Green Hill School Sex Abuse
Green Hill School is a 180-bed medium and maximum security juvenile correctional facility that houses male youths and young adults under 25 in Chehalis, Washington. The prison has a long history of allowing for the sexual abuse of the boys and young men held there, which often began during the intake medical examination. In addition to the culture of abuse, issues with overcrowding and understaffing at the facility did not give minor inmates the safety they needed while in the State’s care.
Vanessa Firnhaber Oslund, Partner, Bergman Oslund Udo Little Last Updated: October 1, 2024
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse at this facility, you have the right to pursue justice and healing. Contact our experienced sexual abuse lawyers at Bergman Oslund Udo Little about your potential Green Hill School sexual abuse lawsuit. Support is available. Learn how we can help you seek justice.
- Green Hill School in Chehalis, Washington, has a disturbing history that includes sexual abuse and violence.
- The facility has operated with more than a 30 percent overflow of inmates, causing overcrowding and understaffing that heighten the risk of sexual abuse.
- If you have experienced abuse as an inmate at Green Hill, the law may allow you to sue the State of Washington for economic and non-economic damages.
- A new law passed in 2023 gives some survivors more time to seek justice for sexual assault.
- Our compassionate and experienced juvenile sexual assault attorneys at Bergman Oslund Udo Little are here to hear your story and handle your case with the sensitivity and attention it deserves.
Sexual Abuse at the Green Hill School
Green Hill School is no stranger to violence and abuse allegations. When reporters toured Green Hill in March 2024, they observed the facility had over 200 residents, which exceeded “best practices.” This overcrowding doesn’t allow for proper supervision and jeopardizes inmate safety, increasing sexual abuse risks.
Tragically, sexual abuse has been a reality at Green Hill. In 2021, 10 plaintiffs—who attended the school for one to four years and ranged from ages 14-18—reached a two million dollar settlement for repeat sexual abuse as teenage wards of the state. During discovery, the plaintiff’s side found evidence that at least 70 residents who did not come forward experienced some form of sexual abuse during their stay at Green Hill.
Unfortunately, these incidents are not isolated. Students in these facilities are susceptible to all forms of abuse due to the power dynamics between the staff and inmates, their young ages, and inmates’ past traumas. Underage inmates are especially vulnerable as well, not only to attacks from staff but also from older inmates. Staff members have been arrested for turning a blind eye to attacks.
Sexual abuse incidents are not the only unacceptable findings at Green Hill. Riots and drug raids have brought to light a disturbing, dangerous culture contained within the fenced community. A recent drug raid uncovered weapons and drug stashes. The Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team conducted the raid using a warrant as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation into the facility’s employees. Riots break out often in Green Hill, with at least 12 in 2023.
Please, if you have survived an abusive relationship or interaction at Green Hill, call our compassionate Green Hill School sex abuse lawyers. We are here to help and listen.
What Damages Are Recoverable In A Washington Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
Pursuing justice isn’t easy, but holding wrongdoers accountable can yield damages to help you move forward. Money isn’t everything, but it can help you pay for therapy as well as compensate you for medical bills and even pain and suffering:
- Economic damages: A quantifiable damages category, economic damages can cover medical bills, therapy sessions, and ongoing care costs.
- Non-economic damages: These damages are more subjective and include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress.
In many cases where the assault inflicts lasting adverse effects and ongoing trauma, you can pursue compensation for your ongoing and expected future losses. These damages may cover such effects as the following:
- Diminished earning capacity
- Ongoing medical and mental health care
- Chronic anxiety and depression
- Mental anguish
- Humiliation
- Loss of reputation
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of bodily functions
- Loss of reproductive capacity
- Loss of society
- Destruction of relationships
Everyone’s experience is unique, and every survivor responds differently to such a traumatic experience as sexual abuse. Our sex abuse lawyers are committed to understanding the full impact of the abuse on your life so we can help you pursue the damages you deserve. Consult with a Green Hill School sexual abuse lawyer to determine your best path forward for receiving fair compensation.
Washington's New Statute of Limitations for Juvenile Sex Abuse Lawsuits
Washington recently amended its law governing childhood sexual abuse lawsuits. The new law has one important change: it abolished the statute of limitations for childhood sex abuse cases. Therefore, there are no longer any deadlines for filing new cases. If you were abused on or after June 6, 2024, you can sue anytime.
This change recognizes that healing takes time, and you shouldn’t feel pressured to come forward before you’re ready. However, it only applies to cases on or after June 6, 2024. The law is not retroactive. Thus, the previous statute of limitations applies to sexual abuse that occurred before the effective date.
Statute of Limitations For Sexual Assault Before June 6, 2024
The state’s previous statute of limitations still applies to cases involving incidents that occurred before June 6, 2024. Thus, survivors must file a civil action within three years from the date when the survivor is made aware of the full extent of his or her emotional injuries and knows the identity of the negligent entity or person.
If you suffered sexual abuse while incarcerated at the Green Hill School, it’s critical to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable sexual abuse lawyer. They can help you understand your options without pressure or judgment. They can also determine what deadline, if any, applies to your case and ensure you file suit in time if you choose to proceed.
Free Consultations for Survivors of Abuse at the Green Hill School
Nobody should have to endure childhood sexual abuse. However, vulnerable populations are often targeted, including minors enrolled in correctional facilities like Green Hill. The facility is operating at 30 percent over capacity, making it much more difficult for staff to prevent violence and abuse.
If you have been victimized by violence or sexual abuse at the Green Hill School, you don’t have to suffer in silence. You have rights and options to pursue justice and compensation for your harm.
The experienced and compassionate sexual assault lawyers at Bergman Oslund Udo Little offer free, no-obligation consultations. We are here for you, will listen to your entire story, and do our best to help you move forward to pursue the justice you deserve. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you do not owe us a cent unless and until we recover compensation for you.
Remember, you aren’t in this alone. We will always answer your call and fight for the justice you deserve. Take the first step towards justice and contact our dedicated team by filling out our online consultation form or calling us at 206-957-9510. Meanwhile, you can also visit our website for free resources for survivors and allies and get answers to your sex abuse lawsuit FAQs.
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