Sexual assault is a serious offense. If you are a victim of sex assault and want to pursue damages from a liable party, you have legal options. Learn more about these by meeting with a Federal Way sexual assault lawyer and discussing your case with them.
Premier Law Group has more than 55 years of combined legal experience on our team. Let a personal injury lawyer in Federal Way from our team serve as your legal advocate and representative. Contact us for more information about how we can assist you with your sexual assault case.
Legal Definition of Sexual Assault
This refers to any non-consensual sexual act, including those to which a person does not have the capacity to consent. An individual can use force, threats, manipulation, or coercion during a sexual assault. Instances when a person can be charged with sex assault include:
- Fondling
- Rape
- Touching or making sexual contact with someone who did not give their consent
If you are a victim of sexual assault, seek legal help. At Premier Law Group, we offer free Washington law guidebooks and other legal resources to help sex assault victims. Partner with a Federal Way sexual assault attorney from our team, and we can help you take legal action against anyone who harmed you.
How a Federal Way Sexual Assault Lawsuit Is Different from a Criminal Case
A person can be charged with a sex assault crime in Washington State. There are four degrees of sexual assault crimes, and penalties vary. If someone is convicted of sexually assaulting an individual, they can receive prison time and fines and be subject to a civil lawsuit.
You have the right to file a sex assault civil lawsuit against someone even if they do not receive a criminal conviction. A sexual assault lawyer in Federal Way can explain how to file your lawsuit. They can provide insights into factors that can affect the value of your personal injury case.
Filing a sexual assault lawsuit can be emotionally taxing, and your lawyer understands this. They are empathetic and compassionate and give your legal matters the attention they deserve. If at any point you have legal concerns or questions as you move through your litigation, your attorney will address them.
Damages You Can Request in a Sexual Assault Lawsuit
You could recover economic and non–economic damages through a lawsuit. To help you achieve your desired case results, a sexual assault attorney in Federal Way reviews the facts of your lawsuit carefully. They will calculate your damages and encourage you to ask for compensation for many reasons, such as:
Medical Bills
If you suffer bruising and other physical symptoms due to a sexual assault, receive medical attention. A doctor can treat your injuries in their early stages. Your lawyer can use your medical records to show how badly you were hurt and request damages for any associated expenses.
Loss of Income
As you recover from a sexual assault, you could be forced to miss work. You lose money since you cannot earn a living wage during this challenging time in your life. Fortunately, your attorney can include your current and future lost wages in your damages request.
Pain and Suffering
A sexual assault can impact your emotional and psychological wellness for the rest of your life. The trauma you have experienced can affect your ability to work, go to school, and enjoy time with family members and friends. Your lawyer considers your pain and suffering as they craft an argument to support your case.
Saying you want these and other damages is not enough to secure compensation. You can use forensic evidence and other proof to build your argument. If you have substantial evidence, the defendant in your lawsuit may struggle to dispute your case against them.
For a free legal consultation with a sexual assault lawyer serving Federal Way, call (206) 285-1743
GET A FREE CASE EVALUATION
How Much Time You Have to Sue for Damages
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) restricts the amount of time you have to sue someone based on a personal injury. Per RCW 4.16.080, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years. If you choose not to submit a sex assault civil lawsuit within this time frame, you lose the right to seek damages from a liable party at a later date.
Your lawyer can submit your lawsuit in alignment with Washington’s statute of limitations. They can collect evidence and account for how the defendant could contest your case. If the defendant proposes a settlement, your attorney will let you know.
Approving a settlement offer can help you recover damages in less time than what would be required if you go to trial. Alternatively, bringing your case in front of a judge or jury can give you the opportunity to pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law. If you decline a settlement, you and your lawyer can go before a judge and jury and explain your case in depth.
Our Federal Way Sexual Assault Lawyers Deliver the Highest Level of Service
You have concerns about what will happen if you file a sex assault civil lawsuit. Ultimately, your lawsuit is an opportunity to hold someone accountable for their actions and deter them from committing similar acts in the future. With help from a sex assault lawyer, you are well-equipped to achieve the optimal results as you move through the legal process.
The Premier Law Group team handles all aspects of your sex assault case so you can prioritize your health and well-being. We are here to assist you with your case. Request a consultation with our lawyers.
Jason at premier law group is truly an outstanding individual. Our particular case was not something that their firm usually sees but they were more than willing to help us and give us all of the information they had available. I can't recommend them enough.