Surviving child sexual abuse is a deeply personal and painful experience that can affect every part of a person’s life. Many survivors in Tacoma, Washington, reach adulthood without realizing that they still may have legal rights related to what happened to them.
These include extended time limits to pursue justice and the ability to seek financial accountability from individuals and institutions that allowed the abuse to occur. Learning about your rights under Washington law can help you make informed decisions about what to do next.
Your Legal Rights as a Survivor Under Washington Law
Washington is considered one of the most survivor-friendly states when it comes to child sexual abuse laws. In recent years, the state expanded the statute of limitations for civil claims involving childhood sexual abuse. This change allows many survivors to file lawsuits long after the abuse occurred, potentially even decades later.
In many cases, survivors can take legal action if they have recently discovered the connection between their abuse and the emotional or psychological harm they continue to experience today. This is often referred to as the “discovery rule.” It means the legal clock may start when you first understand how the abuse affected your life, not when the abuse itself occurred.
Washington law also allows survivors to pursue claims not only against the abuser, but also against entities, such as schools and churches, that failed to protect them.
Criminal Cases vs. Civil Lawsuits
It is important to know that criminal cases and civil lawsuits are completely separate processes. A criminal case focuses on punishment and jail time for the offender. Meanwhile, a civil lawsuit focuses on accountability and financial compensation for the survivor.
The burden of proof is also lower in a civil claim. This means you can win your case regardless of whether the perpetrator is ever found guilty (or even tried at all) in criminal court.
What Compensation Can Cover in a Civil Abuse Claim
No amount of money can erase the harm caused by sexual abuse, but civil compensation is meant to support survivors in very real ways. A successful claim may help cover the long-term costs that often follow childhood trauma.
These may include both economic damages, like medical care, as well as non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. For some survivors, financial recovery allows them to finally access the care and stability they were denied as children.
What To Do if You Are Considering Legal Action in Tacoma
If you are thinking about taking legal action, you do not have to decide everything at once. Many survivors start by simply learning their options. A free consultation with a qualified personal injury attorney can help you understand whether Washington’s extended time limits apply to your situation.
Before speaking with a lawyer, it can help to gather any records you may have on hand. However, you are not required to have proof before seeking legal guidance. An attorney can help investigate and obtain evidence on your behalf if a case moves forward.
Contact a Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Tacoma for Legal Guidance
If you were sexually abused as a child in Tacoma, WA, speaking with a child sexual abuse lawyer can give you clarity and support during a difficult time. An experienced attorney can explain how Washington’s statute of limitations applies to your situation and help you understand what options may be available from there.
Call Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer to get started with a free consultation today and learn more about what legal rights and options you may have in your specific circumstances.
For more information, contact an experienced child 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