Criminal Case vs. Civil Recovery: Why Both Matter
If there’s a criminal investigation, that process centers on punishment and public safety. Civil claims are about you, getting compensation for injuries, trauma, and costs of rebuilding. We manage the civil side strategically while respecting the criminal process and your safety.
Quick Answers About Civil Recovery in Washington
Do I still have a case if there’s already a criminal prosecution?
Yes. Criminal charges focus on punishment. A civil claim is separate, it’s how you recover for medical care, lost income, counseling, scarring, relocation, and more.
Where can compensation come from?
From multiple sources: homeowners or renters insurance, commercial policies for overserving bars or negligent security, employer coverage if the wrongdoer was on the job, auto insurance for drunk-driver crashes, or other responsible property owners.
Is domestic violence handled differently?
Yes. We coordinate with your safety plan and pursue civil remedies that support long-term stability, covering therapy, relocation costs, lost income, and protection for children.
What’s the first step after an assault or impaired-driving crash?
Call a lawyer right away. Evidence like surveillance, toxicology, or 911 audio disappears quickly. We preserve proof and take insurer pressure off your shoulders.
Where Compensation Can Come From
You don’t have to shoulder the financial fallout alone. Our role is to find every available source of coverage: homeowners or renters insurance, commercial liability for overservice or negligent security, employer coverage when misconduct happens on the job, auto insurance policies, and other entities like landlords or property managers. We read the fine print, stack the policies, and press for recovery that reflects your real needs, not just what one insurer wants to pay.
Assaults and Negligent Security
Assaults happen in parking lots, apartments, rideshares, stairwells, and sometimes at home. We’ve helped survivors of domestic violence pursue civil remedies, emphasizing that the harm was not their fault. Businesses and property owners also have duties: lighting, locks, cameras, trained security, and responsive staffing. When those duties are ignored, negligent security claims can strengthen an assault case. We’ve litigated relentlessly for innocent victims and won six-figure results even when medical bills were low, because fear and mental pain are real damages that deserve compensation.
Drunk and Drug-Impaired Drivers
Impaired driving cases move fast. Proof can vanish: bar receipts, toxicology reports, video surveillance. We act immediately to preserve evidence, pursue the impaired driver’s policy, and examine overservice or third-party liability. If the driver flees, is uninsured, or underinsured, we turn to your UM/UIM coverage and umbrella policies to close the gap.
Domestic Violence: Safety First, Dignity Always
We understand the unique fears survivors face. We align with your safety plan and pursue remedies that restore stability, including medical care, therapy, lost wages, relocation, and protection for children. We handle insurers and defense counsel so you don’t have to. When appropriate, we coordinate restitution efforts in the criminal case while keeping your civil claim on track.
Injuries That Last: Scars Seen and Unseen
Violence and reckless crashes leave visible and invisible wounds: scars, nerve damage, PTSD, anxiety, and brain injuries. We document every impact: surgical needs, counseling, school and work disruption, sleep issues, so decision-makers grasp the full human cost.
Nicole’s Take: Why My Background Matters
Before focusing on civil recovery, I defended people accused of crimes. That perspective means I know the defense playbook: how evidence gets challenged, how cross-examination is used to intimidate, and how delay tactics work. In assault, drunk-driver, and domestic-violence cases, I understand how the criminal process intersects with your civil claim. That lets me use timing and evidence to your advantage. Most importantly, I love standing up for people unjustly hurt. Tricks don’t rattle me. I’ve seen them, countered them, and I’ll be ready to protect your rights and pursue full compensation.
Practical Steps You Can Take Now
Early action protects your options. Before you sign anything or talk to an insurer, get legal advice. We’ll move fast to preserve key evidence, connect you with care providers, and take over communications so you can focus on healing.
Your Next Step
If you were hurt in Vancouver, Clark County, or anywhere in Washington, call (360) 213-0013 for a free, confidential consultation. You’re a person with a life to rebuild. We’re here to help, with respect, clarity, and relentless advocacy.