Sexual abuse or sex abuse, often called molestation, is abusive sexual behavior perpetrated by one person upon another. It often happens under conditions that involve force or taking advantage of another. The lingering emotional and sometimes physical effects of sexual abuse on the victim can be devastating. Also can last a lifetime. Click here to report child abuse and neglect. Sexual abuse lawyers (plaintiff’s side) can help victims secure a financial settlement.
The Recovery Stage
Often sexual abuse victims are reluctant to come forward out of embarrassment or shame. Our attorneys will treat you with care, respect, and understanding while fighting for the settlement you deserve. We have experience in recovering damages for a wide range of sex crimes for plaintiffs. Some examples include voyeurism, sexual harassment, and internet sex crimes. Unlike most personal injury claims, sex crimes are criminal acts and are classified as intentional torts under tort law. Intentional misconduct cases can justify compensatory but also punitive damages.
The dedicated sexual assault lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. are here to ease your burden and fight for the settlement you deserve! A sex abuse lawyer will handle each step of the claim. Everything from interviewing witnesses and gathering documents to filing a complaint and pre-trial litigation.
Experience Matters
Michael Tario opened the prominent Bellingham law firm Tario & Associates, P.S. in 1979, followed by the Mount Vernon office in 1988. The Mount Vernon sexual abuse plaintiffs lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. have been representing and advocating on behalf of victims of sexual abuse for over four decades. We will treat you with the respect and care you deserve while fighting for justice on your behalf.
What is Washington State’s Statute of Limitations for civil lawsuits involving sexual abuse cases?
The State of Washington allows victims of sexual abuse to file a civil claim within three years from the date of the alleged abuse. Also within three years of their 18th birthday. There is also a delayed discovery rule built into Washington State’s statute of limitations. This rule allows for victims of sexual abuse to bring a claim within three years of the date that the memories of abuse are discovered. Often through some type of therapy. In addition, there is also a rule that gives victims of sexual abuse three years to file a claim. This is after the discovery of the causal relationship between injury and abuse. If you are unsure whether you are within the statute of limitations for filing a claim in Washington State, please contact an experienced sexual abuse lawyer for guidance.
How do I know whether I should pursue a sexual abuse claim?
The only way to know for sure if you have a sexual abuse case worth pursuing is to meet with one of our experienced sexual abuse lawyers for a FREE consultation. We will fully evaluate your case and advise you of your legal rights and make a recommendation for a path forward.
Do I really need to hire a sex abuse attorney or should I handle my own personal injury claim?
In most cases, hiring an injury lawyer will yield better results. At Tario & Associates, P.S., we stand by our injured clients every step of the way inside and outside of court. While we are building a strong case that can result in a fair settlement.
How much do I have to pay to pursue a sex abuse claim?
There are no upfront costs or fees paid by our clients to pursue a sexual abuse claim. We provide representation on a contingency fee basis for all personal injury cases. While you will not incur any attorney fees if you do not win your case, Washington law requires clients to reimburse the law firm for out-of-pocket expenses. Our firm advances out-of-pocket costs for our injury clients and does not require our clients to pay any of these costs up front. When cases are concluded with a monetary recovery, our firm is repaid for the out-of-pocket costs we have advanced with a percentage of the settlement.
If you or a loved one was abused, you have enough to worry about. Let us give you peace of mind. Contact the most experienced sexual abuse lawyer Mount Vernon has at Tario & Associates, P.S. today at 360-336-6666.
