Sexual assault is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can face. When it happens at a school or workplace, however, the impact could be even greater because these places are supposed to be safe. In Seattle, survivors have legal options to hold institutions responsible when their failures allow sexual assault to occur.
If you’ve experienced sexual assault on a college campus or at your job, learning about how Washington law protects you is an important first step.
How Institutions Can Be Held Liable
Colleges, universities, and employers are required to take reasonable steps to prevent and respond to sexual harassment and assault. These responsibilities are created by both state and federal laws, including Title IX for schools and Washington’s Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) for workplaces.
An institution may be held accountable when it:
- Fails to properly investigate reports of sexual misconduct
- Ignores previous complaints about the same offender
- Does not follow reporting procedures or safety policies
- Allows a culture of harassment or retaliation to continue
- Lacks reasonable measures to keep students or employees safe
In these cases, liability isn’t limited to the person who committed the assault. The school or employer can also be legally responsible if their negligence contributed to the harm.
Title IX and Campus Sexual Assault
Title IX is a federal law that bans sex-based discrimination in educational programs that receive federal funding. Sexual assault qualifies as a form of discrimination. Seattle colleges and universities (including the University of Washington and Seattle University) must have systems in place to address sexual violence and protect students.
When a student reports sexual assault, the school must take steps like:
- Conducting a prompt and fair investigation
- Protecting the student from retaliation
- Offering support services like counseling and schedule changes
- Providing access to both internal and legal remedies
If a school fails to act appropriately, survivors can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights or pursue legal action with an attorney’s help.
Workplace Sexual Assault and Employer Responsibility
Employers in Seattle also have a duty to maintain a safe work environment. Sexual assault or harassment in the workplace violates both WLAD and federal law under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
An employer may be liable if it, for instance:
- Knew about the threat and failed to take action
- Mishandled or ignored a complaint
- Retaliated against an employee for reporting misconduct
- Failed to train supervisors or employees on preventing harassment
Victims may be able to pursue compensation for financial losses and emotional harm in a civil lawsuit in these circumstances.
Taking Legal Action in Seattle
Standing up against a large university or corporation can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it without an experienced advocate on your side. A Seattle sexual assault lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and build a successful case.
Your attorney can:
- Investigate the institution’s failures and policies
- Collect internal records and prior complaints
- Work with experts to prove negligence and damages
- File the appropriate claims or lawsuits on your behalf
Having a lawyer also ensures you’re fully supported and protected throughout the process.
What Compensation Can I Recover by Filing a Civil Sexual Assault Claim?
Survivors of sexual assault caused by institutional negligence may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical care and counseling costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
Compensation can’t undo what happened, but it can help you move forward as best as possible financially and also leave you with a sense of justice.
Contact the Seattle Sexual Assault Lawyers at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer for Help Today
Holding a university or employer liable for sexual assault can have a significant impact, both for your own personal well-being and for others facing similar harms in the future.
If you were sexually assaulted on campus or at work in Seattle, know that Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer is here to help. Contact our Seattle sexual assault attorneys today for a free consultation. We work on contingency, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.
For more information, contact an experienced sexual assault lawyer at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free initial consultation. We have convenient locations in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington.
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer – Seattle
701 5th Ave Suite 4300A, Seattle, WA 98104
(253) 948-0250
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer – Tacoma
909 A St Ste 700A, Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 264-0225