Were you or your child injured in a child sexual abuse incident in Seattle, Washington? Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer provides trauma-informed, compassionate representation to survivors of child sexual abuse throughout the Seattle area. Contact our Seattle child sexual abuse lawyers today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.
With decades of experience and a deep commitment to justice, our team is prepared to handle your case with the sensitivity and determination it deserves. These cases are deeply personal and legally complex, often involving long-term emotional, psychological, and physical consequences. If you or your child has been harmed, it’s essential to know that you are not alone and that legal support is available.
How Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help With a Child Sexual Abuse Case in Seattle, WA
At Darrell Cochran, we understand the sensitive nature of these cases and the lifelong impact they can have on survivors. Our team is dedicated to helping victims and their families seek justice while minimizing retraumatization throughout the legal process.
We offer comprehensive legal support by:
- Investigating claims thoroughly and discreetly
- Gathering evidence to establish liability
- Identifying all responsible parties, including institutions and individuals
- Working with trauma-informed professionals and expert witnesses
- Pursuing maximum compensation for emotional and psychological harm
- Guiding families through civil claims with clarity and compassion
Navigating a child sexual abuse case requires compassion, discretion, and fierce advocacy. Let our Seattle personal injury lawyers help you take the first step toward holding wrongdoers accountable. Contact us today for a free case review.
What Is My Child Sexual Abuse Case Worth?
The value of a child sexual abuse case can vary significantly depending on the circumstances, but survivors may be entitled to substantial compensation for the harm they’ve endured. Courts in Washington recognize that sexual abuse causes profound and lasting trauma, often affecting a survivor’s mental health, relationships, education, and ability to work.
Because each case is unique, accurately determining its value requires a thorough understanding of both the legal and emotional complexities involved. An experienced lawyer can help assess the full scope of damages and ensure no aspect of suffering is overlooked.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Child Sexual Abuse Victims?
Survivors of child sexual abuse may be eligible for a wide range of damages meant to address both the immediate and long-term effects of the abuse. In civil cases, the law allows victims to seek compensation for economic damages, such as the cost of medical care, therapy, psychiatric treatment, and any lost wages or diminished earning potential resulting from trauma-related struggles.
In addition, survivors can also pursue non-economic damages, which account for the emotional and psychological toll of abuse.
These may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish and trauma-related conditions (e.g., PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or trust in others
In some cases, the court may also award punitive damages, especially when the abuse occurred due to gross negligence or willful misconduct by an individual or institution, such as a school, church, or youth organization. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer?
At Darrell Cochran, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs, and our payment is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we secure on your behalf. This arrangement allows survivors and their families to pursue justice without the burden of worrying about legal expenses during an already overwhelming time.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Child Sexual Abuse Injuries
Child sexual abuse can cause deep, lasting injuries that affect every aspect of a survivor’s life—physically, emotionally, and psychologically. We understand that these wounds are often invisible but profoundly damaging. That’s why we take a comprehensive approach to every case, working to recover compensation for all of your injuries, not just the immediate effects, but also the long-term impact on your mental health, relationships, education, and career.
We can partner with medical professionals and mental health experts to fully understand the scope of your trauma and ensure your damages reflect both current and future needs. Whether you’re coping with PTSD, anxiety, depression, or physical health issues, we will fight for a result that supports your healing and provides the justice you deserve.
What Are the Causes of Most Child Sexual Abuse Cases in Seattle, WA?
Child sexual abuse in Seattle, as in many communities, often stems from situations where trust is exploited and oversight is lacking. Abusers frequently target children through positions of authority or familiarity, such as teachers, coaches, religious leaders, caregivers, or even family members. These individuals may groom not only the child but also the family or institution, gradually breaking down boundaries while appearing trustworthy. This betrayal of trust is a key factor in many abuse cases and often makes the abuse more difficult to detect.
In some cases, institutional negligence plays a significant role. Schools, churches, youth organizations, and foster care systems may fail to conduct proper background checks, respond appropriately to warning signs, or implement safeguarding policies. These failures can create an environment where abuse is allowed to continue unchecked. Our firm is committed to holding not only abusers but also the institutions that enabled them accountable. Understanding the root causes of abuse is critical, not only for securing justice but also for preventing future harm.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After Child Sexual Abuse Occurs in Washington?
Under Washington law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse can file a civil lawsuit at any time within three years of the later of these events:
- The act of abuse itself;
- The time the survivor discovered or reasonably should have discovered that the injury was caused by abuse; or
- The time the survivor discovers the causal connection between the abuse and the long-term harm they’ve suffered.
Because the statute focuses on when the survivor becomes aware of the abuse’s effects, there is often no strict deadline tied to the date of the incident, especially for those who were abused as minors. However, every case is unique, and determining when the clock starts can be complex. That’s why it’s critical to speak with an experienced Washington child sexual abuse lawyer as soon as possible.
What Should I Do After Discovering Child Sexual Abuse?
Discovering that a child has been sexually abused is devastating, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, angry, or uncertain about what to do next. However, taking immediate and thoughtful action is critical to protecting the child, preserving evidence, and beginning the path toward justice and healing. First and foremost, ensure the child is in a safe environment, away from the abuser.
Then, take the following steps to address the situation appropriately and legally:
- Report the abuse to local law enforcement or the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
- Seek immediate medical care for the child to treat any injuries and document the abuse
- Preserve evidence by avoiding unnecessary bathing or washing of clothing before a forensic exam
- Avoid confronting the abuser directly, as this can put the child or others at further risk
- Contact a trauma-informed therapist or counselor experienced in child abuse recovery
- Document any signs or disclosures of abuse, including dates, names, and what was said
- Consult a qualified attorney to understand your legal options for civil and criminal action
Acting quickly can make a significant difference in protecting the child’s well-being and ensuring accountability. Our firm guides families through this difficult time with discretion, compassion, and legal clarity, helping you hold abusers and negligent institutions responsible while prioritizing the survivor’s emotional and physical recovery.
The Lasting Impact of Child Sexual Abuse on Survivors
Child sexual abuse causes far more than immediate physical harm—it often leads to deep, lifelong trauma that can affect every facet of a survivor’s well-being. Many survivors grapple with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and difficulties with trust and relationships well into adulthood. Some struggle with academic or occupational challenges, substance abuse, or self-harming behaviors as they try to cope with the pain. These effects are complex and personal, often developing or resurfacing years after the abuse occurred.
We recognize that healing is not linear, and neither is the pursuit of justice. That’s why we take a holistic, trauma-informed approach to each case, ensuring survivors are treated with dignity and compassion from start to finish. By partnering with mental health professionals and understanding the emotional toll that abuse takes, we aim not only to secure fair compensation but also to support the survivor’s long-term healing journey.
Contact Our Seattle Child Sexual Abuse Attorneys for a Confidential Consultation
If you or someone you love has been affected by child sexual abuse in Seattle, WA, you don’t have to face this painful journey alone. At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, we are committed to standing with survivors and their families, offering not only skilled legal representation but also empathy, discretion, and support.
Our team will work tirelessly to hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable and to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation with a Seattle child sexual abuse attorney.