St. Louis
Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Sexual abuse inflicts unimaginable emotional and psychological harm on survivors. It is a devastating violation that often reverberates through the lives of not only survivors but also their families and loved ones.

If you or someone close to you has been affected by sexual abuse, know that you do not have to face this alone. A St. Louis sexual abuse lawyer from TopDog Law’s legal network can help. 

While no legal action can erase the trauma you’ve endured, having a dedicated, proven attorney on your side can provide vital support in your healing and recovery and the resources you need to move forward. 

Contact TopDog today to consult a local sexual abuse lawyer who will listen to your experience with compassion and confidentiality and discuss your best legal options for obtaining the maximum compensation you deserve.

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Your Guide to Sexual Abuse in St. Louis

James Helm, Personal Injury Lawyer

What Qualifies as Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse takes many forms, all of which have severe impacts on survivors. Essentially, any unwanted behaviors with sexual overtures, physical or non-physical, fall under the umbrella of sexual abuse. Some examples include:

  • Unwanted sexual contact, such as groping or touching
  • Sexual assault or rape
  • Sex trafficking
  • Exploitation of vulnerable individuals
  • Non-consensual exposure to sexual acts
  • Online sexual harassment or exploitation

All of these experiences are traumatizing and overwhelming. Survivors often feel immense shame or guilt, even though they bear no responsibility for the abuse. It can take tremendous courage to seek the help you need. A St. Louis sexual abuse lawyer from TopDog’s network will provide a safe and comfortable environment to discuss your case and the best.

The Reality of Sexual Abuse in the U.S.

In recent years, several high-profile cases involving powerful figures like Jeffrey Epstein, Harvey Weinstein, and Diddy have exposed how systemic and widespread sexual abuse has become in the United States. 

Research from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center reveals that a staggering 81% of women and 43% of men have experienced some form of sexual harassment or sexual assault in their lifetime. One in five women has been a victim of completed or attempted rape, and one in six men has experienced some form of sexual abuse.

If you or a loved one has suffered in any way from sexual abuse, know that we are prepared to stand by your side and fight for justice.

Why Legal Action Matters

No amount of money can undo the pain and trauma of sexual abuse, but financial compensation can help cover therapy, medical costs, and lost wages. Relieving some of the financial pressure is the most effective way a civil lawsuit can make you whole again. 

While obtaining compensation for sexual abuse is crucial to your recovery, pursuing a sexual abuse claim can serve many other purposes, including:

  • Holding Perpetrators Accountable: Both civil and criminal legal action help keep abusers accountable for their actions, and it sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
  • Preventing Future Abuse: Lawsuits can expose institutional failures and demand systemic changes to protect others from suffering similar harm.
  • Empowering Survivors: Legal proceedings give survivors a voice and a path to reclaiming control of their lives, helping them along in their healing process.

TopDog can connect you with a St. Louis sexual abuse attorney with extensive experience successfully resolving sexual abuse cases – an advocate and an ally who will support you through every step of this difficult journey.

Common Locations of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can occur anywhere, but it often occurs in places where the victims feel safe, such as:

  • Schools and universities
  • Religious institutions
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Youth camps or organizations
  • Workplaces
  • Nursing homes
  • Private residences

Where the abuse occurred can also affect the avenues of compensation available to you. For example, if the abuse occurred in a school or youth program, you may have a negligence claim against the institution for failing to protect you, as well as the individual.

The Lasting Impact of Sexual Abuse

The effects of sexual abuse usually have deep and far-reaching consequences in nearly every aspect of a survivor’s life, including:

  • Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Many survivors struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges that can last for years or even a lifetime.
  • Physical Health Problems: Abuse often leads to physical injuries, chronic pain, or sexually transmitted infections.
  • Relationship Challenges: The ability to trust others and maintain healthy relationships can be deeply affected by the trauma of sexual abuse.
  • Financial Strain: Survivors often face medical bills, therapy costs, lost income, and other expenses related to their recovery.

TopDog Law’s network of local sexual abuse lawyers will ensure that all of your emotional, physical, and financial are fully and fairly accounted for and valued in your legal claim.

Personal Injury Lawyer

Your Legal Options in St. Louis

Sexual abuse survivors in Missouri have two primary paths to pursue justice: criminal cases and civil lawsuits. Both routes serve important purposes:

  • Criminal Cases: When someone accuses another of sexual abuse, they may wish to file charges. Law enforcement will investigate the case, and if there is enough evidence, the state may file charges against the abuser and arrest them. While a criminal conviction holds the abuser accountable, the focus is on punishment rather than the survivor’s recovery.
  • Civil Lawsuits: A civil lawsuit empowers survivors by allowing them to seek compensation for the harm they’ve suffered. In addition to pursuing damages for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress, a civil lawsuit can hold both the abuser and any enabling institutions responsible. Unlike criminal cases, civil suits focus on compensating the survivor, and the burden of proof is lower, making it easier to secure justice.

A person or an institution can be held accountable for damages in a civil claim regardless of whether they have been convicted of a crime.

Compensation for St. Louis Sexual Abuse Victims

At TopDog Law, we fight to ensure that survivors receive the full compensation they deserve. Potential damages may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Therapy and counseling costs
  • Lost wages or income
  • Diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

In some cases, a sexual abuse lawyer may also pursue punitive damages to further hold the abuser accountable and prevent future misconduct. Punitive damages, which are awarded on top of the compensable damages, are intended to punish the wrongdoer and discourage them from engaging in similar behavior.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse in Missouri

The statute of limitations in Missouri for civil claims imposes time limits on sexual abuse cases based on the victim’s current age and their age at the time of the sexual abuse. Because the law’s protections vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and because state lawmakers occasionally propose changing the law, be sure to consult a lawyer as soon as possible. Once the deadline for your case passes, it may not be possible to pursue compensation for our damages.

Why Choose TopDog Law for Your St. Louis Sexual Abuse Case?

Choosing the right legal team is a major part of your recovery. TopDog Law is committed to providing empathetic, personalized, and comprehensive legal representation for sexual abuse survivors in St. Louis. Our network of sexual abuse attorneys offers:

  • Compassionate Support: They will listen without judgment and offer unwavering support throughout the legal process.
  • Aggressive Legal Representation: They fight for your full and fair compensation and won’t back down until they secure every dollar you deserve. 
  • No Upfront Costs: You do not pay any lawyer fees unless your lawyer successfully recovers compensation for you, allowing you to pursue justice without worrying about the financial burden.
  • Proven Success: TopDog Law has a strong track record of helping sexual abuse survivors obtain life-changing settlements and verdicts.

Take the First Step Towards Justice

James Helm with Phone and Cash Bag

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers

St. Louis Office

4625 Lindell Blvd Suite 200 & 300C
St. Louis, MO 63108

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