If you were sexually abused as a child in Spokane, Washington, you have the right to pursue justice through both the criminal and civil legal systems. While criminal charges may punish the offender, a civil lawsuit allows you to seek financial compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm you have endured. The Spokane personal injury lawyers at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer are here to help you seek the money you need to achieve closure and rebuild your life.
We understand the lasting impact sexual abuse can have on every aspect of a survivor’s life. Our legal team is committed to helping survivors reclaim their voice and pursue justice. Call today to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case.
Why Choose Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer to Handle Your Sexual Abuse Claim in Spokane
Sexual abuse cases require experienced legal counsel that understands both the legal and emotional challenges involved. These claims often involve powerful institutions. Delayed reporting can make it more challenging to obtain evidence that they failed to act or covered up the abuse. You deserve a law firm that has the experience, resources, and dedication to uncover the truth and hold the at-fault parties fully accountable.
Survivors throughout Spokane have hired Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer because:
- Our background includes 30 years of experience handling serious injury and abuse claims
- We have a successful track record that includes hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of abuse survivors
- We have recovered numerous six, seven, and eight-figure awards in sexual abuse cases.
- We have earned recognition from Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and other respected organizations
- We offer contingency fee arrangements, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict for you.
Coming forward after abuse can be incredibly difficult. Our legal team is committed to honoring your bravery and working to ensure this never happens again. Call us today to schedule a free case review with a Spokane child sexual abuse attorney.
Why Hire a Spokane Sexual Abuse Lawyer to Handle Your Case
Criminal prosecutions against an abuser or institution can provide a sense of justice. However, they are not the only way to hold these parties responsible for abuse. A civil sexual abuse claim allows survivors to pursue damages from the abuser and any institution or organization whose negligence contributed to the harm.
Even if criminal charges were never filed or did not result in a conviction, you may still have the right to pursue a child sexual abuse claim in Spokane, WA. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases, which makes proving liability more straightforward.
When you hire a Spokane sexual abuse lawyer, your attorney will:
- Carefully review police reports and criminal investigation records
- Conduct an independent investigation into the abuse
- Collect medical records, therapy documentation, and other supporting evidence
- Identify institutions or organizations that may share responsibility
- Handle all legal filings and court procedures
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and defense attorneys
- Prepare your case for trial if necessary
An attorney will be your advocate and defender at all stages of your case. They will stand between you and the defendants and seek the justice you’ve deserved for a long time. Call Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer to learn more about how we can help.
Who Are the Defendants in Child Sexual Abuse Cases in Washington?
In many sexual abuse cases, there are multiple liable parties. An abuser may be individually liable. However, organizations and institutions that failed to prevent abuse or ignored warning signs may also be legally responsible. These entities may have allowed abuse to occur by failing to supervise employees, conduct proper background checks, or respond to complaints.
Potential defendants in a Spokane sexual abuse lawsuit may include:
- The individual who committed the abuse
- Employers of the abuser
- School districts and postsecondary institutions
- Religious institutions
- Youth programs
- Athletic teams, coaches, and recreational programs
- Healthcare providers
- Daycare centers and childcare providers
- Property owners who failed to provide adequate security
Institutions can be held liable for failing to supervise employees, conduct proper background checks, or respond to complaints. Institutional liability is often critical because organizations may have insurance coverage and financial resources that individual abusers do not.
An experienced Spokane sexual abuse lawyer can investigate your case and identify every party and source of compensation that may be available.
What Compensation Can Sexual Abuse Survivors Recover in Washington?
Washington law allows survivors to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages resulting from abuse. These damages are intended to make survivors whole and enable them to move forward with a sense of closure and financial justice.
A successful case may include money for:
- Medical treatment
- Prescription medications
- Counseling, therapy, and psychological treatment
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Support services
- Rehabilitation
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of personal relationships
In some cases, punitive damages may also be available. These damages are intended to punish particularly extreme negligence or intentional misconduct. For example, punitive damages may apply against an abuser or when an institution knowingly ignored abuse.
An experienced sexual abuse lawyer can help assess the full extent of your losses, consulting with experts where necessary, to help evaluate the impact of the abuse on your life.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in Washington?
Washington law provides survivors with expanded rights to pursue civil sexual abuse claims. As of June 6, 2024, there is no statute of limitations for civil claims involving childhood sexual abuse that occurred on or after that date. Survivors may pursue justice at any point in their lives.
For abuse that occurred before June 6, 2024, survivors generally have three years to file a civil lawsuit. This three-year period is based on either the last act of abuse, when the survivor discovered the abuse, or when they connected it to their injuries.
These deadlines can be complex and fact-specific. Therefore, it is important to consult with an experienced Spokane sexual abuse lawyer as soon as possible to understand the appropriate timeframe.
Contact a Spokane Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today for Help
If you or a loved one has been sexually abused in Spokane, you deserve justice and accountability. Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer can help you get it.
We have decades of experience representing sexual abuse survivors across Washington State. We’re ready to put that experience and our track record of success behind your case.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a Spokane sexual abuse lawyer. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.