THE FIRM YOU GO TO WHEN THE STAKES ARE HIGH
WASHINGTON SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYERS
Representing Sex Abuse Survivors Across King County, Washington, and the U.S.
Levy Konigsberg is a national civil trial practice with a legacy of litigating high-stakes sexual abuse claims. With anΒ office in Seattle, our sexual abuse team proudly fights for survivors across King County and the state of Washington.
If you or someone you love were sexually abused β whether as a minor or an adult β our Washington sexual abuse attorneys have the experience and resources to help you fight for justice and fair compensation. We support survivors in litigation against both abusers and the institutions that failed to protect them.
Were you sexually abused?
Understanding Civil Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
Sexual abuse survivors face lifetimes of physical and emotional challenges, which is why our Washington sex abuse lawyers are committed to helping survivors and their families in the fight for justice.
Here are some key points help you better understand our work and the laws pertaining to sexual abuse lawsuits:
Civil Lawsuits
Our firm represents survivors in civil sexual abuse lawsuits. As civil claims, these matters are separate from any criminal actions brought against abusers and focus solely on liability for damages suffered by victims. This means that civil sexual abuse lawsuits can be brought (and won) regardless of what happens in a related criminal case.
Holding Institutions Accountable
Civil sexual abuse lawsuits are typically brought against institutions and entities that failed to protect victims. Entities like camps, school districts, and religious orders have legal responsibilities to protect their members and students, and they can be held accountable when they fail to meet those duties, whether by failing to properly vet or supervise employees, properly investigate suspected abuse, or appropriately respond to complaints.
Unfortunately, powerful institutions know sexual abuse claims threaten their reputations and their bottom lines, which is why they work aggressively to deny and defend against them. As advocates, we work to help survivors level the playing field.
Compensation for Survivors
Civil sexual abuse lawsuits are powerful tools for holding at-fault institutions accountable, and they can accomplish a great deal in compelling institutions and others like them to adopt policies that better prevent abuse from happening to others in the future. Additionally, they offer survivors an opportunity to recover their damages, which can include pain and suffering, medical and mental health expenses, and other emotional injuries. Our firm works diligently to help survivors recover the maximum compensation possible.
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These includeΒ government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detentionΒ /Β juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
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We work on contingency, which means thereβs no cost to hire and no fee unless we win.
Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
Washington Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Under current Washington state law, survivors of sexual abuse have three years from the date of their abuse, or three years from the date they discover the connection between their injuries (which can include addiction, self-harm, and other mental health issues) and the abuse (or a defendantβs actions that led to the abuse), to file civil lawsuits.
In March 2024, the governor signed into law a bill (House Bill 1618) removing the statute of limitations for civil claims related to child sexual abuse. As a result, for any sexual abuse occurring on or after June 6, 2024, there is no deadline to file.
However, the new law is not retroactive, meaning that it does not apply to sexual abuse that occurred before June 6, 2024. Survivors of sexual abuse that occurred before this time still have three years from the date of their abuse, or three years from the date they discover the connection between their injuries and the abuse or actions that led to the abuse, to file civil lawsuits.Β
We Represent Survivors in All Types of Sex Abuse Claims
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuseΒ across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.