Religious environments are designed to foster a community and to share in mutual beliefs. When you enter into one of these spaces, you want to know that you are safe and able to express yourself. There are, unfortunately, individuals who would use the implied safety of these spaces to their advantage. These parties may approach you or a loved one and abuse their power in the community.
Washington state defines sexual assault in RCW 9A.44.010. This statute notes that sexual assault, or the forced sexual interactions between multiple parties, be that force via threat or physical force, can result in legal action. It is this statute that can help you take legal action against parties who have caused you or your loved one harm.
The team with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm knows how life-changing these kinds of situations can be. A Washington clergy sexual abuse lawyer can help you recover compensation for your losses. Together, you and your attorney can work to build a strong case against your abuser and determine what compensation you may be entitled to.
If you feel ready to reach out and discuss your case, you can connect with a representative from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 219-9622.
Working with a Washington Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer
In a religious institution, you are taught to trust and respect those that have positions, like clergy members. However, their position does not entitle them to abuse their power, and if they used their position to harm you, you deserve justice.
The team with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you navigate the legal process. If you wish to seek legal action against the party that harmed you or a loved one, a clergy sexual abuse lawyer from our law firm can help you understand your rights and what actions to take against said parties.
For example, you do not have to go to court to fight for compensation after a case of sexual abuse. Instead, you can request that a clergy sexual abuse attorney reach out and communicate with the liable party on your behalf with an estimate of the compensation you may be owed. That attorney can then negotiate on your behalf for a settlement.
The liable party may also choose to reach out to you or your legal representative with a proposed settlement before you can act. In these cases, you can assess that potential settlement and determine whether or not it covers all of your needs. Again, if it seems insufficient, an attorney can continue to negotiate on your behalf.
However, there are some cases where an abuser may not acknowledge that they have done something wrong or that you may be entitled to compensation. In these cases, one-on-one negotiations, as helmed by an attorney, can be substituted for a court hearing. A clergy sexual abuse lawyer can help you file a lawsuit with your local court that details your case.
Aspects of a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Complaints are comprehensive documents designed to make the details of a person’s case clear to a local justice. Your complaint after a clergy sexual abuse case can include:
- The identity of the clergy member who is liable for your losses
- Evidence establishing that they sexually abused you
- An estimate of the compensation you need to cover your losses
- A list of all your losses associated with the sexual abuse
Your attorney can investigate the church and the clergy member to find evidence that indicates they sexually abused you. While you should present any evidence you have available to you, an investigation can be retraumatizing, and you have the option of leaving this step to your attorney.
Your avenues for compensation when faced with a sexual abuse case in Washington state include but are not limited to:
- The medical expenses needed to recover from the incident, both future and present
- The cost of medical aids, physical therapy, and psychological counseling
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
Do note that many of these avenues constitute “non-economic” damages. This means that you can discuss their potential value with your attending attorney.
For a free legal consultation with a Washington Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Lawyer serving nationwide, call (800) 219-9622
Reduce Your Financial Stress
You might think that you cannot afford to hire an attorney to take legal action for you following sexual abuse by a clergy member. This is not the case. Law firms like Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, for example, operate on contingency. Contingency-based services allow you to benefit from legal advice and representation without fearing immediate bills. Instead, you will only receive a bill for the services you benefit from if you receive compensation for your losses in court.
When you have this method of payment available to you, your finances can remain intact while simultaneously getting the help you want with your Washington clergy sexual abuse claim.
Washington Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Lawyer Near Me (800) 219-9622
A Washington Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Work with You
Sexual assault on its own is enough to upend what you understood to be a normal life. When the person who enacted that assault against you or a loved one claims to be a member of the clergy, your faith can suffer just as much of a blow.
The team with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm knows how important your recovery is after these incidents. We can help you recover as best as possible financially. You can fight for compensation for your losses alongside a clergy sexual abuse lawyer. This attorney can stand between you and the liable party throughout your case’s proceedings, managing all communications on your behalf.
If you feel ready to take legal action against a party that caused you harm, you can reach the team with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 219-9622.
Call or text (800) 219-9622 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
