Paul Stewart and Timothy Nault, Paine Hamblen, PS, defended the State of Washington/DCYF in a 2.5 week jury trial venued in Spokane County Superior Court. The plaintiff, represented by Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala, alleged that he was sexually abused while in foster care in 1995 and 1996, alleging various negligence claims and outrage. In closing Plaintiff asked for $8-10 million (or more!). Jury returned verdict of $250,000, finding the State negligent under a special relationship theory, but rejecting all of Plaintiff’s other theories.