Sexual Assault Lawyer Olympia, WA
Sexual assault is a heinous crime that is meant to assert power and control over another person.
If you've been assaulted, even years ago when you were a child, a lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you obtain justice.
Our Tacoma, WA, sexual assault lawyers help Olympia survivors secure compensation and regain control of their lives.
What Constitutes Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is any sexual activity involving someone who did not or could not give consent, such as:
- An unwilling participant
- A threatened participant
- A drugged or incapacitated person
- A child under the age of 16
Sexual assault can include incest, molestation, and rape. It can start as sexual harassment and escalate.
Olympia Can Turn to Cochran Douglas What We Can Do for You
Provide Legal Counsel
The average person isn't expected to understand the complex legal world. Our attorneys are here to guide you through the process, file paperwork correctly and on time, and field any questions you may have along the way. We'll do everything we can to take care of the legal aspects of your situation so you can focus on healing.
Gather Evidence
To build a solid case, our team can gather evidence like medical records, security footage, photographs, witness testimonies, and other documentation detailing the assault and its consequences. We can also work with experts in the fields of medicine and psychology to prove the extent of your injuries and the long-term impact the event has had on your mental health.
Go to Court
Loren Cochran and Cole Douglas are always ready to go to court. They prepare every case for trial just in case it comes to that. If your case has to be tried before a judge, you will have our support and dedicated representation every step of the way.
Offer Affordable Services
Our attorneys want our clients from Tacoma, Olympia, and beyond to receive quality representation no matter their financial situation. To this end, we offer free consultations and work on contingency. It costs you nothing to meet with one of our attorneys and you won't owe us anything unless we secure compensation.
Listen to Your Story
Our attorneys understand how complex and life-changing sexual abuse and assault are, and they're here to offer you a safe space and listen to your story. They want to know what happened to you, the full extent of how the event has impacted your life, and whether it happened recently or when you were a young child. Whether the perpetrator was a trusted partner, a stranger, or a co-worker whose actions started as sexual harassment, we can hold them responsible.
Secure Compensation for Your Assault Contact Our Attorneys Serving Tacoma, Olympia, and Beyond
We know that dealing with the aftermath of a sexual assault is a difficult process that requires genuine support. Our attorneys want to offer you their resources and guide you through the legal process so you can find closure and feel safe again.
If you've been the victim of sexual abuse, rape, or another sex crime in Olympia, our Tacoma sexual assault lawyers want to help you regain a sense of normalcy, take back your power, and move forward. To get started, request your free consultation using our electronic form or call our Tacoma personal injury attorney's office at:
(253) 472-7777
You Probably Still Have Time To Take Legal Action
- Washington has no criminal statute of limitations relating to sex crimes against children.
- Child sexual abuse victims have three years to file a civil suit if the incident occurred before June 6, 2024. If the incident occurred after that date, there is no civil statute of limitations.
- There is a 20-year criminal statute of limitations pertaining to sexual assault against victims 16 and older.
- There is a three-year statute of limitations on filing a civil suit related to sexual assault.
The best way to understand your options is to reach out to our Tacoma sexual assault lawyers serving Olympia.
"They took great care of me."
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 GoogleJulia
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 GoogleEvery 68 seconds, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted. One in six women and one in thirty-three men have been the victim of an attempted rape or completed rape in their lifetime. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
Civil Lawsuit and Criminal Proceedings Holding Perpetrators Accountable
Most sexual assault survivors can hold their perpetrators accountable in both a civil lawsuit and criminal proceedings. The civil lawsuit attempts to compensate the victim, while the criminal case punishes the perpetrator of sexual assault.
Civil Lawsuit
A civil lawsuit involves a private dispute between two parties. One person wrongs another and the civil court is asked to resolve the dispute. In a civil lawsuit dealing with sexual assault, a survivor must be able to show that it is more likely than not that the sexual abuse or assault occurred. A civil lawsuit can allow survivors to secure compensation for their injuries.
Criminal Proceedings
Criminal cases involve an action that is considered harmful to society as a whole. The defendant has committed an offense against the state or the people. Criminal proceedings require a greater burden of proof because the defendant is facing a loss of their liberty. The prosecutor must be able to prove the perpetrator's actions "beyond a reasonable doubt."
If the prosecutor loses in a criminal trial, you can still win your civil lawsuit and secure compensation. Our lawyers serving Olympia and communities throughout Washington can help you bring civil action.
Compensation Can Help You Move Forward After Sexual Abuse or Assault
Medical Bills
Sexual assault can require medical treatment, medication, STI testing, and more. The compensation you win in your case can go toward the medical treatment that you require now and anything you may need in the future.
Lost Wages
Sexual assault is a violent act that can result in a survivor taking some time off work as they heal. The money our lawyers secure for you can cover these lost wages if your assault caused you to miss work. It can also go toward lost future earnings if you cannot return to work.
Pain and Suffering
Sexual assault has a long-lasting impact on survivors, often causing mental and emotional anguish. The compensation you win in your case can go toward mental health treatment and grief counseling to help you move forward and feel like yourself again.
The Signs of Sexual Assault
Certain signs can be indicators that someone you love has been sexually assaulted.
A child who is being abused or who has been assaulted may have a knowledge of sexual acts that is beyond what's appropriate for their age. They may refuse to remove their clothing even when it's appropriate to do so, like to go swimming or take a bath. They may be fearful or exhibit behavioral or emotional changes.
A teenager who is enduring abuse or who has been assaulted may withdraw and become depressed. They may no longer find joy in the things they once loved, and take themselves out of sports or not spend time with their friends. They may no longer care about their grades, have poor hygiene, or abuse substances.
An adult who is being abused or has been assaulted may become withdrawn, begin self-harming behavior, talk about suicide, avoid specific places, abuse substances, and have low self-esteem. If an adult or anyone else comes to you about their sexual assault, believe them and offer a supportive space.
Sexual Assault FAQ
Should I take action against someone who sexually abused me during my childhood?
When sexual abuse happens to a child, they may not understand they're a victim until they're an adult, especially if the abuser manipulated or groomed them. Holding an abuser accountable even years after the incident can provide you with closure, help you take your power back, and allow you to move forward with your life.
Who can be held accountable for these crimes?
While the individual committing the sexual assault or abuse can be held liable for their crimes, institutions that failed to protect you may also be responsible. For example, a school district, church, employer, extra-curricular club, or government agency could be held accountable if they failed to conduct background checks or report suspected abuse.
Are most sexual crimes committed by strangers?
No. While many sex crimes are committed by strangers, an overwhelming majority of rapes are committed by someone the victim knows, like an acquaintance, friend, family member, or partner. However, no matter who has committed the act, an attorney can help you hold them accountable and prevent it from happening to anyone else."They made me feel heard."
truc
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 GoogleNatalie
Tacoma, WA
2023
If you are looking for attorneys that are sharp, care, and kind you are looking in the right place. Cochran Douglas office really cares about you and your case. They get back to you right away via email, phone call, they are so professional which is something I was looking for... They made me feel heard, understood. Highly recommend. 10/10.
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