If you’ve experienced sexual assault, know that your voice matters, your story is important, and you are not alone.
The experience of a sexual assault can be traumatic. But seeking justice can be a powerful step toward reclaiming your sense of control and healing.
A compassionate Seattle sexual assault lawyer can stand by your side as you work through the legal system. At the Law Offices of Justin R. Boland, PLLC, we prioritize your well-being, dignity, and empowerment. Find out how we can assist with these sensitive cases.
You Have the Right to Seek Justice
Survivors of sexual assault in Washington have the legal right to pursue justice through two pathways:
Criminal Case
The state prosecutes the perpetrator. They seek penalties like prison time, fines, and registration as a sex offender. This process focuses on holding the offender legally accountable for their actions.
Civil Lawsuit
In a civil case, you have the opportunity to seek financial compensation for the harm you have experienced. This option is about holding the person or organization responsible for the assault financially accountable. It helps you recover the costs of medical care, therapy, lost income, and the emotional toll the assault has taken on your life.
A skilled Seattle sexual assault lawyer can guide you through both processes. They can help you understand your options and choose the path that aligns with your needs and goals.
Holding Institutions Accountable for Their Role
While the perpetrator is often named in the lawsuit, other parties may be responsible as well. Their negligence may have created conditions that allowed this crime to happen.
Sometimes, institutions like employers, schools, religious organizations, or landlords contribute to unsafe environments that enable sexual crimes to happen. Holding business and institution owners accountable can help you secure the compensation you deserve and as well as create systemic change that protects others from harm in the future.
Some examples of institutional negligence include:
- Workplaces: Employers who fail to address harassment or prevent misconduct.
- Schools and universities: Institutions that ignore reports of sexual violence or fail to provide adequate support.
- Property owners: Landlords who neglect security measures that could have prevented the assault.
- Religious institutions: Organizations that fail to protect members from abuse.
Your lawyer will investigate whether any third parties contributed to the assault and hold them responsible. With that, you can make sure that they take accountability for their role in what happened.
Your Legal Rights as a Survivor in Washington
Washington State has enacted several laws to support survivors of sexual assault, including:
- Extended time to file a lawsuit: Trauma can delay a survivor’s ability to come forward. For this reason, Washington has extended the statute of limitations for certain sexual assault cases.
- Protection orders: You have the right to seek a restraining order to prevent contact with the perpetrator.
- Victim compensation programs: The Washington State Crime Victims Compensation Program can help cover medical expenses, counseling costs, and lost wages.
- Privacy protections: Legal proceedings can be structured to protect your identity and minimize public exposure.
Your attorney will explain these rights. They will make sure that you receive all the support and protections available to you.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Seattle Sexual Assault Lawyer
What Type of Compensation Can You Recover?
If you are a survivor of sexual assault and pursue a civil lawsuit, you may be entitled to various types of compensation:
- Medical expenses for physical injuries, surgeries, prescriptions, and mental health care, including therapy and counseling.
- Pain and suffering compensate for the emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the assault.
- Lost wage reimbursement for time missed from work due to medical treatment or emotional recovery. Along with that, you may be able to receive future income loss if the assault affects your ability to work.
- Property damage reimbursement for personal items damaged during the assault.
- Out-of-pocket expenses cover costs like travel for medical appointments, childcare, or support services.
- Loss of consortium compensation for the impact on personal relationships, such as with a spouse or partner.
Punitive damages are awarded to punish the perpetrator and deter future misconduct. This can happen if their actions are especially malicious or reckless.
A Seattle sexual assault lawyer can help you understand your options and seek the compensation you deserve.
What to Know About Pursuing a Civil Lawsuit
Filing a civil lawsuit is not only about seeking financial compensation. You can hold the perpetrator accountable and create a sense of closure. For many, a conviction in the criminal justice system is not always guaranteed. With this option, you still have a choice to hold them accountable for their actions.
You may be a little uncertain about the process, but that’s okay. However, here is a step by step look to help you become more comfortable with taking legal action.
Your First Consultation
This initial conversation is a safe space where you can share your story without judgment. Your lawyer will listen with compassion, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.
Building Your Case
Your attorney will gather evidence, including medical records, police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony, to support your claim.
Filing the Lawsuit
A formal complaint is filed. This outlines the harm you’ve experienced and the compensation you’re seeking.
Negotiating a Settlement
Many cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. For many, this is an ideal situation as you avoid the stress of a trial while still receiving fair compensation.
Heading to Trial
Your attorney will advocate for you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. They will protect your rights and make sure your voice is heard.
Throughout this process, your lawyer’s priority is to ensure that you feel supported. You will never be pressured to take steps that make you uncomfortable.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Getting justice after sexual assault can feel like an uphill battle. Many survivors are often met with doubt, victim-blaming, or fear of retaliation. Here is what you need to know:
- You are not to blame: No matter the circumstances, what happened was not your fault. Your lawyer will fight against any attempts to shift blame onto you.
- Your experience matters: Your attorney will make sure that your story is told with dignity and respect. They will take on any attempts to minimize your experience.
- You deserve fair compensation: The impact of sexual assault goes far beyond physical injuries. Your lawyer will work to secure compensation that reflects the full scope of the harm you’ve experienced, whether that is physical, emotional, or financial.
Taking the First Step with a Seattle Sexual Assault Lawyer
Choosing to seek justice after sexual assault is a courageous step. You deserve to have a compassionate, dedicated advocate by your side. You have the right to seek justice, to heal, and to rebuild your life. And a sexual assault attorney in Seattle can help you do that.
At the Law Offices of Justin R. Boland, PLLC, we are ready to hold those responsible for these actions.
When you’re ready, we will be here to listen. Schedule a consultation to learn about your legal options.
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