After a report released Thursday that Washington state's Department of Social and Health Services failed to consult with law enforcement prior to allowing Josh Powell to see his children at his home, two lawyers announced their intent to sue the state for negligence on behalf of the boys' mother, Susan Cox Powell.
KIRO 7 news partner The News Tribune first reported details of the claim Thursday afternoon.
Josh Powell killed the boys and himself in a fiery explosion at his home earlier this year during one of the arranged visits.
From the Tribune:
Seattle attorneys James S. Rogers and Anne Bremner are preparing to file a claim for damages against the state of Washington on behalf of missing Utah mother Susan Cox Powell. The claim will accuse the state of negligence in the deaths of Powell’s sons, Charlie and Braden.
Rogers and Bremner filed paperwork in Pierce County Superior Court on Monday seeking to have a guardian ad litem appointed to represent Powell’s interests in a “cause of action for injuries allegedly sustained as a result of negligence of State of Washington, Department of Social and Health Services, resulting in the death of her children …”
Rogers said he expects to file the claim next week and told the Tribune, the kids' deaths "didn't have to happen."
"The evidence of negligence is considerably stronger than what was released in the report," he added.
DSHS said it does not comment on pending litigation.
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