Missouri Sexual Abuse & Assault Attorneys
Kayla’s Survivors is a national sexual abuse and assault law firm that is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded by Kayla Onder, the legal team at Kayla’s Survivors represents victims of sexual abuse, assault, and misconduct. In the last 10 years, our attorneys have helped recover over $1 billion for survivors, including claims filed in the state of Missouri.
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse in Missouri, you may be eligible to recover compensation for damages. Our legal team can help you better understand you legal options, and build a strong claim if you are eligible to pursue a civil case (even if no prior criminal conviction or actions have been taken against the abuser). When you’re ready to get started with your claim, call (800) 509-9747 or get help online from our legal team. Our St. Louis law office provides legal support to survivors throughout the state of Missouri. All communications are completely free and 100% confidential.
Together, We Can Hold Abusers Accountable…
How Our Missouri Sexual Abuse & Assault Attorneys Can Help
At Kayla’s Survivors, our Missouri sexual abuse guide survivors through the legal process in addition to healing. Our legal team also helps protect the identity of survivors throughout litigation.
How an attorney can help survivors in Missouri:
- Confidential case evaluation: Assess the facts of the abuse, explain your rights under Missouri law, and outline potential legal options at no cost.
- File a civil lawsuit: Pursue financial compensation for harms such as medical care, therapy costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Identify all liable parties: Investigate not only the abuser but also institutions that may have enabled or failed to prevent the abuse, such as schools, churches, youth organizations, employers, or care facilities.
- Gather evidence and build the case: Collect records, witness statements, expert opinions, and documentation needed to support the claim.
- Handle communication and negotiations: Deal with insurance companies, defense attorneys, and opposing parties to protect survivors from retraumatization.
- Advocate in court if needed: Represent survivors at trial and fight for accountability and maximum compensation.
Beyond legal action, an experienced attorney can also connect survivors with support resources and ensure their voice is heard throughout the process, while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Talk in Confidence. We’ll listen…
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it still possible to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in Missouri if the abuse occurred a long time ago?
Yes, in many situations. Missouri allows extended filing deadlines (known as the statute of limitations) for sexual abuse claims, particularly for abuse that occurred during childhood, and the time limit may be tied to when the survivor discovered the harm rather than when it happened. Because these rules are complex and fact specific, a Missouri attorney can determine whether your case can still be brought today.
Must there be a criminal case or conviction before I can sue for sexual abuse in Missouri?
No, civil actions are independent from the criminal justice system. You may pursue a lawsuit in Missouri regardless of whether a prosecutor has filed charges, the case resulted in an acquittal, or law enforcement has ever been involved. However, these steps can help add a documentation and evidence of the abuse to further support a civil claim.
Aside from the abuser, can other parties be legally responsible under Missouri law?
Yes, Missouri courts may hold institutions and third parties accountable if their negligence contributed to the abuse or allowed it to continue. This can include entities such as schools, religious organizations, childcare providers, employers, medical facilities, or any organization that failed to act on reports or protect those in their care.
What damages can a survivor recover through a Missouri civil sexual abuse claim?
A successful lawsuit may provide financial compensation for therapy expenses, medical treatment, lost earning capacity, psychological suffering, and other lasting effects of the abuse. The purpose of a civil case is both to hold wrongdoers accountable and to secure financial support that aids a survivor’s long term healing and stability.
Areas Served
- Kansas City
- St. Louis
- Springfield
- Columbia
- Independence
- Lee’s Summit
- O’Fallon
- St. Charles
- St. Peters
Missouri Laws For Sexual Abuse & Assault
Statute of Limitations
Missouri law sets specific time limits for filing civil sexual abuse claims, which vary depending on the survivor’s age at the time of the abuse and when the harm was discovered. For childhood sexual abuse, survivors often have until age 31 to file a lawsuit, though Missouri also allows additional time based on when the injury and its connection to the abuse were reasonably discovered. Adult survivors generally must file within 5years of the incident, subject to limited exceptions.
Age of Consent
In Missouri, the age of consent is 17 years old, meaning individuals younger than 17 are generally considered legally incapable of consenting to sexual activity with an adult. Sexual contact with a minor below this age can lead to serious criminal charges, including statutory offenses. In addition to criminal consequences, minors who were exploited may have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse, assault, or misconduct against the perpetrator and any associated organizations.
Filing A Claim
In Missouri, any person who experienced sexual abuse, assault, or sexual misconduct may be eligible to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and, in many cases, any institution whose negligence allowed the abuse to occur (such as a school, church, employer, healthcare provider, or otherwise). Survivors who were abused as minors as well as those harmed as adults can pursue criminal charges in addition to a civil claim, subject to Missouri’s statutes of limitations and other legal considerations.
Get Legal Help From Our Missouri Law Office
At Kayla’s Survivors, our St. Louis law office serves the state of Missouri, including Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia. Request a free case evaluation online from our legal team – 100% confidential.