Washington law allows child sexual abuse survivors to pursue compensatory damages to help address the full scope of harm they have experienced. Compensatory damages are designed to make a survivor “whole” by providing financial compensation for the financial and emotional losses caused by the abuse.
In many child sexual abuse claims in Seattle, these damages may be substantial because of the long-term effects of trauma. Generally, awards are broken down into two major damage types: economic and non-economic. The sections below discuss each category.
Economic Damages for Financial Losses
Economic damages compensate survivors for measurable financial losses caused by the abuse. These losses can include both past expenses and future costs related to the harm.
Examples of economic damages include:
- Costs of counseling and psychological therapy
- Medical treatment connected to the abuse
- Prescription medications
- Rehabilitation or support services
- Lost income or lost professional opportunities
Future losses are often a significant component of child sexual abuse cases. Many survivors require long-term counseling, mental health care, and other forms of support well into adulthood.
Attorneys typically prove past and future damages through documentation such as medical records, therapy invoices, expert testimony, and financial projections. They may also consult with health professionals and economists to help estimate the long-term financial impact of abuse.
Noneconomic Damages for Personal Losses
Often, the most profound effects of sexual abuse are emotional and psychological. Noneconomic damages compensate survivors for the personal harm caused by the abuse, harm that doesn’t have a direct financial expense.
These damages may include compensation for:
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety and depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Damage to relationships and trust
- Psychological trauma that affects daily functioning
Noneconomic damages can represent a significant portion of the recovery in these cases. Courts recognize that the harm caused by abuse cannot be measured solely by medical bills or lost income. However, expert testimony and other specialized evidence are often required to prove the extent of a person’s noneconomic losses.
Punitive Damages May Be Available in Rare Cases
In some cases, Washington courts may award punitive damages intended to punish reckless or intentional misconduct. Punitive damages discourage similar misconduct in the future and help hold organizations accountable for systemic failures. These damages are not awarded in every case and are generally not available unless specified by statute.
An Experienced Seattle Child Sex Abuse Attorney Can Help You Recover Full Damages
If you or someone you love experienced childhood sexual abuse in Washington State, an experienced attorney can investigate the circumstances surrounding the abuse and pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of the harm you’ve experienced.
Your attorney will track and calculate the damages you’ve suffered. They can also work with leading experts in multiple disciplines to evaluate your losses and how the abuse has impacted your life and ability to work.
Contact Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you prove your case.