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. 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.
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.
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. 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. 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
Punitive damages may be 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.
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.
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.