Vancouver Sexual Assault Attorneys
When your dignity has been taken from you by a sexual predator, it may be difficult to come forward. This can be true even knowing you may be entitled to compensation for what the predator did to you. It is crucial that you have a Vancouver sexual assault lawyer who sees you as a person who was forced into a traumatic experience.
At Schauermann Thayer, we not only fight for your legal rights, but we value you as an individual. When it comes to a matter as sensitive as your own personal experience, you can count on us to show the compassion you need to help you come forward with your story. Attorneys Scott Edwards and Sara Schirato have experience in working with victims of sexual assault, bringing the level of understanding that your individual case demands.
Schauermann Thayer is located at 1700 E 4th Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661, right near the intersection of St. Johns Blvd. Contact us today at (360) 695-4244 to schedule 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.”
Types of Sexual Abuse for Which You Can Sue
As a victim, you have the right to sue for any type of sexual abuse that you have endured, including the following:
- Institutional: Institutional sexual abuse occurs at an institution with some level of authority over you, such as a school or religious organization
- Custodial: Custodial sexual abuse occurs when in custody, whether at a jail, a prison, or a juvenile detention facility
- Familial: Familial sexual abuse is committed by a family member or someone within the household (In 2025, Schauermann Thayer obtained a $2 million judgment on behalf of a client who was subjected to a single sexual assault at the hands of her stepfather and in 2024, we obtained an $8 million judgment on behalf of a client who was subjected to countless sexual assaults at the hands of her stepfather)
- Statutory: Statutory sexual abuse is committed upon a minor who is below the legal age of consent (a minor cannot give consent to a sexual act)
Who Can You Sue for Sexual Abuse?
You always have the right to sue your abuser directly for what they did to you. As with all types of personal injury cases, there may be others who may also be sued.
In cases where your abuser was associated with an entity (say an employer, or even a volunteer organization), and the abuse was somehow related with the abuser’s position within that entity, you may be able to hold the entity separately accountable. The entity may be liable for the actions of the abuser, who acted as their agent, even when the abuser may have been breaking the law. In this regard, potential defendants in a lawsuit include:
- School districts or private educational institutions
- Colleges and universities
- Employers
- Cities and Counties
- Hospitals and medical practices
- Day camps
- Day care facilities
- Religious institutions
What Do I Have to Prove to Win My Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
To win your sexual assault lawsuit, you must prove that you were the victim of abuse, and you suffered harm from it. Then, you must prove that the defendant was responsible for the abuse. When suing an individual assailant, you need to show that they committed the abuse. If there was an entity somehow associated with the abuser, and the abuse was connected to that entity, you can also hold the entity legally responsible. In that case, the entity also becomes liable for the actions of the abuser. The entity is also legally responsible itself if it failed to prevent the abuse.
Compensation in a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
You may be legally entitled to be compensated for both your physical injuries and any other ways you have suffered from the abuse, whether actual economic losses or other effects from the abuse. You may be compensated for the following in a successful sexual abuse lawsuit:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
The Statute of Limitations for Washington Sexual Abuse Cases
In Washington, sexual assault claims must be brought within three years of the date of a sexual assault or three years from the date that you discover the relationship between the harmful act and the injury.
If the sexual abuse occurred when the victim was under 18 years of age and occurred after June 6th, 2024, there is no time limitation to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for abuse that occurred before that date is three years from the time of the abuse, although the time deadline begins to run at the age of 18 if you were a minor at the time.
Even if this deadline has passed, there may still be facts that can allow you to sue. For example, in the Clark County case, we filed a lawsuit on behalf of victims who were abused decades ago because there were facts that meant that the statute of limitations started long after the incidents. In other words, you should never make an assumption that too much time has passed for you to file a lawsuit. Always speak with a Vancouver sexual assault attorney and seek their opinion about whether you can still sue.
How Schauermann Thayer Can Help
At Schauermann Thayer, we have experience in working with victims of sexual assault, recognizing the difficulties that you face when you have to address a deeply traumatic event from your past. Recently, we filed a lawsuit on behalf of victims of abuse in the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center, demonstrating our firm’s commitment to accountability for those who have abused you.
“Our sexual abuse attorneys are here to give you back your voice that may have been taken from you in the past. Our compassion and diligence in handling your case empower you to seek justice.” – Attorney Sara Schirato
Contact a Vancouver Sexual Assault Law Firm
The Vancouver sexual assault attorneys at Schauermann Thayer have experience in helping victims just like you stand up for their legal rights. Learn how we can work with you to get justice by scheduling a free initial consultation today. Call us at (360) 695-4244 or message us online to speak with Sara or Scott about your case.
