165 million claim filed against Washington state after baby severely burned in shed fire

A $165 million claim has been filed by the Strode family against the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families, alleging negligence in the care of Leo Strode, who suffered severe burns as a baby. The tragic incident occurred in May 2020 when Leo was nine months old and left inside a shed that caught fire. Eyewitnesses indicated that the fire likely started from portable heaters surrounded by clutter. Following the incident, Leo was airlifted to a burn unit where he underwent 19 surgeries over three months, and his adoptive family has since adapted their lives to cater to his ongoing medical requirements. Sarah Strode expressed heartbreak during Leo's wound care, highlighting the emotional toll of his injuries.

The claim reveals troubling details about the child's history, including prior notifications to DCYF about his parents' unfit conditions. Despite multiple investigations, the agency failed to take action. This case underscores critical issues within the child welfare system and raises questions about the protection of vulnerable children in Washington state.