Sexual Abuse Lawyer Representing Victims in Washington State

People often have a hard time coming forward about experiencing sexual abuse, but you may still obtain justice even years after the abuse. Our legal team can help you file a civil lawsuit against those responsible for the abuse, and you may receive substantial compensation.

Any complaints without evidence may be dismissed as baseless. Unfortunately, evidence can be difficult to obtain, especially if the abuse occurred a long time ago. Even so, evidence may be out there, and an experienced attorney should know how to find it. Additionally, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible, as plaintiffs have a limited amount of time in which to file a sexual abuse lawsuit.

Begin with a private, free case evaluation by calling our sexual abuse attorneys representing victims at The Law Office of Andrew Shubin at (814) 826-3586.

What Evidence Should You Collect for a Civil Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse?

Gathering evidence is perhaps one of the hardest parts of building a lawsuit for sexual abuse. Evidence may disappear if it is not collected quick enough, but strong cases have been built on only a few pieces of evidence.

Witness Testimony

Witness testimony may be crucial to your case, especially if there is little other hard evidence of the abuse. This is not unusual, as many plaintiffs wait to come forward, and abusers often take steps to cover up evidence after committing sexual abuse.

If you told anyone about the abuse, inform your lawyer. We may contact people who know about the abuse to see if they can testify.

Also, tell your lawyer if you have ever filed an official report about the abuse, even if the report did not lead to any police intervention. For example, when a student reports inappropriate behavior by a teacher to the school, the school should maintain a record of the report, even if it never led to any action.

Your Testimony

Although this may be extremely difficult, you will probably have to take the stand and testify about the sexual abuse you endured at the hands of the defendant. This is painful for many victims, as they do not wish to relive the abuse, especially not in front of a courtroom full of people. However, evidence is often hard to come by, and your testimony might be the strongest evidence we have.

Our sexual abuse attorneys representing victims will help you prepare for the trial and how to handle being on the witness stand.

Medical Records

Sexual abuse can be very violent, and the victim may be badly hurt. Even if you did not report the abuse right away, you may have sought medical care for injuries. We need medical records from when you were treated for these injuries. Not only can these records help prove how you were hurt, but a medical expert may review your records and determine whether your injuries are consistent with sexual abuse.

When Should You File a Civil Case for Sexual Abuse in Washington State?

The timing of a lawsuit is crucial. The statute of limitations in Washington restricts how much time a plaintiff has to sue for a specific claim, and sexual abuse claims are no exception.

Childhood Sexual Abuse

The statute of limitations is different for victims who were sexually abused as children. They generally have more time to file their cases, as children often cannot take legal action on their own until they reach adulthood.

In Washington State, victims of childhood sexual abuse previously had only 3 years from the day they turned 18 to file a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse. However, all this changed in 2024.

The current law states that anyone who experienced child sexual abuse on or after June 6, 2024 may bring a lawsuit at any time. There is no limitation period anymore. However, if you were abused before this date, the 3-year time limit still applies.

Sexual Abuse in Adulthood

If you were already an adult when you were sexually abused, you also have only 3 years from when the abuse occurred or from when you realized the abuse to file a lawsuit. This is an important distinction, as not everyone realizes that what they experienced was sexual abuse until much later.

Most Recent Instance of Abuse

It is also important to note that you may calculate the limitation period from the most recent instance of sexual abuse. If you were abused over a longer period, your 3-year time limit may begin from the most recent incident, not the first.

This rule generally applies to cases involving adult and child victims of sexual abuse.

What Damages Should You Claim in a Sexual Abuse Civil Lawsuit?

Although money probably does not feel like enough to make up for everything you have gone through, it is often the only way that civil courts can try to remedy your claims.

Psychological Harm

Sexual abuse is extremely traumatic, and you can and should claim extensive damages for the psychological harm you have suffered. Many victims live with trauma and mental health issues for many years after the abuse occurred. Some victims are never able to fully move past what happened to them.

Physical Injuries

Sexual abuse can be violent and painful, and you may have suffered serious injuries when the abuse happened. Injuries can leave lasting scars, and they may be deeply traumatic and humiliating if they affect private parts of your body. The pain you experience because of the abuse should factor into your claims for compensation.

Medical Bills

Even if you did not report the abuse to your doctor, you may have still sought treatment, and you likely paid a hefty price for it. Our attorney will help you find these medical bills if they are from a long time ago and make sure that you get compensation.

FAQs About Civil Lawsuits for Sexual Abuse in Washington State

Who Can You Sue for Sexual Abuse in Washington State?

Yes. While most people assume that sexual abuse is exclusively a criminal matter, victims may sue abusers in civil court and claim significant damages. If successful, you may be awarded substantial compensation by the court.

Can You Sue for Sexual Abuse That Happened a Long Time Ago?

Possibly. While victims who were adults when they were sexually abused only have 3 years to file a lawsuit, victims of childhood sexual abuse usually have a longer window, as the limitation period must be tolled until they turn 18. However, childhood abuse arising on or after June 6, 2024 may be filed at any time, even decades after the abuse happened.

Will the Defendant in a Civil Sexual Abuse Case Face Criminal Charges?

Possibly. When victims file civil claims for sexual abuse, law enforcement may take notice. If there is enough evidence to arrest and charge the defendant, a criminal case may ensue. However, this does not always happen, and only the police and prosecutors decide when someone is arrested and charged with a crime.

Does the Victim Have to Testify in a Civil Sexual Abuse Case?

Victims likely must testify in their civil lawsuits for sexual abuse. Often, the victim is the only witness to the abuse, and their testimony is necessary to have the defendant held responsible. This can be difficult, but your lawyer should help you prepare to testify.

Talk to Our Sexual Abuse Lawyers Representing Victims in Washington State to Begin Your Case

Begin with a private, free case evaluation by calling our sexual abuse attorneys representing victims at The Law Office of Andrew Shubin at (814) 826-3586.