Washington Sex Abuse Lawsuits

If you were the victim of sexual abuse or assault in Seattle or anywhere in Washington, either as a child or an adult, you have the right to bring a civil lawsuit.  This sex abuse lawsuit may not only name your abuser but also against any school, facility, company, or organization that enabled or failed to prevent the abuse. Our sex abuse attorneys help survivors hold institutions accountable.

In this post, we will provide a brief overview of sexual abuse lawsuits in Washington. We will look at the Washington statute of limitations for sex abuse civil cases and the potential settlement value of these cases.

Our lawyers also discuss how a new proposed law in Washington could make it much easier for child sex abuse victims to bring lawsuits. If you have a Washington sex abuse case, contact us today for a free consultation at 800-553-8082.

• Washington Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Lawsuits
• Sex Abuse Lawsuits Against Washington DCFY

Washington Sex Abuse Lawsuit Updates

October 2, 2025: LDS Church Sex Abuse Lawsuits

Two Seattle families have sued the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, accusing it of enabling sexual abuse by a high priest during the 1980s. The LDS church lawsuits allege that church leaders knew as early as 1984 that the priest had a history of child sex abuse but still permitted him to lead and interact with children at church programs and a daycare run by LDS.

Both families say their young daughters, ages 4 and 5, were tragically assaulted, and that warnings from parents were brushed aside or minimized by bishops and other leaders.

The priest was later convicted of statutory rape and indecent liberties in cases tied directly to LDS property, confirming what many parents had already suspected. The lawsuits argue that church officials had every opportunity to intervene but instead prioritized protecting the institution over protecting children. The families are seeking financial compensation and accountability, saying the church’s negligence directly allowed the abuse to continue.

September 15, 2025: Five New Lawsuits Against WA Hospitals

Two additional lawsuits were filed last month in Washington State Superior Court against Providence Health & Services and Kadlec Regional Medical Center. These new filings add to the growing number of civil claims alleging that Dr. Mark Mulholland, a longtime OB-GYN based in Richland, engaged in sexually abusive conduct during medical care — and that his employers failed to protect patients despite repeated warning signs.

The plaintiffs, all women who sought care for prenatal, postnatal, and gynecological issues, claim that Dr. Mulholland exploited their trust under the pretext of routine treatment. One woman reported that she experienced severe pain and prolonged bleeding following a pelvic exam that she now believes was conducted in a sexually abusive manner. Others describe being subjected to inappropriate comments, ungloved exams, and physical contact unrelated to any medical necessity.

According to the lawsuits, complaints were made to both the hospital system and the Washington State Department of Health, but no meaningful action was taken to remove Dr. Mulholland from clinical duties. Instead, he continued to see patients across multiple departments and facilities, including those referred through the emergency department.

What happened in these exam rooms was not an anomaly. It was the product of a system that normalized abuse because confronting it felt inconvenient.  These lawsuits echo earlier claims that Providence and Kadlec ignored or minimized patient and staff concerns, allowing a known pattern of misconduct to continue for years.

As more women come forward, the filings reveal a broader picture of systemic breakdown… one where institutional silence enabled repeated violations in settings meant to offer care, not harm.

August 4, 2025: Foster Care Settlement

Washington has agreed to pay $15 million to settle a lawsuit brought on behalf of three sisters who were placed in a foster home in Centralia, where they were allegedly sexually abused by the biological teenage children of the foster provider over the course of a decade.

The plaintiffs, ages four, five, and six at the time of placement, accused the Department of Social and Health Services of failing to conduct adequate home safety visits and neglecting to maintain meaningful contact with them. Despite red flags raised by mental health professionals, the state reportedly supported the foster family’s adoption petition.

This substantial settlement highlights systemic failures in Washington’s foster care oversight and underscores the long-term consequences of ignoring early warning signs.

August 1, 2025: Investigation Into Healing Lodge Of The Seven Nations Treatment Facility

Our attorneys are actively investigating sexual abuse allegations involving the Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations, a residential treatment center located in Spokane Valley, Washington. The facility serves Indigenous youth struggling with substance abuse and mental health challenges, often as part of court-ordered rehabilitation programs.

We are reviewing reports that former residents experienced sexual abuse, exploitation, or misconduct by staff or other residents, and that administrators may have failed to adequately supervise vulnerable youth or respond to early warning signs. If proven, these claims may support civil lawsuits against the Healing Lodge and any affiliated organizations or funding entities for negligent supervision, failure to protect, and institutional liability.

Survivors of abuse in residential treatment settings often suffer long-term emotional and psychological trauma. We are committed to helping victims hold facilities accountable and pursue justice through confidential legal action.

Anyone with information or concerns about abuse at the Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations is encouraged to contact our office for a free, confidential case evaluation.

July 21, 2025: $8 Million SSHS/DCYF Settlement

Washington state will pay $8 million to settle a lawsuit brought on behalf of a severely disabled woman who endured horrific abuse while under her family’s care. Despite more than a dozen warnings from doctors, neighbors, and even government officials, some dating back to when she was an infant, state agencies failed to intervene.

The lawsuit accused Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services and Department of Children, Youth, and Families of allowing the woman to remain in a home plagued by drug abuse, violence, and squalor, ultimately enabling years of neglect and sexual exploitation.

The $8 million settlement, approved in June 2025, includes a $4.7 million trust to support the woman’s lifelong care. Her legal team called the state’s conduct “indefensible,” pointing to the depth of its negligence and the avoidable nature of her suffering.  For the woman—now 25 and living safely in an adult care home—the settlement cannot undo the past, but it represents a long-overdue commitment to provide the safety and support she was denied for most of her life.

Defining Sexual Abuse in Washington

In Washington, sexual abuse or assault is broadly defined under both criminal and civil law, and the standards align closely with those in other states. The Washington Administrative Code defines sexual misconduct as any unwanted and deliberate sexual touching or contact involving a person’s intimate body parts, particularly when the purpose is sexual gratification. One applicable regulation is WAC § 478-121-150, which governs university conduct codes and articulates what constitutes sexual misconduct, including non-consensual sexual contact and exploitation.

Under RCW § 9A.44.100). While these statutes apply in criminal proceedings, their language and framework are frequently referenced in civil cases to help define what behavior meets the threshold of “sexual abuse” in the context of liability.

For civil cases, Washington courts have held that sexual abuse encompasses any physical sexual contact without meaningful consent, especially involving minors, who by law cannot legally consent to sexual activity. In civil matters, this legal incapacity forms the foundation of per se liability in many child sex abuse claims.

Two elements are typically required:

1. Sexual contact or touching, often defined by reference to either the criminal statutes or WAC § 478-121-150.

2. Absence of consent, which is inherent when the victim is under 18.

Civil Lawsuits for Child Sex Abuse in Washington

Under Washington state law, individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or assault have the option to initiate a civil lawsuit to pursue financial compensation. Keep in mind that abuse victims can pursue a civil lawsuit irrespective of whether they have filed criminal charges, and this legal recourse remains available even if the abuse was never reported or disclosed at the time it occurred.

To initiate a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse, victims are only required to be willing to provide sworn testimony regarding the details of the sexual abuse or assault. This testimony can be reinforced by additional evidence, such as medical records demonstrating physical injuries resulting from the assault. Moreover, testimony from other witnesses who can attest to the factual aspects of the case may also be presented.

While sexual abuse lawsuits become part of the public record, Washington’s civil procedure rules permit victims involved in such cases to safeguard their anonymity in publicly filed court documents. For instance, if a person named Jessica Smith files a sexual abuse lawsuit, she can be referred to as “J.S.” or “Jane Doe” in the legal pleadings.

Holding Third Parties Liable for Sexual Abuse

In Washington, survivors of childhood sexual abuse can bring civil lawsuits not only against the individual abuser but also against institutions that failed to protect them. Washington law recognizes a legal duty of care when an institution takes custody of a vulnerable person. This special duty arises in relationships where the institution assumes responsibility for the individual’s safety, such as schools, residential treatment centers, juvenile detention facilities, or group homes.

When an organization places a child or dependent adult in an environment where abuse is foreseeable and fails to take reasonable steps to prevent it, that organization can be held liable for negligence. This is true even when the abuse is committed by an individual acting outside the scope of employment, such as a rogue staff member. The institution’s duty does not depend on proving it knew of that specific employee’s risk; instead, the focus is on whether the system in place was adequate to prevent foreseeable harm to those in its care.

This legal theory is especially critical in child sex abuse cases. Minors cannot legally consent to sexual contact, and those entrusted with their care must ensure protective policies are not just written, but enforced. Failing to supervise staff properly, ignoring past complaints, or abandoning basic safeguards—like policies preventing adults from being alone with children—can all support a claim of institutional liability. The law is clear: when an institution takes control of a child’s safety, it also takes on the legal obligation to guard against abuse.

Washington School Sex Abuse Lawsuits

When parents send their children to school, they trust that classrooms will be safe places for learning. Too often in Washington, that trust has been broken. Teachers, coaches, and school staff have abused their authority, targeting students who were supposed to be protected. The pattern is depressingly familiar: grooming, boundary violations, and outright abuse, all while administrators either looked the other way or convinced themselves that a warning or two was enough.

These lawsuits are not just about the acts of a single teacher. They are about school districts that hired employees with questionable histories, ignored complaints, or failed to follow through when red flags were raised. Time and again, lawsuits show how misconduct could have been stopped earlier if districts had taken their responsibilities seriously. This is not simply individual failure. It is institutional negligence, and under Washington law, schools can and should be held accountable for it.

These school sex abuse lawsuits in Washington are of course about settlement compensation. Our lawyers do not run from that fact. Survivors deserve compensation for what they endured, and large settlements are a form of justice. But these cases are also more than compensation. They are about forcing institutions to reckon with their failures and making sure schools across Washington take their duty to protect children seriously. Every case that succeeds pushes the system closer to a point where excuses no longer work and safety is no longer optional.

Washington Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Lawsuits

Like many other states, Washington has recently faced a growing number of civil lawsuits regarding the sexual abuse of inmates at the state’s juvenile detention and correctional facilities. These lawsuits have highlighted widespread problems and rampant abuse within the Washington juvenile justice system, which is the responsibility of the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF).

One of the DCYF facilities named in a recent juvenile detention abuse lawsuit is the Green Hill School. The state recently paid over $2 million to a group of former juvenile inmates at the Green Hill School who alleged that staff members sexually abused them. The lawsuits accused the state of ignoring evidence of abuse.

The Echo Glen Children’s Center was also at the center of a civil lawsuit filed by a former female juvenile inmate who alleged that a security officer raped her at the facility. The officer pleaded guilty to criminal sex charges, and the state agreed to pay the victim $375,000 to settle the claim.

The juvenile detention centers and reform schools in Washington that have been or could be named in child sex abuse lawsuits include:

• Green Hill School – Chehalis, WA
• Echo Glen Children’s Center – Snoqualmie, WA
• Sunrise Community Facility – Ephrata, WA
• Touchstone Community Facility – Olympia, WA

Sex Abuse in Residential Treatment Facilities

Victims’ lawyers are turning their focus to abuse and neglect allegations in several residential treatment facilities across Washington state. These legal actions are backed by findings from federal investigations that have highlighted significant concerns about the quality of care in taxpayer-funded facilities, particularly those receiving Medicaid and child welfare funds. Such investigations have consistently revealed patterns of misconduct, including reports of physical and sexual abuse, poor supervision, and inadequate safety measures.

In Washington, the following facilities operated by Universal Health Services (UHS) and Acadia Healthcare are under scrutiny based on their histories and recent reports:

• Fairfax Behavioral Health (Universal Health Services – UHS) – Kirkland: This facility, part of the UHS network, has faced scrutiny for concerns related to patient safety protocols and treatment practices.
• Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital (Universal Health Services – UHS) – Marysville: Another UHS-owned hospital, Smokey Point has been criticized for its patient supervision and adequacy of staff training.
• Cascade Behavioral Health (formerly Acadia Healthcare) – Tukwila: Previously operated by Acadia Healthcare, the center closed in 2023 due to challenges in maintaining safety and service standards.
• Ridgefield Recovery Village (Acadia Healthcare) – Ridgefield: Specializing in substance abuse treatment, Ridgefield has received complaints about its management of vulnerable patients and the effectiveness of its programs.

These lawsuits are of course about settlement compensation for victims. But it is not only about that.  But it is not just about holding these institutions accountable for past wrongs and securing large settlements for victims. They seek to make a change in how vulnerable children are treated with taxpayer money in Washington.

Washington Statute of Limitations for Sex Abuse Civil Lawsuits

When the victim of sexual abuse is an adult, the case is subject to a general 3-year statute of limitations that begins running from the date of the last act of sexual abuse or assault. For cases involving child sexual abuse, the statute of limitations is also 3 years, but the law creates more wiggle room for when that 3-year period begins to run. For child sex abuse cases, the 3-year SOL period begins running from the later of the following three different points:

• 3 years from the child’s 18^th birthday (i.e., when the victim turns 21)
• 3 years from the date that the victim reasonably should have discovered that they were injured by acts of sexual abuse
• 3 years from the time that the victim understood or should have understood the nature of the abuse.

RCW § 4.16.340.

The Discovery Rule

A victim may be able to file a lawsuit years or even decades after the abuse occurred—but only if they can demonstrate that they did not reasonably understand the harm or its connection to the abuse until much later. This principle, known as the discovery rule, has been recognized in Washington law. In theory, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the victim “reasonably discovers” that their injuries were caused by past abuse.

But in practice, the discovery rule does not always work as victims think it will. Washington courts often take a narrow view of what it means to “reasonably discover” the connection between trauma and abuse. If a victim disclosed the abuse earlier or experienced mental health struggles tied to the trauma—even if they did not fully grasp the legal significance—they may still be deemed to have discovered the harm. That interpretation can cut off their right to sue before they ever realize they have a case.

In other words, just knowing that abuse happened—regardless of how deeply its effects were buried or misunderstood—can be enough to start the clock. For survivors, this makes the window for justice far less predictable than it appears. Legal advice should be sought as early as possible to avoid a harsh surprise from the courts.

New Law Eliminates Statute of Limitations for Child Sex Abuse Going Forward

Washington State has joined a growing list of states making it easier for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to seek justice. A newly passed law, HB 1618, has eliminated the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving childhood sexual abuse.

Under this law, there will be no time limit for survivors to bring claims based on sexual abuse that occurs on or after June 6, 2024.  This law is a significant step forward for survivors in Washington, aligning the state with others that have recognized the long-lasting impact of childhood sexual abuse and the challenges survivors face in coming forward.

What Impacts the Settlement Value of Washington Sex Abuse Lawsuits

Washington sex abuse lawsuits against third parties are evaluated for settlement based on various factors that contribute to determining an appropriate settlement amount and the likelihood of reaching an agreement among the involved parties. Some critical factors include:

• Strength of the evidence: The viability and quality of evidence supporting the victim’s claims are pivotal in gauging the potential success of the lawsuit. Solid evidence may result in a higher settlement amount, as churches and other defendants prefer to avoid significant trial verdicts.
• Severity of the abuse: The extent and nature of the abuse can impact the settlement amount. Cases involving more severe abuse may lead to larger settlements due to the heightened emotional and psychological damage experienced by the victim. The duration of the abuse is also correlated with larger settlement payouts, acknowledging that even a single incident can be profoundly traumatic.
• Damages: The victim’s incurred damages, including emotional distress, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages, significantly influence the settlement amount. Pain and suffering damages often constitute the largest portion of any settlement.
• Extent of Third Party Liability: The degree of responsibility or negligence on the part of the church, particularly in how they failed the victim, affects the settlement compensation payout. Awareness of abuse, negligence, or attempts to conceal wrongdoing can have a substantial impact on settlement payouts.
• Reputation and Financial Resources of Third Party: The financial standing and public image of the church or third-party defendant can sway the settlement amount. Established institutional defendants may be more inclined to settle for higher amounts to protect their reputation and avoid a protracted trial. Conversely, defendants lacking assets or insurance coverage pose challenges.
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Washington Sex Abuse Settlements Amounts and Jury Payouts

How do you put a price on pain and suffering in these awful cases? When it comes to sex abuse settlements in Washington, there is no formula or predetermined equation for compensation. One of the primary factors driving the settlement value is whether the defendant has “deep pockets”—or an insurance company insuring the claim—to pay for the damages.

This means cases involving large institutions like schools, churches, or governmental agencies yield higher settlement payouts simply because they have more resources. It is not just about financial capacity, though. The severity of the abuse, the age of the victim, the length of time over which it occurred, and the emotional and physical trauma experienced by the victim all play a significant role in calculating settlement payouts.

Another key element is the strength of the evidence. Strong, clear documentation of abuse—such as witness testimonies or institutional records—can significantly drive up the value of a settlement. The age of the victim at the time of the abuse is also critical, as younger victims tend to see higher compensation because the trauma can impact them over a lifetime. Washington’s legal landscape, including caps on damages or procedural rules, can further influence outcomes. And, of course, how the victim’s story is conveyed to a jury or mediator can sway a case’s worth. Stories move people. So, while there’s no mathematical equation for valuing these cases, the factors above create a framework for achieving justice through compensation.