Professional Negligence Law Reporter

The state of New Jersey removed Doe, 9, from her family and placed her in the foster home of Joseph Salmon. Over a five-week period, Salmon allegedly sexually abused Doe and other children numerous times, including forced oral sex and penetration. After a past victim notified police, Salmon was prosecuted and convicted for the sexual abuse of Doe and others.

Doe sued the state, alleging it never should have placed her or other children with Salmon. Doe asserted that prior to her alleged abuse, two foster children had complained that Salmon had “urinated” on them; however, little action was taken to investigate the Salmon home at that time.

The parties settled for $6.75 million.

Citation: Doe v. State of N.J., Confidential Dkt. No. (N.J. Confidential Ct. 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Vincent Nappo, Seattle; and AAJ member Matthew Bonanno, New Brunswick, N.J.