St. Charles Sexual Abuse Lawyer

If you’ve experienced sexual abuse, you know that it affects every part of your life and can leave you feeling hopeless. Our St. Charles, MO, sexual abuse lawyers can help you put your life back on track and recover compensation for your losses.

At Morelli Law Firm, we’ve recovered more than $1 billion in settlements. Our St. Charles, MO, personal injury lawyers can help you build a strong sexual abuse case.

What Actions Count as Sexual Abuse?

It encompasses a range of harmful actions that infringe upon a person’s autonomy, consent, and bodily integrity. Understanding what actions constitute sexual abuse is essential for recognizing and addressing these acts of misconduct:

• Non-consensual sexual contact, including rape, sexual assault, and forced sexual acts.
• Sexual exploitation, such as child sexual exploitation, sexual trafficking, and prostitution.
• Sexual harassment, both in the workplace and educational institutions.
• Child sexual abuse encompasses child molestation, child pornography, and grooming.

What Effects of Sexual Abuse Can You Recover Compensation for?

When pursuing a legal claim for sexual abuse, it is essential to understand the potential effects of the abuse that may qualify for compensation. While the specific damages and compensation available may vary depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances of your case, here are some common effects of sexual abuse for which you may be eligible to recover compensation:

Emotional and Psychological Distress

Sexual abuse often causes severe emotional and psychological distress, which can have long-lasting effects on the survivor’s mental well-being. Compensation may be available for damages such as:

• Pain and suffering: This includes the emotional pain, anguish, and mental suffering experienced as a direct result of the abuse.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Survivors of sexual abuse commonly develop PTSD, which can result in debilitating symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and difficulty functioning in daily life.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If the abuse has significantly impacted your ability to enjoy life’s activities and relationships or pursue personal goals, you may be eligible for compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life.

Loss of Earnings and Career Opportunities

In cases where the sexual abuse has directly affected your ability to work or pursue career opportunities, you can also recover damages. Our St. Charles, MO, sexual abuse lawyers can help you recover:

• Loss of income: If you have experienced a loss of wages or earning capacity due to the abuse, you may be entitled to compensation for past and future income you would have earned had the abuse not occurred.
• Career impairment: Sexual abuse can hinder your professional growth and limit your career prospects. Compensation may be available for the impact on your career trajectory, promotions, or opportunities for advancement.

Medical and Therapeutic Expenses

The recovery process from sexual abuse often involves therapeutic interventions and counseling to address the emotional and psychological effects of trauma. You can recover compensation for:

• Therapy and counseling: This includes the costs of individual therapy, group therapy, specialized trauma therapy, and other forms of mental health treatment necessary for your healing and recovery.
• Medications: If you require prescribed medications to manage the symptoms arising from the abuse, compensation may be sought to cover these costs.
• Alternative treatments: Compensation may be available for alternative treatments or complementary therapies, such as art therapy or equine-assisted therapy, that have proven beneficial to your recovery.

How Long do You Have to File a Sexual Abuse Claim?

In the state of Missouri, the timeframe within which you can file a sexual abuse claim depends on when the abuse occurred and the age at which the abuse took place. If the sexual abuse occurred when you were a child, Missouri law allows you to file a claim until 10 years after you turn 18. This means that once you reach the age of 18, you have a period of 10 years to bring legal action for the abuse you experienced during your childhood.

However, if the sexual abuse took place when you were 18 years old or older, the statute of limitations is shorter. In such cases, you have five years from the date of the abuse to file a claim.

Why do You Need a St. Charles, MO, Sexual Abuse Attorney?

As dedicated sexual abuse attorneys in St. Charles, MO, we understand the immense impact that sexual abuse can have on survivors like you. We are here to provide comprehensive legal support and ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Let us explain how our team at Morelli Law Firm can assist you in your journey:

Increasing Compensation

Our primary goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible for the harm you have endured. We assess the extent of your damages, considering not only your physical injuries and emotional trauma but also the long-term effects on your life, such as medical expenses, therapy costs, and loss of income or earning potential. 

With our negotiation skills and extensive experience, we will tirelessly advocate for your rights and fight for fair compensation that reflects the true value of your suffering.

Proving Liability

Establishing liability is an important aspect of any sexual abuse case. We will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work closely with expert professionals, including medical experts and forensic specialists. 

By presenting compelling evidence and expert testimony, we build a strong case that clearly establishes the perpetrator’s or any other responsible party’s liability. Our dedication to proving liability strengthens your position and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Advocating For You

As your legal team, we are committed to being your unwavering advocates throughout the entire legal process. We understand the emotional challenges you face, and we are here to provide you with the support, guidance, and compassionate representation you need. 

We handle all communication with insurance companies, defense attorneys, and other involved parties, shielding you from unnecessary stress. Our experience allows us to take on any obstacles that may arise, ensuring that your case progresses smoothly and that your voice is heard.

Contact Our St. Charles, MO, Sexual Abuse Attorneys Today

At Morelli Law Firm, we’re ready to help you hold your abuser accountable and recover compensation. Our St. Charles, MO, sexual abuse lawyers can help you gather evidence, file your claim, and get you the settlement you need.

Contact us to get a free consultation today.