Government Liability: Vulnerable Adults and Children

Our government has significant responsibilities to those it serves. People trust government agencies to protect vulnerable individuals from harm. When the government does not fulfill its obligations to our most vulnerable citizens, we are here to help.

When Government Fails to Serve

Government agencies, and those contractors they hire to work with vulnerable adults, are expected to meet high standards each and every day. Far too often, these organizations and government agencies fail to meet these legal standards, causing the children and vulnerable adults under their care to suffer. Local, state, and federal governments, and those they contract with, have made egregious errors that cause injury, harm, and even their lives.

When bad things happen to those who cannot protect themselves, many people do not know their options and many think they are powerless against big government. They believe that government agencies are immune to the consequences of their actions and cannot be held financially liable for serious injuries and death. We work hard every day to prove that everyone—even government—has to fulfill its obligations. When government does not do what it is required to do, we are here to make help hold the government accountable for the injuries, harm and damages caused.

Vulnerable Adults and Children Pay the Price

In many situations, vulnerable adults and children are led to believe they have no way to hold government accountable when it fails to fulfill its duties in terms of vulnerable adult abuse. Those who most deserve the government’s protection are the ones who are least able to advocate for themselves or get help when their rights are abused.

Vulnerable adults are often under the care of the Department of Social and Health Services, as well as the numerous private agencies it contracts with. Long-term care is notoriously underfunded, and contracting agencies and facilities frequently provide less oversight and intervention than the law requires. As a result, family members or watchdog agencies often don’t know that there is vulnerable adult abuse occurring until the victim is already falling seriously ill or dying.

The same is true for some children who enter the government foster care system. They are at greater risk for abuse and neglect and need careful monitoring. However, due to lack of training and understaffing, there is often far less supervision than these children deserve. Abuse and neglect of children by foster families or caretakers is inexcusable.

Our law firm works hard to be a strong voice for those who do not have one. We believe that everyone deserves justice when the government fails them.

Holding the Government Accountable

The work we do to hold the government responsible for its errors is beneficial in two ways. First, we get justice for individuals and families who are hurt while under government care by getting them the damages they are rightfully owed when the government does not fulfill its obligations. Many people believe that the government is too big to be challenged and that there is no benefit in going up against government lawyers. We stand up for those individuals and give them a voice. We take-on the government on behalf of vulnerable adults and children.

Second, a successful lawsuit against the government is often enough to cause positive change that benefits our most vulnerable citizens. Complaints from residents can be ignored or waved off—but a lawsuit brings attention and accountability to government. Having to pay for hurting or causing death encourages government officials to put safeguards in place to prevent similar incidents from happening again. One lawsuit can lead to change that protects other individuals from harm.

Successful Cases Against Government Agencies

The team at Ron Meyers & Associates: Olympia Injury Lawyers is responsible for many major wins against the government.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by the government’s abuse, neglect or abandonment you are not powerless. The government isn’t beyond the law—the team at Ron Meyers & Associates: Olympia Injury Lawyers is ready to take government agencies to court and hold them responsible for any type of vulnerable adult abuse. We’re ready to discuss your case and help you take the next step. Contact us at 360-459-5600 to schedule your free consultation.

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