Victims of sexual abuse and assault in Washington may be entitled to recover compensation for their damages. While both of these actions are considered intentional torts, there are some subtle differences between the two. Whether your case involves sexual abuse or assault could affect the deadline to file your claim.
Keep reading below to learn all the differences between sexual assault and abuse in Washington and what that could mean for your personal injury claim.
What Is Sexual Abuse in Washington?
While Washington law does not define “sexual abuse” as a specific criminal charge, the term is often used to describe a range of nonconsensual sexual conduct, particularly involving children or vulnerable adults.
Sexual abuse includes “any form of nonconsensual sexual conduct,” such as:
- Inappropriate touching
- Rape
- Statutory rape
- Sexual coercion
- Sexually explicit photographing or videoing
- Indecent exposure
- Sexual harassment
Sexual abuse is a serious criminal offense, and those found guilty may face severe punishment. Victims of sexual abuse are also entitled to recover compensation for their damages from the assailant through a personal injury lawsuit in civil court.
What Is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault refers to nonconsensual sexual contact and is often used to describe offenses such as unwanted touching, groping, rape, or forced sexual acts.
While Washington’s criminal statutes don’t define “sexual assault” as a standalone crime, the term commonly encompasses a range of acts charged under laws like rape or indecent liberties. In many cases, sexual assault describes a single, identifiable incident rather than an ongoing pattern of abuse.
Since sexual assault is a criminal offense, your assailant may face criminal penalties for their actions. Additionally, you may have a right to bring a civil lawsuit against them for their actions. This would allow you to recover damages for your financial losses as well as your physical injuries and emotional trauma.
Key Differences Between Sexual Abuse and Assault
There is significant overlap between conduct that may be considered sexual abuse or assault. However, there are a few differences that sometimes separate the two. Sexual assault is often a one-time offense, while sexual abuse often describes a pattern of behavior that may occur over a longer period of time.
In most adult sexual assault cases, the statute of limitations is three years. However, victims of child sexual abuse may have more time depending on when the abuse was discovered or disclosed. A lawyer can help determine the specific filing deadline in your case.
Types of Damages Available to Sexual Abuse and Assault Victims
If you have been the victim of sexual abuse or assault, you may be entitled to several types of damages. Economic damages compensate victims for their financial losses.
This may include losses like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Mental health counseling
Victims can also recover compensation for their non-economic damages. These damages compensate victims for their physical and emotional pain and trauma. These intangible losses include items such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or mental anguish
- PTSD
- Loss of reputation
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Depression
- Anxiety
Washington does not generally allow punitive damages in personal injury cases except where specifically authorized by statute.
Call Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation With a Seattle Personal Injury Lawyer
At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, we have over 30 years of experience helping victims navigate difficult situations like these. If you or someone you love has experienced child sexual abuse or sexual assault, contact our Seattle personal injury lawyers today for a free, confidential consultation.
For more information, contact an experienced sexual abuse 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