If you or a loved one is a survivor of sexual assault, you may feel lost about where to turn for help. Look for no further than Premier Law Group. Our Bellevue sexual assault lawyer will seek justice and your deserved compensation from those who harmed you or contributed to the harm you suffered.
No one should face this alone, and our legal team is here to offer support. For nearly 25 years, our Bellevue personal injury lawyers have helped thousands make their voices heard and hold negligent parties accountable. Our more than 55 years of combined experience will guide us as we seek justice for you.
The emotional and physical toll of sexual assault can last for years. We are here to guide you through every step of the legal process with compassion and expertise and help you move on from this difficult chapter. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation with our attorney.
Understanding Sexual Assault Cases in Bellevue, WA
Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact or behavior that happens without consent. This can include rape, attempted rape, fondling, and any other non-consensual sexual act. In Washington, these cases involve criminal and civil laws.
While the criminal justice system focuses on punishing the offender, a civil case can help those who endured sexual violence hold liable parties accountable and seek payment for their mental and physical injuries and suffering.
Your Legal Rights After a Sexual Assault
After experiencing sexual assault, survivors have the right to file sexual assault charges and civil lawsuits. A civil lawsuit can help you recover damages for medical care costs, lost income, emotional trauma, and other related expenses.
Working with a Bellevue sexual assault attorney can help you understand your options and build a strong case. By standing up against your abuser and seeking justice, you regain control over your life and contribute to preventing future injustices.
Why Choose Premier Law Group to Represent You?
Premier Law Group prides itself on being “big enough to win, small enough to care.” As a boutique law firm, we focus on helping everyday people who need us during their most difficult times. We understand the emotional toll that sexual assault takes.
Our team provides a supportive and safe environment where you can share your story without judgment. When you call us, you will speak to our attorney on your first phone call. You will receive immediate legal guidance and support from day one.
Our firm is run by attorneys who live in Bellevue and are deeply connected to the community. We love our city and constantly give back through various initiatives and support efforts. Our commitment to helping sexual abuse survivors is strong. We will listen, support, and advocate for you.
How Our Bellevue Lawyers for Sexual Assault Cases Can Help
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling sexual assault cases. We will work tirelessly to build a strong case for you and advocate for your interests. While you focus on your recovery, we will manage your entire case.
We provide several services for sexual assault survivors, including:
- Investigating the case: We conduct detailed investigations to gather evidence, such as the police report, medical records, health exam reports, surveillance video, witness statements, forensic evidence (e.g., DNA), expert testimony, etc.
- Identifying all liable parties: To maximize your damages, we will determine who may be responsible for the assault. This will include all parties whose negligence or failure to act contributed to the incident.
- Negotiating settlements: We can lead talks with the defendant’s legal team or insurance company to reach a fair settlement.
- Filing a lawsuit for damages: We can complete all paperwork and the legal processes needed to file a civil lawsuit if necessary.
- Representing you in court: If we cannot settle your case, our lawyer can represent you in court to fight for your rights.
- Providing access to resources: We will connect you with valuable resources, including medical professionals, counselors, and support groups, to aid in your recovery.
We care about your recovery and well–being, so the sooner we connect, the sooner we will start working for you. We can represent you without upfront fees or costs and get paid only if we win your case.
You can review our case results and client reviews to learn more about Premier Law Group and how we can help. Call us today for a free consultation, during which you can talk with our attorney about your situation in a confidential setting.
Recoverable Damages in a Bellevue Sexual Assault Case
Survivors of sexual assault may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical treatment expenses related to the assault
- Therapy and counseling costs
- Lost income or diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Other psychological injuries, such as mental anguish
- Impaired quality of life or loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages, which aim to punish the offender and deter similar conduct in the future
Our Bellevue attorney for sexual assault victims can help calculate and pursue the full extent of damages you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Financially Liable for Instances of Past Abuse?
In sexual assault cases, survivors can hold any of the following financially responsible for the harm they suffered:
- The abuser: The person who committed the assault can be sued for damages, including medical bills, emotional distress, and other losses related to the abuse.
- Organizations: Schools, churches (e.g., abuse by clergy), employers, and other groups can be held liable if they did not take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse or ignored complaints about an abuser. This can include situations where they knew or should have known about the risk of harm.
- Property owners: If the assault happened on someone else’s property, the owner might be liable if they didn’t provide proper security or allowed conditions that made the assault more likely, such as poor lighting or lack of security personnel.
- Supervisors or managers: If the abuser was an employee or under the supervision of someone who ignored complaints or failed to act on known risks, that supervisor or manager could be held responsible for negligence.
- Landlords: If the assault occurred in a rental property and the landlord failed to address security concerns, such as broken locks or inadequate lighting, they may be liable for creating an unsafe environment.
- Transportation providers: If the assault happened in a rideshare, taxi, or other transportation service, the company may be responsible if it failed to screen drivers properly or didn’t address known safety concerns.
Filing Deadlines for Sexual Assault Cases in Washington State
In Washington State, sexual assault claims must meet specific deadlines known as statutes of limitations. These deadlines depend on the type of case:
- Civil lawsuits: Plaintiffs typically have three years from the date of the sexual assault to file a civil lawsuit for damages under state law. This can include claims for medical expenses, emotional distress, and other losses.
- Criminal cases: While this page focuses on civil suits and cases, it’s important to note that criminal charges for sexual assault can be filed at any time if the victim was a child at the time of the assault. For adult survivors, the time limit varies based on the severity of the crime.
- Exceptions: In some cases, the deadline may be extended, especially if the victim was a minor when the assault occurred or if the discovery of harm from the abuse was delayed. Our attorneys can help determine if any exceptions apply to your case.
You must act quickly so that our attorneys for Bellevue sexual assault cases can file your case on time. Missing the deadline can prevent you from seeking compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Sexual Assault Cases
If you’ve experienced sexual assault and are considering a civil case, you likely have questions about what to expect. Below are answers to common questions that can guide you through the civil claims process and provide clarity about how to move forward.
How Can a Lawyer Help if Sexual Assault Happened at a School?
If a sexual assault happened at a school, our lawyer will work to hold the responsible parties accountable. This means investigating the incident, gathering evidence, and determining if the school failed to provide a safe environment.
We can file claims against the abuser and the school if it was negligent in preventing or addressing the assault. We also will handle all legal paperwork, negotiate with the school’s legal team, and represent you in court if necessary.
Can You File a Claim if the Abuse Happened a Long Time Ago?
Yes, it is possible to file a claim even if the abuse occurred years ago. Washington law allows survivors to file civil claims long after the assault through what’s called the statute of limitations.
However, specific timelines apply, depending on when the abuse was discovered or the victim’s age at the time. Speaking with our attorneys who handle Bellevue sexual assault cases can help you understand whether your case is still eligible and how to proceed.
What Should You Do Immediately After Sexual Assault?
If you’ve been sexually assaulted, you can protect your health and strengthen any future legal actions you take by following these steps:
- Seek medical attention: Get immediate medical care to treat injuries and collect physical evidence.
- Report the assault: Contact the police to report the assault and create an official record.
- Preserve evidence: Avoid bathing or showering, changing your clothes, or cleaning up until after a medical examination to preserve important evidence.
- Get support: Contact a trusted friend, family member, or counselor for emotional support during this time.
Can You File a Civil and Criminal Case?
Yes, you can pursue civil and criminal cases after a sexual assault. The state handles criminal cases and aims to punish the offender, while civil cases focus on securing financial compensation for the survivor’s damages.
These legal processes are separate, so the outcome of one does not necessarily affect the other.
How Long does a Civil Case Take?
The timeline for a civil case can vary. Some cases may settle in a few months, while others may take years if they go to trial. Factors that can affect the length of a case include its complexity, the amount of evidence involved, and whether a settlement is reached before trial.
Our lawyer will aim to handle your case efficiently while we address your needs.
Do You Have to Face the Abuser in Court?
While you may have to face the abuser in court, many civil cases settle outside of court, eliminating the need for a trial.
If the case does go to trial, measures can be taken to limit direct contact, such as testifying via video or arranging for a support person to be present with you during proceedings.
What Kind of Emotional Support Is Available for Sexual Assault Survivors?
Coping with the emotional aftermath of sexual assault can be difficult. Fortunately, several resources offer help and support, including:
- Counseling services: Professional therapists can help you process trauma and develop healthy coping strategies.
- Support groups: Connecting with other survivors can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Crisis hotlines: Various helplines offer immediate support and can guide you toward local resources.
Can a Lawyer Help Even if the Abuser Was Not Criminally Charged?
Yes, you can pursue a civil case even if the abuser was not charged with a crime or found guilty in a criminal trial. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases. You may still recover compensation even if the state did not pursue or win criminal charges against the abuser.
Why Is It Important to Act Quickly After a Sexual Assault?
While it may be difficult to think about legal action after an assault, acting quickly is essential for several reasons. Filing deadlines (statutes of limitations) apply, and evidence can disappear over time.
Additionally, pursuing a claim soon after the assault can help a survivor’s case, as witnesses and other forms of evidence may be more readily available.
These answers provide a starting point, but every case is different. Contacting our law firm can give you the personalized guidance you need for your situation.
Our Bellevue Sexual Assault Lawyers Will Seek Justice for You
Premier Law Group is ready to lead your case and obtain justice for the wrongs you or a loved one has suffered. Our knowledgeable and compassionate Bellevue sexual assault lawyers will support you as you focus on your well-being as you move forward.
Our experienced team will stand by your side while we hold the parties that harmed you accountable. Call us and review your legal options with our attorney during a free consultation.