Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse cases arise when someone has been harmed by unwanted sexual conduct. These cases are not just about what happened, they’re about holding the responsible parties accountable and helping survivors move forward.

In many cases, responsibility extends beyond the individual abuser to the institutions that allowed the abuse to happen.

These cases are different because they involve deep personal harm and often complex legal timelines. These cases can also involve institutions that oversee or are meant to protect children like schools, churches, foster care, or state youth detention. Because of the involvement of institutions, there can be pressure on survivors to ‘get over it’ or not speak up. Many survivors are not ready, or able, to come forward right away.

We understand that. Our role is to meet you where you are and help you understand your options when you’re ready.

We understand the different pressures survivors might feel from their abuser, the institution that hired or protected their abuser, friends or family in the community, or ingrained moral judgments on sexual abuse or sexual activity that might affect a survivor’s willingness to speak up or pursue a case. We are here with you to help you understand your options when you’re ready.

Sexual abuse can leave survivors feeling out of control and lacking autonomy. If you choose to pursue a claim, you are in control, and we will work with you to make sure you feel in control every step of the way.

Each state has its own laws that determine how and when a claim can be filed. Some states have extended deadlines or special provisions for survivors of childhood abuse.

Because these laws can change, it’s important to speak with an attorney who understands the current legal landscape in your state.

We take a thoughtful and thorough approach to every case. That means:

• Listening to your story
• Explaining your legal options clearly
• Investigating what happened and who is responsible
• Advocating for you every step of the way

Our goal is to help you pursue justice in a way that respects your experience and your privacy.

If you’re asking the question, it may be the right time.

Whether the abuse happened recently or years ago, a conversation can help you better understand your rights. There’s no obligation, just an opportunity to get answers.

Your safety and privacy come first. Many survivors are understandably concerned about confidentiality or retaliation when considering legal action. You deserve to be heard without sacrificing your sense of safety. We take privacy seriously and work with you to determine the most appropriate and comfortable way to move forward.

There are several ways to protect your identity:

• Filing a claim using initials or a pseudonym (when permitted by the court)
• Requesting protective orders to limit disclosure of personal information
• Keeping sensitive records sealed or confidential
• Working with attorneys who use trauma-informed and discreet communication practices

In many cases, your attorney can take steps to ensure your story is shared only when necessary and in a controlled way.

Most sexual abuse civil cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. We believe access to justice should not depend on your ability to pay. Our focus is on helping you understand your options so you can make informed decisions without added financial pressure.

This typically means:

• No upfront legal fees
• Attorneys are paid only if compensation is recovered
• Case costs may be advanced by the firm

This structure allows survivors to pursue justice without financial barriers.

For many survivors, a lawsuit is not just about compensation. It’s about being heard, creating change, and ensuring what happened to you does not happen to someone else. A civil lawsuit provides survivors with a path toward accountability and recovery.

Potential benefits include:

• Financial compensation for therapy, medical care, lost income, and emotional harm
• Accountability for institutions that failed to prevent abuse
• A sense of closure and validation
• Helping prevent future harm to others

Civil cases are designed to compensate survivors and hold responsible parties financially accountable.

Survivors have important legal rights, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed. You have the right to explore your legal options at your own pace. Our role is to help you understand those rights clearly and support you in whatever path you choose.

These rights may include:

• The right to file a civil lawsuit against the abuser and responsible institutions
• The right to pursue a claim even if no criminal conviction occurred
• The right to seek financial damages
• The right to legal representation and advocacy
• The right to be treated with dignity and respect throughout the process

Civil claims can proceed independently and are controlled by the survivor, not the state.

Choosing the right law firm is an important step. The right firm will not just focus on the legal case, they will focus on you. You should feel heard, respected, and supported from your first conversation forward.

Look for a firm that:

• Has experience handling sexual abuse and institutional liability cases
• Demonstrates a trauma-informed approach
• Offers confidential consultations
• Has a track record of holding organizations accountable
• Communicates clearly and respects your boundaries

An initial consultation is designed to be informational, supportive, and confidential. This is your opportunity to get clarity. There is no obligation as this is just a conversation to help you better understand your options.

During a consultation, you can expect:

• A conversation about what happened, shared at your comfort level
• An overview of your legal rights and options
• Discussion of potential timelines and next steps
• Answers to your questions without pressure to move forward

While every case is different, most follow a similar process. Civil cases allow survivors to bring claims directly and maintain control over key decisions. We guide you through each step, explaining what to expect and helping you make informed decisions along the way.

Typical steps include:

• Initial consultation and case evaluation
• Investigation and evidence gathering
• Filing a legal complaint
• Discovery phase (exchange of information and testimony)
• Settlement negotiations or trial

Not all cases go to trial. Your attorney will help you evaluate what approach best aligns with your goals. You remain in control of key decisions, including whether to settle or proceed to trial. We provide guidance, but the path forward is always yours.

In many situations:

• Cases are resolved through confidential settlements
• Settlement may occur before or after a lawsuit is filed
• Trial is pursued when necessary to achieve accountability

In cases involving large organizations (e.g., churches, schools), bankruptcy may play a role. While bankruptcy can complicate cases, it can also provide a structured path for recovery. Even when institutions attempt to limit liability through bankruptcy, survivors may still have meaningful legal options. We help you understand those options and how to move forward.

This can impact cases by:

• Creating compensation trusts for survivors
• Consolidating claims into a single process
• Setting deadlines for filing claims

Some organizations establish Independent Victim Compensation Programs (IVCPs). These programs can be an option, but they are not right for everyone. We help you evaluate whether participation aligns with your goals and rights.

These programs:

• Offer compensation outside of the court system
• Typically involve a neutral third-party administrator
• May require waiving the right to file a lawsuit

Considerations:

• Faster resolution
• Less adversarial process
• Potentially lower compensation than litigation

Survivors may pursue both civil and criminal actions, but they serve different purposes. A criminal case focuses on punishing wrongdoing. A civil case focuses on you, your recovery, your voice, and your future. You may have the option to pursue either or both.

Criminal case:

• Brought by the government
• Focused on punishment (jail, fines)
• Requires proof “beyond a reasonable doubt”

Civil case:

• Brought by the survivor
• Focused on compensation and accountability
• Requires a lower burden of proof (“preponderance of evidence”)

Civil cases give survivors more control and can proceed even without a criminal conviction.

We understand the sensitive nature of these claims, and the strength survivors exhibit by reaching out to discuss their legal options. Sexual assault survivors are deserving of care, support, and resources so they can feel empowered, whether or not they pursue a legal claim. If you or a loved one has experienced unwanted sexual contact and doesn’t know where to turn, here are some resources:

If there is immediate risk of harm, please dial 911. If you or a loved one are experiencing overwhelming emotions or are in a mental health crisis, you can dial 988 for the Suicide Prevention Hotline or text HOME to 741741 to speak with someone.

Across the state of Washington, you can dial 211 to get connected with local organizations that provide resources and counseling to survivors of sexual assault. If you’re a resident of King County, you can contact King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC). Nationally, RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) provides support and services for survivors of sexual assault.