Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault
Are you a survivor of sexual assault or sexual abuse? You may be entitled to file a personal injury claim against the perpetrator.
Sexual assault and abuse can leave lasting emotional scars. Let us help hold those responsible accountable.
Attorneys Loren Cochran and Cole Douglas in Tacoma, WA, can fight to recoup damages and hold the guilty party responsible for their actions.
Victims' Rights Advocates
The law firm of Cochran Douglas has been retained as victims' rights advocates against serial child sex offender Michael Joseph Basse. Mike Basse sexually assaulted and molested multiple children in Tacoma and University Place from 2007-2022. Our sexual assault lawyers are investigating multiple allegations against Basse and helping the families involved weigh their legal options.
Cases in Which Consent Cannot Be Given A Closer Look at What Counts as Consent
You Feel Threatened
Legal consent cannot be given if the victim feels threatened, forced, or coerced in any way to agree to a sexual act.
You Are Physically Unable
If you are too drunk, high, passed out, drugged, asleep, or incapacitated in any way, you are unable to give legal consent.
You Are Mentally Unable
Some people are unable to give legal consent due to a mental illness or disability.
You Are Too Young
Washington law states anyone under the age of 16 years old is unable to give legal consent.
Our Sexual Assault Attorneys Fight for You We Are Not Afraid to Go to Trial
Our attorneys represent victims of sexual assault, harassment, rape, sexual abuse, and child molestation. While filing a civil lawsuit cannot change the past, it allows victims and their families to find compensation for the devastating and life-long effects of sexual abuse and harassment.
Are You a Sexual Abuse Survivor? Contact Our Sexual Abuse and Assault Lawyers
At Cochran Douglas, PLLC we are committed to helping victims of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and child molestation by filing a lawsuit on their behalf. Our attorneys bring years of legal practice to the table. We can use our legal insight to examine your case and help you explore all your legal options.
You only pay our attorneys if we are successful in your case.
Don’t let your perpetrator be one of the hundreds who go unpunished. Contact our Tacoma, WA, law office today to get what you are owed.
(253) 472-7777
We Are Ready to Listen to You A Client Shares Her Experience
"I am so grateful to have had Cole Douglas and Loren Cochran in my corner on more than one occasion. They patiently listened to the sensitive, and often awkward, details of my stories and I always felt heard and never judged... I was always treated with respect and kindness." Carly Northcott
Types of Abuse and Assault Recognizing Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse can occur in a variety of forms and be fostered through a number of different power dynamics. The lawyers at Cochran Douglas, PLLC, in Tacoma, WA, have a proven track record of holding sexual perpetrators accountable and placing the power back into the hands of the survivor.
Sexual assault can happen to both men and women, but is far more common in women. One out of every six American women has been the victim of attempted or completed rape. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
The Signs of Sexual Abuse Common Indicators of Trauma
There are signs to watch out for to know if this person could have been affected. While physical warning signs such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or bruising around the genitals are signs at any age, behavioral and emotional warning signs can vary.
Signs for a Child
A common sign that a child has suffered sexual abuse is excessive talk or knowledge about sexual acts they otherwise should not know about. A child may also display behavioral and emotional changes such as regressive behaviors, changes in eating habits, not wanting to remove clothing or take baths, and excessive fear.
Signs for a Teen
A teen who has suffered sexual abuse will typically have an increase in anxiety, show signs of depression, pay less attention to their hygiene, have excessive weight gain or loss, increase substance abuse, and care less about their grades.
Signs for a College-Age Adult
The signs for a college-age adult are similar to the warning signs for a teen. They might have a drop in grades or withdraw from classes, begin self-harming behavior, talk about suicide, avoid specific places on campus, engage in substance abuse, and have low self-esteem.
Statute of
Limitations
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In 2019, the state of Washington changed its statute of limitations on filing criminal cases for sex crimes. There is no criminal statute of limitations for sex crimes against children and a 20-year criminal statute of limitations for sexual abuse against people age 16 and older. For civil lawsuits, there is a three-year statute of limitations starting on the date the sexual abuse occurred or was discovered.
We Are Always Ready to Help Contact Our Tacoma Law Firm Today
Whether you've suffered sexual abuse related to domestic violence or been the victim of date rape on a college campus, our lawyers are here for you. The team at Cochran Douglas has helped survivors of rape and other forms of non-consensual contact receive legal damages for the trauma they've experienced and its lasting repercussions.
Our sexual assault attorneys always keep your privacy and well-being in mind, providing support and sound counsel as the case unfolds. Since we offer free case reviews and work on a contingency fee basis, you do not have to worry about any legal fees unless we receive compensation on your behalf.
To discuss your case, contact our Tacoma law firm today. You can also reach our attorneys by phone.
(253) 472-7777
More Clients Share Their Experiences Attorneys the People of Tacoma Can Trust
Sombo Gantt
Tacoma, WA
2023
My family and I are truly grateful for the hard work this team put in for my case. We highly recommend Cole and his entire team for your case. Ella's and Erin professionalism is beyond top-notch. You won't regret choosing them for your case. Thank you guys
View on GoogleCindy Sok
Tacoma, WA
2022
They have been with us through everything for the past 2 1/2 years. Easy to get a hold of and great communication every step of the way. Very professional and attentive to get us through the process. Worked very hard to get all paperwork ready and needed. Did a thorough job with everything. Recommend this law firm for anyone in need of a trustworthy representative.
View on GoogleSexual Abuse and Assault Statistics
According to RAINN, someone is sexually assaulted in America every 68 seconds.
Despite this alarming number, only 25 out of every 1,000 rapists and predators will ever be sentenced to jail time through the criminal justice system.
Civil cases can hold the perpetrator liable or hold institutions accountable when they failed to prevent an assault or abuse from occurring.
Cost Is Not a Factor
With Our Attorneys
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Some sexual abuse and assault survivors are reluctant to come forward because of legal fees. The lawyers of Cochran Douglas offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront payments or retainer fees. In short, we only get paid if we win your case.
We Are Always Here to Listen Contact Our Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Our sexual abuse attorneys are always available to discuss what happened and what your legal options are. Whenever you feel ready to talk, we are here. Contact our law office in Tacoma today for a free, no-obligation case review.
Lawyers Who Put Clients First Compassionate Representation in Civil Cases
"Integrity, communication, professionalism, and helpfulness are a few of the many great attributes this firm is equipped with... Make your traumatic experience less painful by working with Cochran Douglas Attorneys at Law and their team." Melvin Martinez
How Our Attorneys Can Help What Our Lawyers Offer Survivors
Our Tacoma law firm will work tirelessly to bring some peace back into your life by holding the perpetrator responsible and collecting the damages you are owed. Here are some key reasons people around Puget Sound trust our attorneys.
We Prioritize the Rights of Victims
We take the time to listen to sexual assault victims as they share what happened to them. It's brave to come forward, which is why we are not afraid to take your case to trial to fight for what you deserve. We strive for nothing less than maximum legal compensation.
We Keep Details Private
Do not let the fear of coming forward stop you from getting the financial compensation you deserve. We have worked on dozens of sexual assault cases and understand how to handle each case with the utmost sensitivity and discretion.
We Work on a Contingency Basis
Our Tacoma law office offers a free initial consultation and no retainer. We work on a contingency basis. This means we don’t get paid unless you do. In addition, we don’t require any additional payment, even if your case goes to trial.
We Have a Clear Goal and Focus
Unlike other law firms that deal with every branch of law, we keep our focus on personal injury law and civil claims to give each case the attention it deserves. This enables us to consistently achieve the best results.
Helping Survivors
Of a Serial Child Predator
Cochran Douglas is currently serving as a victims' rights advocate against Michael Joseph Basse, who was arrested on multiple felony counts of child rape and molestation. He was a former employee of the University Place School District who also worked as a youth sports coach and a martial arts instructor in Tacoma.
If you were one of Mike Basse's victims or have information that may be relevant to the case, we encourage you to contact local authorities.
Proud to Serve the People of Washington More Reviews of Our Injury Lawyers
shiquan fennell
Tacoma, WA
2022
These guys went above and beyond for me and my case. I highly recommend Cole and Loren for your case. They over work themselves to make sure you get the best results for your case. Ella is simply amazing at communicating through emails and phone calls, keeping you up to date on you case. You won’t regret picking this firm!!!
View on GoogleErik Freeberg
Tacoma, WA
2020
Loren and Cole both demonstrate the upmost professionalism and sincerity. They are both very knowledgeable and hardworking. I would not hesitate to work with them again in the future and would strongly encourage anyone seeking legal council to contact them.
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