SEXUAL ABUSE

The criminal justice system provides only limited rights and remedies to victims of rape and sexual abuse.  Police investigate the crime, prosecutors decide whether to press charges, and if there is a trial, the focus is on the defendant's guilt or innocence.

In a civil lawsuit, you call the shots. As a survivor of sexual abuse, you may have your own legal claim if someone could have stopped the crime from happening in the first place -- for example, a nursing home, church, school, hospital, or government agency.  Even if the perpetrator was never charged, or many years have passed since the abuse stopped, it may not be too late to seek relief in the courts.

The attorneys at Schroeter Goldmark & Bender have helped hundreds of survivors through civil actions -- resulting in millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts.  While money can't erase what happened, compensation has helped our clients get their lives back on track, receive long-term counseling, recover lost wages, and often, achieve a sense of closure.

Our success comes from our depth of experience and the compassion we bring to every case.  At SGB, you'll find attorneys who have dedicated their careers to advocating for sexual abuse victims.  Becky Roe and Kathy Goater each spent more than a decade prosecuting sex crimes as leaders of the Special Assault Unit in the King County Prosecutor's Office.  It is this type of experience and courage in the courtroom that sets us apart from other law firms.

We are fierce advocates for our clients every step of the way.

The sooner you consult with an attorney, the better.  Legal claims must be brought within a certain time period called "statutes of limitations" or the lawsuit may be forever barred.  In addition, the strength of your case will most likely depend on your memory of details and events, which often fade with the passage of time.

There is no charge for us to review your potential claim. Our approach is to investigate your claim, and help you determine the best course of action for your situation.  If we decide to take your case, we do so on a contingency basis, meaning that you don’t pay our fees unless we resolve the claim in your favor. Contact us for a free, confidential case review or call us at 1-800-809-2234.