If you were sexually abused as a child in Kent, Washington, you have experienced an unspeakable and indefensible act. It’s important to know that you have legal options that can give you a sense of justice — and provide financial compensation that addresses the losses you’ve experienced. The Kent personal injury lawyers at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help you take that step.
We understand that coming forward is not easy. Our firm has decades of experience representing survivors throughout Washington. We have recovered substantial results in complex and sensitive cases. We are here to honor your courage and help you move forward. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
Why Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyers is the Firm Survivors Choose to Advocate for Them
Child sexual abuse cases are complex. They often involve survivors who have come forward many years after the abuse occurred and institutions that may have ignored warning signs or failed to act. These cases require a firm that knows how to pursue justice, while understanding the sensitivity of the case matter.
Survivors in Kent, WA, turn to Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyers because:
- We have over 30 years of experience handling serious child abuse claims.
- Our firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars against institutions that failed to protect children from harm.
- Our attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and similar organizations for our skill and client service.
- We work with top experts to document the long-term impact of abuse
- We offer contingency fee representation, so there are no upfront costs
We understand the importance of accountability. We’re here to go to bat for you. Call us today to schedule a free case review with an experienced Kent child sexual abuse attorney.
How a Kent Sexual Abuse Attorney Can Help You
A civil lawsuit is often an important step in holding both individuals and institutions accountable. Unlike criminal cases, civil claims focus on compensating survivors for the harm they have endured and holding institutions financially (rather than criminally) accountable.
Even if no criminal charges were filed or no conviction was obtained, you may still have a valid civil case. (The burden of proof in personal injury cases is much lower than in criminal cases).
When you work with a child sexual abuse attorney in Kent, they will:
- Conduct an independent investigation into the abuse
- Review police reports, prior complaints, or institutional records related to misconduct with children
- Gather medical, therapy, and counseling documentation to help establish your damages
- Identify all responsible parties, including organizations that failed to prevent the abuse
- Handle all legal filings and procedural requirements on your behalf
- Negotiate a settlement that fully accounts for your experience or take your case to court to pursue full damages
Our team will be your advocate at every stage of your case. We take on the legal burden so you can focus on your well-being. Call today to speak with a child sexual abuse lawyer in Kent.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Child Sexual Abuse in Washington?
In many cases, responsibility extends beyond the individual abuser. And while you may want this individual held accountable, the institutions and organizations that employed or supervised them may also be legally liable if their negligence allowed the abuse to occur.
Potential defendants in a Kent child sexual abuse case may include:
- The individual who committed the abuse
- Daycare providers and childcare facilities
- Healthcare providers or residential care facilities
- Religious organizations
- Employers or supervisors of the abuser
- School districts and educational institutions
- Youth programs and extracurricular organizations
- Athletic teams, coaches, and recreational leagues
- Property owners who failed to provide adequate security
Institutional liability is often important in these cases, as organizations may have insurance coverage and resources that individual perpetrators do not. Additionally, holding institutions accountable can help ensure this doesn’t happen again on their watch.
What Compensation is Available to Survivors in Washington?
A civil sexual abuse claim is designed to address the full scope of harm caused by the abuse — financial and personal. Survivors in Washington may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical care and ongoing treatment
- Counseling, therapy, and psychological support
- Prescription medications
- Lost income or diminished earning capacity
- Costs of support services or rehabilitation
You may also be able to recover non-economic damages for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Trauma-related mental health conditions or mood disorders
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Impact on personal relationships
Non-economic losses can make up a huge portion of your compensation award, given the long-term emotional distress that child sexual abuse can cause.
Sometimes, punitive damages may also be available to punish the individual abuser or institution. Our goal is to ensure your claim reflects the full, long-term impact of the abuse, from the smallest financial expense to the most deeply-felt emotional harm.
Understanding Washington’s Time Limits for Filing a Claim
Washington law has expanded survivors’ ability to pursue civil claims for childhood sexual abuse. For abuse occurring on or after June 6, 2024, there is no statute of limitations. Survivors may file a claim at any time.
For abuse occurring before that date, survivors generally have three years to file a lawsuit, depending on when they discovered the abuse or connected it to their injuries. The deadlines in these cases can be complex. Speaking with an attorney is the best way to determine how the time limits apply to your situation.
Take the Next Step By Speaking With An Experienced Kent Child Sexual Abuse Attorney
You are not alone — and you have options. Pursuing a civil claim can help you take an important step toward closure.
At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyers, we approach these cases with care and respect. We are committed to helping you seek justice in a way that prioritizes your voice and needs.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. There are no upfront costs, and you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. Let us help you move forward.