future)
- Lost wages, (past/future)
- Or disability benefits, (past/future)
- Legal fees, and other associated costs.
Our attorneys understand the complexities involved in pursuing such cases and are dedicated to helping victims seek justice and achieve positive outcomes.
We will fight fiercely to make sure your rights are protected and that you are compensated for pain, suffering, and any other losses incurred as a result of the abuse.
Economic Damages vs Non-Economic Damages in Foster Care Abuse Cases
In a foster care abuse case, victims may be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are typically awarded in cases where the victim can demonstrate actual monetary losses. These could include medical expenses or lost wages due to time away from work.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are typically awarded to compensate for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.
Our attorneys can help you understand the types of damages that may be available in your case and help you pursue them.
There can also be a punitive damage award, where the court imposes a penalty on the defendant to punish them for their actions.
Who Pays in a Foster Care Child Abuse Claim?
The foster care parents must carry an insurance policy to cover damages in the event of abuse. The damages are typically paid out by the insurance provider, but sometimes, the foster parents themselves may be held liable for paying out some or all of the damages.
In extreme cases where the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) may be liable, you may be able to pursue damages from the state, county, or municipality responsible for the abuse.
Our attorneys can help you understand who is liable in your case and what steps need to be taken to seek justice.
What Should I Do if I am the Victim of Foster Care Abuse?
If you are currently experiencing foster care abuse in Oregon, it is important to speak with an attorney from our firm as soon as possible. We can help you understand your rights and the legal options available to you.
We can help with the following right away:
- Provide advice on how to protect yourself and seek justice
- Guide you through the process of filing a claim or lawsuit
- Represent your interests in court, if necessary
- Make sure your rights are protected throughout the legal process
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you believe you or your child has been the victim of abuse in Oregon’s foster care system.
Oregon Statute of Limitations in Foster Care Abuse Cases
A Statute of Limitations will apply to your case. This means that you only have a certain amount of time to file a claim or lawsuit, so it is essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. The time limit may vary due to the type of abuse.
A foster care abuse case will usually need to be filed before the victim turns 30, or within 12 years of when the abuse was reported to law enforcement or DHS. (ORS 131.125)
If you have questions, our attorneys can help you understand the applicable Statute of Limitations and determine whether any exceptions to the time limit may apply to your case.
If You See Something! Say Something!
Foster care abuse victims are often too scared or ashamed to speak up. We understand how difficult it can be to come forward, but there are resources available.
You don’t have to face this alone – help is out there.
If you suspect, have seen, or are aware of a child or an adult being abused in the foster care system, we want to know about it.
Contact Our Foster Care Abuse Attorneys
If you or a child in your care has been the victim of foster care abuse in Oregon, our attorneys can help. Our experienced legal team is committed to providing compassionate representation and is dedicated to helping victims seek justice and achieve positive outcomes.
We will fight fiercely to make sure your rights are protected and that you are compensated for pain, suffering, and any other losses you may have endured.
We can provide the legal representation and advice needed to pursue a favorable outcome for your case.
Don’t hesitate, to contact us today and let us help you take the next step in the legal process.
Let us work to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call us today at 971-339-8080 for a free consultation.
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
6500 S Macadam Ave #300
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
Any form of child abuse is horrific. But when that abuse stems from foster care then we can hold them accountable. Whether you are a child in foster care, an adult calling on behalf of that child, or an Adult who experienced foster care. Call us today.
We Represent Adult-Children of Foster Care Abuse in the Following Cities and Communities Near Portland, Oregon.
- Beaverton, OR
- Hillsboro, OR
- Vancouver, WA
- Clackamas County, OR
- Clark County, WA
- Columbia County, OR
- Multnomah County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Washington County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Yamhill County, OR
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