Filing a sexual abuse lawsuit is about more than just collecting compensation. As a sexual abuse survivor, initiating a case provides an opportunity to stand up to the abuser, hold an institution accountable, and obtain closure so you may finally move forward. In a successful case, you may recover necessary damages relating to the economic and non-economic damages you have suffered.
Seeking compensatory damages in a sexual abuse lawsuit differs from initiating a criminal trial. In a civil suit, the sexual abuse lawsuit lawyers at Goza & Honnold can help you prove how an abuser has negatively impacted your life to recover monetary compensation for the suffering they have caused. Civil lawsuits require a lower standard of proof compared to criminal trials, making it possible for victims to succeed even if a criminal case ends in a not-guilty verdict. We have decades of experience and are well-versed in complex legal matters relating to sexual abuse claims. Getting a judge or jury to understand your losses is the heart of what we do.
Understanding Sexual Abuse in Missouri
Sexual abuse is a grave violation that can leave lasting scars on survivors. In Missouri, understanding what constitutes sexual abuse is crucial for both prevention and justice. Sexual abuse encompasses any non-consensual sexual act, including rape, molestation, groping, and other forms of unwanted sexual contact. It is important to recognize that sexual abuse is never the victim’s fault and can have severe physical and emotional consequences.
Definition and Types of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse can manifest in various forms, each carrying its own set of traumas and challenges. In Missouri, sexual abuse includes child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. Child sexual abuse involves any sexual act between an adult and a minor, while sexual harassment can occur in workplaces, schools, or other settings, involving unwelcome sexual advances or behavior. Sexual assault, on the other hand, refers to any non-consensual sexual act, ranging from groping to rape. Understanding these distinctions is vital for recognizing and addressing the different ways in which sexual abuse can occur.
Missouri Laws and Statute of Limitations
Missouri has enacted specific laws to protect victims of sexual abuse and provide avenues for justice. The statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse in Missouri is generally 10 years from the date of the incident or 3 years from the date the victim discovers the abuse. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and the timeline can vary based on individual circumstances. Consulting with a Missouri personal injury lawyer is essential to navigate these legal intricacies and determine the best course of action. A knowledgeable attorney can help ensure that your case is filed within the appropriate timeframe and that your rights are fully protected.
3 Types of Potential Damages in a Missouri Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, you may hold the abuser accountable for the harm they caused by seeking damages in a sexual abuse lawsuit. Compensatory damages serve to recover the losses related to the case, and punitive damages may be awarded to punish the liable party. Personal injury lawsuits often involve understanding local laws and the complexities of filing these lawsuits.
Types of compensatory and punitive damages you may be eligible for include the following:
1. Economic Damages
Seeking justice for sexual abuse may be very intimidating not only because of its personal nature but also because of the complex legal process. Federal and state laws provide legal protections against retaliation for reporting sexual harassment and define child sexual abuse, ensuring a framework for understanding and prosecuting these cases. With the help of a sexual abuse lawsuit lawyer, you may recover the following economic damages:
- Medical expenses, such as emergency care, sexual assault forensic exam, and medication management
- Mental health and psychological care, such as trauma therapy and counseling
- Costs associated with relocation
- Lost wages from time off work
- Property damages
- Attorney fees
The sexual abuse lawyers at Goza & Honnold may evaluate the details of your case to calculate the tangible damages you may recover. We analyze medical bills, receipts, pay stubs, and other economic damages related to the abuse so we can fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
2. Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are the intangible losses you have suffered due to abuse. Understanding what constitutes sexual harassment is crucial, as it helps in recognizing the legal definitions and implications of such acts, empowering victims to navigate their legal options effectively. Because of the traumatic nature of this type of tort or wrongdoing, awards may vary depending on the unique case. Many survivors suffer lasting effects from targeted sex crimes, including daily emotional struggles with anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
In a successful sexual abuse case, you may recover the following non-economic damages:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Psychological trauma
- PTSD
- Humiliation
- Anxiety, stress, or fear
- Depression
- Decrease in quality or enjoyment of life
While recovering compensation cannot make up for the trauma you have suffered as a sexual abuse survivor, obtaining justice for abuse can hold the liable party accountable for all the losses you sustained, including intangible harm.
3. Punitive Damages in a Missouri Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Sexual acts that are non-consensual may lead to punitive damages awarded at the judge’s discretion if there is evidence of the abuser intentionally causing harm without just cause or acting with an intentional and flagrant disregard for the safety of others. Punitive damages aim to punish the abuser for wrongful or malicious acts. Due to the nature of abuse crimes, punitive damages are more commonly awarded than other types of personal injury claims.
Proving a Sexual Abuse Case
Proving a sexual abuse case in court requires a thorough and strategic approach. The burden of proof lies with the survivor, who must demonstrate that the abuse occurred and that it caused significant harm. This often involves presenting physical evidence, such as medical records or forensic reports, which can corroborate the survivor’s account of the abuse. Additionally, witness testimonies from individuals who can attest to the abuse or its aftermath can be invaluable.
Expert opinions, particularly from mental health professionals, can also play a crucial role in establishing the emotional and psychological impact of the abuse. These experts can provide detailed assessments of the survivor’s mental state and the long-term effects of the trauma. Building a strong case often requires a combination of these elements, meticulously gathered and presented by a skilled legal team.
Navigating the legal proceedings of a sexual harassment claim or sexual abuse lawsuit can be daunting, but with the right support and resources, survivors can seek the justice and financial compensation they deserve.
Speak With the Missouri Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Lawyers at Goza & Honnold
If you have suffered sexual abuse in Missouri, the lawyers at Goza & Honnold have the experience and tenacity to fight back against your abuser for the complete compensation you deserve. As highly qualified trial lawyers, we can accurately assess the damages you may be eligible to recover and help you navigate your best legal options. A sexual harassment lawsuit can be a crucial step in seeking justice and holding perpetrators accountable.
To schedule a no-cost consultation with one of our sexual abuse lawsuit attorneys, fill out a contact form or call our office at (913) 451-3433.
Goza & Honnold, a trusted personal injury law firm serving Missouri and Kansas, is known for our dedication to client advocacy and trial excellence. With a strong focus on auto accidents, medical negligence, and product liability cases, our experienced attorneys work diligently to secure fair outcomes while being fully prepared to take cases to trial when necessary. We work closely with our clients to build strong cases that reflect their unique experiences.