If you or someone you care about is a survivor of sexual assault in Tacoma, Washington, you may be able to pursue justice and compensation through a civil claim. Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer can guide you through this process from start to finish with the utmost compassion and professionalism.
Our Tacoma sexual assault attorneys have more than 30 years of experience and have recovered over $1 billion for victims and their families across Washington State. We understand what’s at stake in these cases, both emotionally and financially, and will do everything in our power to help you maximize the value of your claim.
Contact us today for a free consultation at (253) 264-0225. You can speak directly with an attorney and learn your next steps with absolutely no obligations at that time.
How Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help With a Sexual Assault Claim in Tacoma, WA
Survivors of sexual assault often face powerful institutions and defense attorneys who work hard to avoid responsibility however they can. Having a trial-tested attorney on your side can make the difference in recovering all that you’re entitled to under state law.
Our personal injury lawyers in Tacoma, WA, can help by:
- Investigating your experience and identifying all potential avenues for legal action
- Reviewing records, reports, and documents from institutions involved
- Gathering evidence that supports your claim
- Working with trauma-informed experts who can explain the impact of the abuse
- Handling all of the communications and negotiations on your behalf
- Protecting you from intimidation, manipulation, and attempts to silence you
- Filing a lawsuit and presenting your case in court if needed
We understand the courage it takes to come forward in an impossible circumstance like this and will make your case our priority from the beginning. Contact our sexual assault lawyers in Tacoma, WA, today for a free consultation.
What Counts as Sexual Assault Under Washington Law?
Sexual assault is a broad term that covers a wide range of conduct involving unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact. Washington law recognizes that these acts can be committed by persons and entities such as strangers, acquaintances, caregivers, educators, and trusted authority figures.
Sexual assault can include:
- Rape and attempted rape
- Child sexual abuse
- Sexual contact without consent
- Exploitation during counseling
- Grooming behaviors
- Coercive or manipulative conduct
- Online sexual exploitation
- Exposing minors to sexual content
- Abuse disguised as discipline, mentorship, or “instruction”
Washington law provides important protections for delayed reporting, as the state recognizes that it can be extremely difficult to speak out after sexual assault takes place.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Recover in a Tacoma Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
Survivors of sexual assault may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. These are intended to help support long-term healing and address the harm caused by the abuse as well.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical care
- Therapy and counseling
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages compensate you for the personal and emotional impact of the assault, including:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Anxiety, fear, and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Harm to relationships
Washington State generally doesn’t allow punitive damages recoveries in personal injury cases, though there are rare exceptions where authorized by statute.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Tacoma, WA?
Hiring a lawyer after sexual assault should not add to your stress. Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer handles these cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay anything up front to hire us. From there, you only owe attorney’s fees if we recover compensation for you.
How Long Do I Have To File a Sexual Assault Claim in Washington State?
Washington’s time limits for civil sexual assault claims can be complex and depend on factors such as:
- The age of the survivor
- When the survivor discovered the harm
- Whether an institution played a role in enabling the abuse
Adult survivors may have a limited amount of time to take legal action. However, child victims often have extended deadlines, and some claims may still be filed many years after the abuse occurred. The only way to know for sure is to speak with a lawyer who can evaluate your timeline based on state law.
Contact Our Tacoma Sexual Assault Attorneys for a Confidential Consultation
If you or a loved one is a survivor of sexual assault in Tacoma, WA, you deserve answers and support. Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer is here to help you pursue justice when you feel prepared to do so. We’ve won over $1 billion for our clients to date and will work just as hard on your behalf.
Call today or reach out to our Tacoma sexual assault lawyers online to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your next steps.