Not all child sex abuse survivors will report the crime when it occurs, nor will they promptly come forward to seek legal recovery. That doesn’t mean they won’t struggle with the effects of such abuse. Some states recognize this reality, so they have set “lookback windows” that give survivors more time to take legal action against those responsible for the abuse, no matter when it occurred.
As of October 2023, Washington State does not currently have a lookback window for sexual abuse claims. However, proposed legislation (House Bill 1618) could eliminate the statute of limitations on these cases, giving survivors more time to pursue legal action. If you are in Washington State, a Washington sexual abuse lawyer at Jackman Law can seek financial recovery for sexual abuse you suffered. You can call our law office today for a free, confidential case evaluation to get started.
Washington State’s Current Statute of Limitations on Sexual Abuse Cases
Our lawyers know sex crimes cause lasting trauma, affecting survivors in almost all areas of their lives. Jackman Law Firm’s attorneys will navigate the complexities of sex abuse cases for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery. We know the state’s statute of limitations deadlines for sexual abuse cases and what it means if lawmakers pass House Bill 1618 to retroactively allow survivors to file civil lawsuits.
As of this writing, Washington State does not offer a lookback window for childhood sexual abuse claims. Instead, child sexual abuse survivors seeking recovery must file a lawsuit within three years of when the abuse occurred or when they discovered or reasonably should have discovered the injury or condition that the abuse is believed to have caused, per the Revised Code of Washington § 416.340, provided that the time limit is paused until the survivor has reached the age of 18.
A benefit to working with a personal injury attorney on a sexual abuse claim is they can explain any exceptions that could pause the statute of limitations deadline.
Our Washington State Sexual Abuse Claims Lawyer Will Seek Full Recovery of Your Damages
People who have suffered sexual abuse deserve justice and compensation that covers their related damages, both economic and non-economic. Every survivor’s story is different, and so are their losses. We listen to our clients with a compassionate ear, ensuring we understand their experiences and what they need to rebuild their lives.
We also know what damages they can demand with an insurance claim or civil lawsuit. Our Washington sexual abuse attorney can request financial awards for the following:
- The survivor’s pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, and other intangible losses that affect their mental health and well-being
- Current and future medical care costs for physical and emotional injuries
- Rehabilitation expenses for therapy, counseling, and other psychological care
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Damaged or destroyed personal property
We will review your situation to identify all losses you have suffered and establish the value for a settlement we can seek from the party or parties liable for abuse. No loss is too small. We want to know about everything you experienced to ensure you regain peace of mind with financial recovery that can help restore you in the ways you seek.
Our Washington Sexual Abuse Attorneys Will Lead Your Entire Case
It is hard for most people who have been abused to come forward, face their abusers, and hold them accountable. We want you to know you are not alone in this battle, and we will represent you both professionally and compassionately while going after every financial award you deserve.
We will work diligently to protect your rights and interests and walk you through the process of seeking recovery, whether that involves an individual or a public or private institution.
You Don’t Have to Pay Us Upfront to Take Your Case
When you become our client, you can leave everything to us. We will work on your case at no upfront charge. We will only receive our payment if you win your case. As we represent you, we will:
- Investigate the incident to determine what happened
- Identify all liable parties that could owe you financial compensation
- Gather case-supporting evidence that supports your claims (e.g., a police report, related medical records, witness testimony, surveillance video, your written statement, etc.)
- List all recoverable losses unique to your case, financial and non-financial
- Communicate with all involved parties
- Lead all negotiation efforts to recover a fair and appropriate financial settlement
- Prepare and file a lawsuit and seek your recovery in court if necessary
- Update you regularly on your case and explain all case developments
- Answer your questions, address your concerns, and explain all laws that apply to your case
You and Your Recovery Are Our Priorities
Jackman Law Firm takes your recovery seriously, and you will always come first. We will do everything we can to make this experience easier for you. We can deal with insurance companies, legal representatives for the opposing party, and others so you don’t have to. We can make all statements on your behalf or be present whenever you must speak with an official.
We will seek a favorable outcome for you and won’t stop until we exhaust every avenue of compensation and make the liable parties in your case pay what they owe you. You can read our client testimonials to see what past clients say about working with our team.
Take Legal Action As Soon as Possible in a Washington State Sexual Abuse Case
Building a strong compensation case takes time, so the more time our attorneys have to work on it, the better. Not filing your case on time could mean losing your opportunity to seek legal recovery through the civil court.
However, as mentioned earlier, if Washington State eliminates the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims, you could have more time to demand monetary awards. Our attorneys are current on all state laws and can advise you further should something change that could alter your case’s timeline and filing deadline.
What to Do If You Have Been Sexually Abused in Washington State
If you have suffered any form of sexual abuse, you should get to a safe place and seek medical help right away. You can also ask a medical professional about getting an exam (this is typically called a rape kit) to preserve DNA evidence. You can also contact law enforcement to file a report and reach out to a sexual abuse attorney who can help you.
For additional resources, the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs offers a directory of service providers on its website. You can also visit RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)’s website and call its national hotline.
Call Us Today About a Washington State Sexual Abuse Claim – Your Case Consultation Is Free
If you or a loved one is a survivor of sexual abuse, our Washington State attorney can advise you on your legal options. Our law firm can lead your case for damages against the liable party and connect you with resources that can help you recover.
While Washington State does not currently offer a lookback window for sexual abuse claims, we encourage you to talk with our legal team about holding a party accountable. If the new law removes the statute of limitations, you will be steps ahead and able to file your case more quickly. Call us today for a free and private consultation. We are available 24/7 and are ready to start working for you.
