Childhood sexual abuse can leave survivors with lasting emotional and psychological harm in many areas of life. Survivors deserve answers and accountability — from the abuser and the institutions that failed to protect them.
If you or your child experienced sexual abuse in Everett, Washington, you may have the right to file a civil claim against the responsible parties. An Everett child sexual abuse lawyer at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer can help you seek compensation that sends a message and addresses the harm and losses you’ve experienced.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your case. We work on a contingency fee basis and do not charge attorney fees until we recover compensation for you.
Why Survivors in Everett Turn to Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer
At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, our attorneys understand the long-lasting impact that child sexual abuse can have on survivors. That’s why we have become champions of survivors’ right to seek accountability through the civil court system.
Clients choose our firm in Everett, WA, because:
- Our attorneys have decades of experience litigating sexual abuse cases.
- We regularly go up against powerful institutions who failed to protect minors and other individuals from sexual abuse.
- We have recovered over $1 billion for clients.
- Our legal team has been recognized throughout the legal community (including Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers)
- We work with leading experts who understand child sexual abuse and can help explain the lasting effects it has.
- Our cases are handled on a contingency fee basis.
Survivors deserve advocates who will stand up for their rights. That’s who we are, and we’re ready to fight for you. Call us today to schedule a free case review with a Everett child sexual abuse attorney.
How an Everett Child Sexual Abuse Attorney Can Help You
For many survivors, pursuing legal action is complicated. Some individuals are uncertain whether they still have the right to file a claim years after the abuse occurred. Others may worry about the emotional toll of revisiting traumatic experiences.
An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through every stage of the legal process, including:
- Conducting a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abuse
- Examining whether schools, organizations, employers, or other entities may share liability for your injuries/losses
- Securing internal reports and supporting documentation for your claim
- Evaluating whether warning signs or prior misconduct were ignored or concealed
- Collaborating with medical and psychological professionals to assess the emotional and psychological harm the abuse caused
- Managing negotiations and communications with opposing counsel and insurance carriers
- Pursuing civil claims and advocating for you throughout every stage of the legal process
The state handles criminal proceedings. But survivors get to take the lead in civil matters. An experienced child sexual abuse attorney in Everett, WA can take over the fight for you and ensure you get justice for misconduct that never should have happened.
Organizations That May Be Held Responsible for Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse can occur in environments where adults have access to children, which covers many different settings. Most of the time, institutions supervise and look out for the children in their care.
However, some organizations fail to protect children by overlooking warning signs from employees/volunteers or failing to address complaints of misconduct.
Organizations that could share liability for child sexual abuse include:
- Public and private schools
- Churches and religious institutions
- Youth sports organizations
- Daycare centers and childcare providers
- Summer camps and recreational programs
- Foster care agencies
- Counseling centers and healthcare providers
- Community youth organizations
- Colleges and educational institutions
Civil litigation can help shine the light on neglectful institutions who didn’t provide safety precautions for children who needed protection from abuse.
What Compensation is Available in Washington Child Abuse Lawsuits?
A civil lawsuit allows survivors to seek compensation. They are not about criminal penalties; they are about obtaining financial accountability for the physical and emotional consequences of childhood sexual abuse.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, survivors may be able to recover economic damages and non-economic damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Counseling and therapy costs
- Long-term mental health treatment
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Ongoing psychological harm
For many survivors, the effects of childhood abuse can continue for years or even decades. Personal injury lawsuits aren’t designed to put a price tag on those losses per se. But they do help send a message and get survivors the support and closure they need to move forward.
Washington Time Limits for Child Sexual Abuse Claims
Washington law has recently expanded the time survivors have to pursue civil claims for childhood sexual abuse. These updates recognize that many survivors do not come forward until years after the abuse occurred and honor the courage of individuals who decide to speak up when they are ready.
For abuse occurring before June 6, 2024, survivors generally have three years to file a civil lawsuit from either the date of the abusive act, or the date they discovered the abuse caused their injuries (whichever is later).
For abuse occurring after June 6, 2024, Washington has eliminated the statute of limitations for such claims. Survivors can bring civil lawsuits regardless of how much time has passed.
Even with increased flexibility under Washington law, it is still important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Speak With an Everett Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today for Help
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse deserve support and advocacy from legal professionals who care about what happened and have the resources and experience to do something about it. Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer is ready to stand up for you at this very moment.
Our Everett child sexual abuse lawyers can review your case confidentially and explain the legal options available to you and your family. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation. There are no upfront costs, and you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.