Professional Negligence Law Reporter

From the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, the state of Washington placed 12 boys, ages 10 to 15, at the J Bar D Boys Ranch, a therapeutic group foster home for young boys. While there, the boys allegedly suffered sexual and physical abuse at the hands of staff and older residents. The alleged abuse included rape, cattle prodding, and being dragged behind horses. The boys allegedly were threatened if they spoke out.

The alleged victims sued the state of Washington, alleging claims for negligence, gross negligence, agency, outrage, emotional distress, and wanton misconduct. The plaintiffs asserted that the defendant knew or should have known that the children placed at J Bar D were being subjected to abuse and denied basic human and social services. Suit also alleged the state had a mandatory, nondelegable duty to investigate abuse and neglect and breached this duty by failing to investigate child abuse reports, make mandatory licensing investigations, verify qualifications of staff, and investigate conditions at the ranch to ensure it was safe.

The state countered that it was not responsible because the alleged abuses were perpetrated by J Bar D’s operators.

The parties settled for $16.95 million.

Citation: Does v. State of Wash., Nos. 19-2-06192-34, 21-2-05884-3 (Wash. Super. Ct. Thurston Cnty. Oct. 30, 2023).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Darrell Cochran and Kevin Hastings, both of Seattle.