Seeking financial compensation for sexual abuse can be a long and traumatic process. If you or a loved one is a sexual abuse victim, you generally have three years from the abuse or the date the abuse was discovered to bring your civil lawsuit. However, the statute of limitations can fluctuate based on the age of the abuse survivor or other circumstances, making the deadline difficult to determine on your own.
A sexual abuse or assault lawyer can manage the details of your case and take the stress and pressure off your shoulders. Your lawyer will explain the effective statutory date and make the process as straightforward as possible. They will work hard to comply with the appropriate filing deadline and recover the compensation you deserve.
Washington’s Sex Abuse Statute of Limitations
When someone who experienced abuse as an adult decides to pursue financial compensation from their abuser, the state of Washington generally gives them three years from the date the abuse occurred to file their civil lawsuit.
However, the situation becomes much more complicated in cases of child sexual abuse. Per RCW § 4.16.340, Washington state generally allows minors the same three-year statute of limitations to seek financial compensation; however, the clock does not start running until their eighteenth birthday, meaning they have until age 21 to file their suit.
In some situations, it takes many years—or even decades—for childhood sex abuse victims to truly realize the extent of the trauma or harm the abuse they experienced has had on their life. In these cases, the statute of limitations becomes very difficult to define, as the date the abuse was “discovered” may not be obvious.
Your Lawyer Can Help Determine the Statute of Limitations in Your Case
Because the deadline is difficult to determine on your own, reaching out to a personal injury law firm is a good idea, even if you fear the statute of limitations may have already passed in your sexual abuse case. A sexual abuse lawyer can help you determine whether you still have the chance to file a lawsuit based on the date of discovery or other exceptions to the law.
When a sexual assault lawyer represents you, they will examine your case with consideration and compassion. They will determine the applicable filing date and work hard to file your lawsuit within the allotted time.
Reaching out for help as soon as possible may be crucial because the court could bar you from filing your lawsuit if the filing deadline expires. If a lawyer handles your case, they can accurately interpret the applicable statute of limitations and work to meet the mandatory filing deadline.
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Your Sex Abuse Lawsuit May Not Have to Go to Court in the State of Washington
Most civil lawsuits are settled without a trial, typically based on the weight and substance of the accumulated evidence. Your lawyer will build a solid case file containing evidence of the abuse you suffered and your right to recover damages.
They will also negotiate with the appropriate insurance provider to settle your case out of court.
Your Sex Abuse Attorney Will Handle Evidence Collection for You
Evidence in a sex abuse case can be emotionally triggering, so your lawyer will compile as much as possible rather than taxing you or your family with this daunting process. Evidence of the abuse can include medical records, official statements, DNA test results, and lay and expert witness statements.
Let your Washington sex abuse attorney handle this potentially stressful and overwhelming process while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Compensation a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Will Demand on Your Behalf
As a sex abuse survivor, you may recover various types of compensation that allow you to receive the medical and psychological assistance you need. Your lawyer will demand fair and appropriate compensation for you, including:
- Past and future medical care
- Past and future psychological care
- Past and future lost wages
- Loss of future capacity
- Ongoing pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Lasting impairment
Your lawyer will build your compensation request by obtaining relevant documentation that proves its monetary value. They will also collect supportive evidence, including proof of income and medical records and bills.
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The Benefits of Hiring a Washington State Sexual Abuse Attorney
Building a strong case for financial compensation in a sex abuse case can be an intricate and time-consuming process. If a Washington sex abuse lawyer represents you, they will take on the details and complexities of building your case. They will:
- Thoroughly investigate your case
- Calculate your potential recoverable damages
- Identify the perpetrator and any applicable insurance provider
- Build the strongest possible collection of evidence
- Interpret and comply with the statute of limitations
- Negotiate for a fair and appropriate monetary settlement
- Take your case to court if they cannot reach a fair settlement
Throughout your case, your sex abuse attorney will protect and maintain your privacy. They can prioritize your case and financial recovery and work hard to reach a favorable conclusion.
Types of Sexual Abuse Cases You Can File in the State of Washington
No matter your age when the abuse occurred, a local attorney will fight for financial compensation and serve as your advocate. You can seek compensation by filing an insurance claim or lawsuit for:
- Sexual abuse by priests or other clergy
- Sexual abuse by coaches
- Boy Scout sexual abuse
- Sexual abuse at school
- Sexual abuse in the workplace
Your Washington sex abuse attorney can explain your right to compensation. We also support parents who are fighting for their son or daughter or adults who were abused as children.
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Get Help Navigating Your Sexual Assault Lawsuit in Washington
When seeking financial recovery, understanding and complying with the statute of limitations for sex abuse lawsuits in Washington is crucial. At Jackman Law Firm, we will review the filing deadline and any extenuating circumstances and fight for the timely filing of your case. Find out how hard we will advocate for you by contacting our case review team today.
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