Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Assault Lawyers in Vancouver
If you or your child is a survivor of a sexual assault that occurred at a juvenile detention center, you can seek justice. The experienced Vancouver sexual assault attorneys at Schauermann Thayer have led the way in working to hold these institutions accountable for their conduct.
Attorneys Scott Edwards and Sara Schirato recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of victims of sexual abuse that occurred over decades at the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center. We are working closely with the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, providing them with compassionate legal counsel and empowering them to tell their stories. We passionately believe that sexual assault survivors deserve answers and compensation for the wrong that was done to them.
Schauermann Thayer is located at 1700 E 4th Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661, right across the street from the Vancouver Veterinary Hospital. Call us today at (360) 695-4244 to talk to a Vancouver sexual abuse attorney during a free initial consultation.
Recent Review
“I never thought I would need a lawyer but I am so fortunate to have found Scott Edwards at Schauermann Thayer. I was contacted promptly after submitting my information, but the way Mr. Edwards treated me throughout the experience was one-of-a-kind. He is passionate about what he does and always showed me so much kindness and respect. I never second-guessed that he had my best interests at heart. His paralegal, Maribel, is also so pleasant to work with as she guided me through this process.”
What Happened at the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center?
In February 2026, Schauermann Thayer filed a lawsuit on behalf of eight survivors of sexual abuse at the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center. The lawsuit alleged a pattern of abuse at the facility that lasted from 1978 to 2014. Children who were housed at the facility reported being subject to various forms of abuse under the guise of discipline. Clark County failed to protect the children who were in its custody and did not educate them about their right to be free from abuse. Children were groomed for abuse and given more favorable treatment when they complied with staff’s abusive and illegal demands.
Your Legal Rights When You Have Been a Victim of Sexual Assault
When your dignity and body was violated in a sexual assault, your case falls under personal injury law. When you can prove that someone else’s wrongful conduct was responsible for your injuries, you become entitled to full financial compensation for what you endured. First, you must file a lawsuit against the responsible party and provide evidence that demonstrates your case.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in a Sexual Abuse Case?
How long you have to file a claim for sexual assault in a juvenile detention facility depends on when the abuse happened. Washington has recently changed its laws to give you more time to file a lawsuit in recognition of the facts that it may be very hard for you to come forward and you may not have realized that you were a victim of sexual assault until later in life.
- For abuse that happened before June 6, 2024, you have three years from the date that you learned that the defendants breached the duty of care that they owed you under the circumstances or when you learned of the causal connection between the abuse you endured and your injuries. Even if your abuse occurred during this time period, you may still be able to file or join a lawsuit.
- For abuse that occurred after June 6, 2024, there is no statute of limitations. You can file a lawsuit at any time in life.
The fact that there is no statute of limitations does not mean that you are exempt from any requirements to notify the government prior to filing a claim.
How to File a Lawsuit Against the Government
Washington law bans private companies from operating detention facilities. Accordingly, the Clark County Juvenile Justice Center is run by Clark County. Under Washington law, you have the ability to sue Clark County if it was negligent or acted to harm you. There are special rules that apply when you are filing a claim against the government, such as:
- You must give notice of the claim to the government agency, informing it of the nature of your claim and the damages that you are seeking
- You must wait at least 60 days after you have given this notice to file a lawsuit in court to give the government the chance to investigate your claim and potentially settle it before you can file a lawsuit
How Much Is My Sexual Assault Case Worth?
The good news is that, unlike in other states, there are almost no limits to what you can seek in a sexual assault lawsuit in Washington. Under state law, you can receive full compensatory damages for the harm that you have suffered. Your damages will include compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Other economic damages, such as lost wages if you are unable to work in the future due to trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Embarrassment and humiliation
Why Hire Schauermann Thayer for Your Sexual Abuse Claim
Any type of personal injury case can be difficult, but it can be even more challenging when you have to relive a deeply traumatic sexual assault. Survivors often have struggled for a lifetime with feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment for what was done to them as children. Accordingly, your lawyer needs to do more than fight on your behalf. They must approach your case with sensitivity. At Schauermann Thayer, attorneys Scott Edwards and Sara Schirato will not only guide you through the legal process, but they will do it with a full understanding of what you are going through and compassion for your circumstances.
“I endeavor to handle every sexual abuse claim in the most compassionate way possible, understanding that you have been through a traumatic experience and how difficult it is for you to come forward.” – Attorney Scott Edwards
Contact a Vancouver Sexual Assault Law Firm
When you need someone to help you regain the voice that was taken away from you, speak to the Vancouver sexual assault attorneys at Schauermann Thayer. You can schedule a free initial consultation by visiting our website or by calling us today at (360) 695-4244.
