Sexual Abuse Lawyer

It is very important to understand that the statutes of limitations vary between states and for different claims. For a criminal case, both Missouri and Kansas do not have a statute of limitations for rape or other sexual offenses where the victim is under the age of 18. Other sexual offenses may have statutes of limitations as little as one year.

Civil claims against the attacker have a statute of limitations of as little as two years in Missouri and one year in Kansas. However, there are longer statutes of limitations if the abuse happened when you were under the age of 18 or if some other person or company was responsible for supervising your attacker or protecting you from harm.

If you are unsure whether your claim is past the statute of limitations, do not hesitate to call Meyerkord, Russell & Hergott immediately for a free consultation.

Our rape victim lawyers draw on 40+ years of combined experience to help you through the legal process and your healing process. We understand the significance of what you’ve been through.

MRH Injury Law is a trial-focused Kansas City personal injury firm that uncovers what others miss, prepares every case for trial, and supports clients through every step of the process. We dig deeper because we care what happens to you, and we fight harder to protect your outcome at every step.

We are aggressive litigators in court yet patient and caring with our clients. We prosecute crime victim cases every day and have a proven process for finding and recovering the maximum compensation for our clients. Even if the person who hurt you has no money to pay, there is likely another party at fault – the owner of the facility or property for example. We will find them, and we will hold them accountable.

We will do whatever it takes to get your power back.

We are known for exposing systemic issues – such as hiring unqualified staff, possibly even some with red flags in their background checks. Our investigative and compassionate approach sets us apart from other personal injury law firms who take the easy, surface-level money from as many cases as possible.

Read 7 reasons to hire MRH Injury Law

Our financial interests are aligned with yours. We don’t get paid unless you do.

Beyond that, we are not a high-volume personal injury law firm. We don’t churn and burn clients. We take only the cases we believe in, and we dig deeper and fight harder to maximize the compensation we recover for each.

We frequently take cases rejected by other law firms and settle them for millions of dollars.

First priority is always to ensure safety. Move to a safe environment, then: 

1. Seek medical attention – Go to a hospital or healthcare provider for medical care. It’s essential for physical health and may help preserve evidence if you choose to report the assault. Ask a trusted friend or family member to go with you.
2. Preserve evidence – If possible, avoid bathing, changing clothes, or brushing teeth before seeking medical care. This may be very hard, but it is critical to preserve any clothing worn during the assault and avoid cleaning the surroundings.
3. Report to law enforcement – Consider reporting the assault to the police. You can go to the police station or call emergency services for assistance
4. Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, and professionals:
   • Hotlines and helplines provide immediate help 24/7:
     • National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE) offers confidential support and referrals
     • Kansas Crisis hotline (888-END-ABUSE)
   • Rape crisis centers provide counseling, support groups, crisis intervention, and advocacy:
     • Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
     • Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence
5. Consider counseling – Counseling or therapy can help you cope with the emotional aftermath and aid in healing
6. Know your rights – You have the right to medical care, support services, and legal recourse
7. Document details – Write down as many details as you can remember about the assault, including the perpetrator’s description and any other relevant information
8. Get follow-up care – Consider joining support groups or engaging in self-care activities to aid recovery. See next question: What resources are available to help victims of rape and sexual assault?
9. Contact our rape victim lawyers as soon as possible – We will advocate for you and your healing. We will dig deeper and fight harder, developing a proactive strategy while evidence is still accessible

• Hotlines and helplines provide immediate help 24/7:
• • National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE) offers confidential support and referrals
  • Kansas Crisis hotline (888-END-ABUSE)
  • Rape crisis centers provide counseling, support groups, crisis intervention, and advocacy:
    • Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
    • Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence
• Medical care – Hospitals, SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) programs, and healthcare providers offer medical care, forensic exams, and treatment for physical injuries and STIs
• Counseling and therapy – Mental health professionals and therapy centers offer counseling for trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other emotional effects of sexual assault
• Legal assistance – Legal aid organizations, victim advocates, and attorneys specializing in sexual assault cases provide legal guidance, advocacy, and representation
• Support groups – Local support groups provide a safe space for survivors to share experiences, connect with others, and receive peer support
• Shelters and safe housing – Domestic violence shelters offer safe housing, emergency shelter, and support services for survivors in immediate danger
• Social services – Social service agencies provide assistance with housing, financial support, transportation, childcare, and other practical needs

Victims of sexual abuse may be eligible for compensation for various types of harm they have experienced. Sadly, sexual abuse can take many forms. Our sexual assault crime lawyers litigate the following and more:

• Sexual abuse of minors – including molestation, exploitation, and assault
• Adult sexual assault – rape, sexual assault, or sexual violence committed against adults
• Sexual harassment – Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature in the workplace or other settings
• Sexual abuse by authority figures – people in positions of authority or trust, such as clergy members, teachers, coaches, or healthcare professionals
• Sexual abuse in institutions – such as schools, churches, residential facilities, or detention centers
• Sexual abuse in intimate partner relationships – including coercion, manipulation, or violence
• Sexual abuse in the military – assault or harassment experienced by military personnel, including within the chain of command
• Sexual abuse against vulnerable individuals in care facilities – such as nursing homes or rehabilitation centers

Each case is unique, but our rape victim lawyers are committed to digging deeper to uncover your maximum compensation while also helping restore your power and peace of mind. We will thoroughly explore compensation for:

• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress – physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Severity and long-term impact of the injury, regardless of medical expenses
• Medical expense reimbursement – including hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment
• Disability and impairment
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Wrongful death damages – in the tragic event of a fatality, surviving family members may be eligible for compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional distress
• Punitive damages – if the incident was particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded
• Legal fees – including attorney fees and court expenses

How much you get will depend on these 5 things:

1. How great are your losses?
2. How egregious is the liability?
3. Can the wrong-doer pay?
4. Where will you have to file suit?
5. Are you likeable?

Read more about the top 5 things that affect case value

MRH Injury Law frequently takes cases rejected by other personal injury and Kansas City sexual assault law firms and settles them for millions of dollars.

Our lawyers take the cases we believe in – whether or not they appear lucrative on the surface. We are willing to investigate deeper and find sources of money that other law firms wouldn’t bother with. We dig deeper because we care, and we fight harder because it matters.

To determine if you have a case, take our “Do I have a case?” quiz or contact us for a free initial consultation now.