This can refer to assault by a teacher, instructor, clergy member, work supervisor, or medical professional.
Sexual Assault Lawyer Lakewood, WA
Sexual assault is a crime with devastating consequences. Personal injury attorneys Loren Cochran and Cole Douglas help victims take civil action that can give them access to the resources they need in order to heal.
Our firm serving Lakewood, WA, is ready to stand with you. We invite you to request your free consultation today.
If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted
1. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or seriously injured.
2. Get somewhere safe.
3. Remember that what happened to you is not your fault.
4. Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 to be connected with a local sexual assault service provider.
When you are ready and able, our Tacoma personal injury attorneys serving Lakewood can discuss taking civil action in pursuit of compensation. We have successfully handled many cases on behalf of victims of sexual abuse and assault.
You Most Likely Have Time to Take Action
- In Washington, there is no criminal statute of limitations regarding sex crimes against children.
- Incidents of child sexual abuse that occurred before June 6, 2024, are subject to a three-year statute of limitations on filing a civil suit. There is no limit on filing civil suits related to child sexual abuse that occurred or was discovered after that date.
- Sexual assault against people aged 16 and older carries a 20-year criminal statute of limitations.
- Victims of sexual assault have three years from the date of the incident (or discovery of the incident) to file a civil suit.
If you or someone you love is the victim of sexual abuse or assault, we encourage you to speak to our Tacoma lawyers serving Lakewood as soon as you are able. Taking civil action can not only hold responsible parties accountable, but also help victims collect the restitution they need in order to cope with the effects of assault and abuse.
Types of
Sexual Assault
Assault by a Helping Professional
Assault in the Workplace or at School
Schools and workplaces may be held responsible when they fail to conduct background checks on staff or report incidents of sexual harassment and assault.
Assault in Group Homes
Foster care, assisted living facilities, and other group homes have a responsibility to take measures that reduce the risk of residents and staff being sexually assaulted, and to promptly address these incidents if they do occur.
Sexual Assault by an Intimate Partner
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network reports that more than one-third of rapes are committed by a current or former spouse, a boyfriend, or a girlfriend. Our Tacoma firm serving Lakewood is prepared to help victims achieve justice, whether the incident took place in a school, group home, or domestic violence scenario.
Important Terms Pertaining to Sexual Assault Cases
-
Consent
Consent is physical or verbal conduct indicating that a party agrees to engage in sexual intercourse or contact. Lack of resistance or protest does not equal consent; consent can be withdrawn at any time when it is clearly communicated. Criminal defense strategies often aim to prove that consent was granted.
-
Sexual Contact
Sexual contact is defined as any touching of a person's sexual or intimate parts for the purpose of either party's sexual gratification.
-
Sexual Assault
When sexual contact or behavior happens without the other party's consent, it is considered sexual assault.
Our Lawyers Are Ready to Stand With You Request Your Free Consultation Today
Sexual assault is a vile crime that causes far-reaching damage to victims and their loved ones. Victims have the right to file a civil suit alongside a criminal trial. A civil suit can allow them to collect compensation to cover medical care, psychological counseling, and other resources that can help them move forward in life.
Our lawyers take these cases very seriously because they can help victims heal. They can also prevent sex crimes by holding perpetrators responsible and demonstrating that these actions have serious consequences. Cochran Douglas has helped victims collect millions when individual actions and negligence on the part of institutions result in sexual assault. They are prepared to do the same for you.
Having handled many of these cases, our lawyers understand that the emotional aftermath of these crimes can make revisiting them tremendously difficult. Loren Cochran and Cole Douglas are compassionate listeners who want to help you take these often difficult steps toward the justice and improved quality of life you deserve. We can arrange to meet you at our Tacoma personal injury attorney's office or at the location of your choice in the Lakewood area. To request your free consultation, contact us online or call:
Clients Trust in Our Tacoma Firm
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
View on GoogleDaron
Tacoma, WA
2023
This is a first-class law firm. They went above and beyond to settle my case, and greatly exceeded my expectations. They are genuine, kind, and compassionate. Cochran Douglas has an amazing staff that will keep you informed through the process and work to ease the anxiety surrounding your case. These are the people you want on your side!
View on GoogleJustice for Sexual Abuse Victims
Our sexual assault lawyers advocate for victims of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and more. Whether the incident took place in a school, workplace, or domestic violence situation, we can help. Cochran Douglas has handled dozens of these cases and is prepared to help you assert your rights.
We Get Results for Victims of Sexual Abuse
Our Tacoma lawyers serving Lakewood believe that victims deserve maximum restitution. These are just some of the victories the attorneys of Cochran Douglas have achieved on behalf of victims of sexual abuse:
$1 Million Settlement
After the Clover Park School District failed to protect a special needs student from a child sex offender, our lawyers negotiated a $1 million settlement for the victim.$3.1 Million Settlement
Our attorneys negotiated a substantial settlement from the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services for a state-dependent child placed in the care of a convicted child rapist.
$3.8 Million Settlement
Our lawyers achieved justice for a victim after the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services failed to investigate accusations."Thank you so much."
Julia
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 Googletruc
Tacoma, WA
2023
I want to say thank you for the good service I was got. They really care, kind and do the best job for my case. They respond and support right away via email, phone all my questions. Finally my case is closed and I’m glad to get the good compensation that my attorney tried to get for me. Thank you so much Tiffany Wilke, Loren Douglas and Dawn Plaster. You all did very great job.
View on GoogleWhy Should I Take Civil Action?
Sexual assault is a crime. Reporting the crime to the authorities can result in the perpetrator being subjected to jail time, fines, and other penalties. However, there are two very important reasons why victims of rape and other sex crimes should also consider hiring an attorney to file a civil lawsuit:
Collect Compensation
A criminal case may result in the perpetrator being ordered to pay punitive damages—that is, money paid to the victim as a means of punishment. However, by filing a civil suit, you may also be able to collect compensatory damages intended to cover your medical bills, the cost of counseling, and more. Sexual assault and sexual abuse have far-reaching consequences that often affect a victim for the rest of their life. Our lawyers serving Lakewood believe victims deserve the absolute maximum compensation to cope with these injuries and achieve their best possible quality of life moving forward.
Hold the Perpetrator Responsible
Our justice system is imperfect, and a perpetrator's criminal defense efforts can result in an acquittal. In these instances, a civil suit can provide the victim with another means of recourse through a process with a different dynamic. In a criminal case, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution; in a civil trial, the burden of proof lies with the defendant. In a criminal case, it must be proven that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt; in a civil trial, it must be proven that the accusation is more likely than not.
Regardless of how a criminal case proceeds, our Tacoma lawyers serving Lakewood and communities throughout Washington are prepared to help you achieve the most beneficial results possible through a civil suit. From domestic violence to sex crimes taking place in schools, group homes, and places of work, we are prepared to hold all responsible parties accountable. Contact us to discuss your case free of charge with an attorney.
"Great communication every step of the way."
Richard
Tacoma, WA
2023
I was very satisfied with the high level service from the Cochran and Douglas team. They helped take a bad situation, and found the silver lining. I highly recommend them, they are very helpful and and professional.
View on GoogleCindy
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 strustworthy representative.
View on Google
