Sexual assault is any kind of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the consent of the recipient.
Civil litigation can hold perpetrators accountable and help you access the resources you need to heal.
The sexual assault lawyers at Cochran Douglas serving Federal Way, WA, can help you secure compensation and move forward.
Our lawyers want everyone in Federal Way to have access to quality representation. To this end, we offer free consultations so you can meet with an attorney to see if you have a case. Our Federal Way-area lawyers also work on contingency, meaning you owe us nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
We know that survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse often feel uncomfortable recounting the details of their abuse. Our attorneys are here to listen to your story at your own pace and in an environment where you feel safe and understood. We will do everything in our power to bring peace back into your life.
Whether we're representing a personal injury victim or a survivor of sexual abuse, our lawyers provide strong representation both in and out of the courtroom. We aren't afraid to take on complex cases, stand up to large institutions, or go to court when the other side refuses to negotiate.
After you've been sexually assaulted, it can feel like your life has come to a standstill. We want to help you secure compensation and take action to put your life back on track. Whether you were a victim of sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, rape, or molestation, Loren Cochran and Cole Douglas are here to guide you through the legal process and help you obtain justice.
Our Tacoma personal injury attorney office is proud to serve Federal Way clients who need strong legal representation and help navigating the legal system. Contact us today to request your free consultation.
Lindsey
Tacoma, WA
2024
Loren, Cole, and their entire office were of such great help during a difficult time in my life. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney
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Tacoma, WA
2023
I had a fantastic experience working with Cole and his whole team. Competent, compassionate, communicative. They took great care of me and handled my case better than I could have expected. Thank you!
View on GoogleSurvivors of sexual abuse and assault often take time to accept what has happened to them and may be fearful about stepping forward and sharing their stories. Additionally, if a child endured sexual abuse, they may not realize it until they're an adult. Because of these factors, Washington gives adult victims three years from the date of the assault (or discovery of the assault) to file a civil suit. If the abuse happened when the victim was a minor, the victim has three years from the date of their 18th birthday to file a civil suit.
The statute of limitations can be difficult to define, so getting in touch with a lawyer serving Federal Way can help determine how long you have to file.
There are approximately 463,634 victims (age 12 or older) of rape and sexual assault each year in the United States. Eight out of 10 rapes are committed by someone the victim knows, like an acquaintance, relative, partner, or former partner.
–According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
A civil case is what can secure you compensation for your assault. It requires a lower burden of proof than a criminal case. A civil case can hold the perpetrator of the sexual assault liable for their actions. It can also hold accountable an institution whose oversight failed to keep you safe, such as a church, government entity, or school district.
Criminal cases are brought by the state, not the victim. They are meant to punish the perpetrator of the assault and send the message that this behavior is not tolerated. Even if the perpetrator's criminal defense efforts result in an acquittal, you can still win your civil lawsuit and secure compensation.
Holding your abuser accountable for their crimes can allow you to regain control of your situation and feel more comfortable in your day-to-day life again.
Not only can a lawsuit punish the perpetrator of your assault, but it also helps show that this behavior has consequences, deterring potential abusers from assaulting people in the future.
Sexual assault results in mental, physical, and emotional anguish. A civil case may allow you to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, psychological care, and more.
A child who has been assaulted or who is enduring sexual abuse may have a knowledge of sexual acts that is beyond what they should know for their age. They may refuse to remove their clothing, even when it's appropriate, like for bathing or swimming. They may suddenly become vocal about not wanting to spend time with a certain person.
A teenager who has been abused sexually may become depressed and withdraw from activities that once brought them joy. Their grades may begin to fall, they may not keep up with their personal hygiene, they may gain or lose weight, and they may start to abuse substances.
An adult who has been assaulted may become withdrawn, anxious, and depressed. They may have low self-esteem, avoid certain areas, abuse substances, care less about work or school, adopt self-harming behaviors, or talk about suicide.
Seniors in nursing homes can face sexual assault and sexual harassment when abusers view the elderly as easy victims who are vulnerable and won't speak up. If your elderly loved one has unexplained bruising, difficulty sitting, STIs, or seems fearful, withdrawn, or depressed, they may be a victim of sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse is the term generally used to describe sex crimes committed against children. Sexual abuse is usually a pattern that occurs over a period of time.
Sexual harassment isn't always physical contact but can include sexual gestures, language, and requests for sexual favors. Sexual harassment typically occurs in the workplace or a learning environment.
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior in a relationship that is used to gain or maintain control over a partner. Abuse can be physical, verbal, psychological, financial, or sexual.
Loren Cochran and Cole Douglas have handled many sexual assault and abuse cases, taking on large institutions like school districts and the State of Washington. They know how to approach these cases with compassion, prioritizing client safety and privacy every step of the way. Our lawyers recognize that it's difficult to come forward about sexual abuse and assault, and they will help you feel comfortable sharing your story. Our goal is to help you secure compensation and put your life back together.
Our lawyers serving Federal Way can make sure the proper authorities have been notified about your assault, help you obtain a restraining order, provide emotional support, refer you to resources to help you through the aftermath of your assault, educate you on the legal process that lies ahead, and help you file a lawsuit to recover compensation.
Richard
Tacoma, WA
2023
I was very satisfied with the high level service from the Cochran and Douglas team. They helped take a bed situation, and found the silver lining. I highly recommend them, they are very helpful and and professional.
View on GoogleMichael
Tacoma, WA
2023
I just wrapped up my case with Cochran Douglas representing me and I am grateful they were the ones to do so... I was happy with he outcome of their work and will be sure to use them in the future and recommend them with full confidence. Thanks again to the whole team for all of your efforts!
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Our personal injury attorneys have collected numerous honors and belong to noted professional organizations, ensuring they stay current with the ever-changing legal landscape. Among our honors and professional affiliations:
Request a free consultation with our practice by contacting us online or by calling (253) 472-7777. We can meet at a location and time convenient for you, including nights and weekends.
