Sexual Assault Lawyer Washington "Your voice is probably the most important weapon to stop sexual abuse."—Attorney Loren Cochran
- Millions Collected for Victims
- Free Consultations With No Retainer Fees
- Your Privacy Is a Priority
What to Do Right Now If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted
1. Call 911 if you're in immediate danger or seriously injured.
2. Get to a safe location.
3. Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 to speak to a local sexual assault service provider.
When you are ready, our personal injury attorneys serving all of Washington State can discuss taking civil action in pursuit of compensation. We have successfully handled many cases on behalf of victims of sexual abuse and assault, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help you achieve the justice you deserve.
Adults Have Three Years to File a Civil Suit
Washington grants lenient statutes of limitation for criminal charges, but the time in which you can file a civil suit is more limited:
- In Washington, sex crimes against children carry no criminal statute of limitations.
- Sexual assault against people 16 and older has 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 a loved one are a victim of sexual assault, we invite you to consult our lawyers serving all of Washington State as soon as you are able. Taking civil action can hold perpetrators accountable, prevent assault against others, and help victims collect the restitution they need to cope with the effects of this crime.
We're Ready To Stand With You
“It takes bravery to bring these types of cases. We'll promise to work with you, make sure your privacy is maintained, that your goals are reached, and that you have the confidence to move forward.”—Attorney Cole Douglas
If you feel ready to take legal action, our attorneys are prepared to put their knowledge and resources behind a dedicated pursuit of justice on your behalf. To schedule a private and entirely free consultation with our attorneys, write to us:
You are not alone. If you or someone you love is the victim of sexual assault, our firm can be your partner in pursuing justice and helping you start a new chapter of healing and prosperity in your life.
We can help you file your case anonymously.
Our Victories On Behalf of Sex Crime Victims
Healing from the physical and psychological injuries of sexual assault requires services that can be tremendously expensive. Cochran Douglas believes victims deserve access to the resources they need, and that the cost of those resources should be paid by the party responsible for your injuries. These are just some of the victories we have achieved on behalf of our clients:
$3.8 Million Settlement
Cochran Douglas reached a $3.8 million settlement for our client after the Department of Social Health Services failed to investigate accusations.
$3.1 Million Settlement
After a state-dependent child was placed in the care of a convicted child rapist, Cochran Douglas reached a $3.1 million settlement with the Department of Social and Health Services.
$1 Million Settlement
Cochran Douglas negotiated a $1 million settlement with the Clover Park School District after it failed to protect a special needs student from a child sex offender.
Cochran Douglas wants to achieve the results you deserve. To request your free consultation, please write to us or call:
Why Should I Take Action?
What you or your loved one has survived is incredible trauma. If you are reading this from a place of safety removed from the assault by distance and time, we understand if your primary interest is putting the incident behind you. Only you know the best way forward for yourself, but the attorneys of Cochran Douglas want victims to know that there can be significant benefits to taking a stand against those who have harmed them:
Get What You Need to Heal
No amount of money will ever erase the trauma of sexual assault, but it can certainly help you acquire and master the tools to heal and move beyond it. Our attorneys will dedicate themselves to helping you collect maximum compensation for the injuries you have suffered as a result of sexual assault so that you can explore all avenues of treatment without having to worry about the cost.
Hold the Responsible Party Accountable
Sexual assault is a serious crime. Even if criminal action was taken against the perpetrator, there is no guarantee that you will receive the restitution you deserve, which we feel is an essential part of achieving justice in these cases. Bringing a civil case against the responsible party, either alone or alongside a criminal trial, signals that their actions caused immense damage, and they must face the full consequences of their actions.
Prevent Harm to Others
Civil action against the responsible party can lead to more than justice and restitution—it can also prevent similar harm from coming to others. It sends a distinct message that victims can overcome the physical and emotional injuries of this crime to help the court system enact maximum punishment under the law. If you feel ready to join forces with dedicated Washington sexual assault lawyers, Cochran Douglas is ready to meet with you.
Request a Free Consultation We Are Here to Listen to You
“People are coming to us truly harmed. They need their voice to be heard. That's what we're there for, and we're there to try and rectify whatever went wrong.”—Attorney Cole Douglas
You are not alone. If you or someone you love is the victim of sexual assault, our firm can be your partner in pursuing justice and helping you start a new chapter of healing and prosperity in your life. Our attorneys have helped many victims achieve justice, and we want to do the same for you. To request your free consultation, write to us or call:
Victims of sexual assault have three years from the date of the incident (or discovery of the incident) to file a civil suit.
Key Terms Pertaining to Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is defined as any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the consent of the recipient. To gain a better understanding of what we will work to prove in your case, let's take a look at the definitions of two critical terms:
- Sexual Contact: The State of Washington defines sexual contact as any touching of sexual or intimate parts of a person with the intention of sexual gratification of either party. Defendants commonly argue that they have been misidentified, they were not present when the incident occurred, or that the plaintiff is misremembering. We are here to gather and present the crucial evidence to substantiate your claim.
- Consent: Consent is verbal or physical conduct that indicates agreement to have sexual intercourse or contact. Defendants may argue that consent was given. If it was not, Cochran Douglas is prepared to build a case demonstrating that you are a victim of sexual assault.
If you believe you were sexually assaulted, we would like to reiterate the steps you should take immediately:
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or seriously hurt
- Get somewhere safe
- Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673
When you are able and feel ready, please reach out to our Washington sexual assault lawyers.
Sexual assault is solely the fault of the perpetrator. Victims have support and recourse. Cochran Douglas is here to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Washington sexual assault lawyers take immense pride in helping victims of sexual assault and other sex crimes. During a free consultation, we will gladly take time to answer all of your questions. Until you are ready to speak to an attorney, we are glad to provide fast answers to the questions clients ask most often:
How long do I have to file a civil suit for sexual assault?
Adult victims have three years to file a civil suit. In Washington, there is no statute of limitations regarding civil or criminal action related to sex crimes against children.
How long do I have to file criminal charges for sexual assault?
Victims 16 and older have 20 years to file a criminal suit. Again, there is no statute of limitations regarding sex crimes against children in Washington.
Can I afford a sexual assault attorney?
When you choose a firm like Cochran Douglas, the answer is “yes.” That's because your initial case review is absolutely free, and if you choose to work with us, we collect no fees unless—and until—your case is a success.
Can I file a civil sexual assault case anonymously?
Most likely, you can file your case anonymously. If this is how you want to proceed, tell your lawyer as soon as possible. They will need approval from the courts; most often, the courts will allow it.
Am I partially to blame for the sexual assault?
Absolutely not. According to the law, if you did not consent to sexual contact or behavior, the perpetrator is completely responsible. Cochran Douglas is here to listen to you, gather evidence in support of your case, and hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries. Please remember: sexual assault is solely the fault of the perpetrator, and victims are not without support or recourse.
Cochran Douglas is a firm that takes immense pride in helping victims of sexual assault and other sex crimes. During a free consultation, we will gladly take time to answer all of your questions.
