By filing a civil sexual assault lawsuit, a survivor can pursue accountability and compensation on their own terms, regardless of whether the criminal system charges or convicts the perpetrator. Coming forward can feel daunting when the harm is deeply personal, and those responsible seem powerful.
Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe represents survivors throughout St. Joseph with discretion and respect, giving each client control over how their case proceeds. We will walk you through your options at the pace you choose. Call us for a free, confidential case review to learn what a civil claim could mean for you.
Why Do Sexual Assault Survivors Choose Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe?
- Attorneys Jill Kanatzar and Lauren Dollar prosecuted sexual violence cases as former assistant prosecutors before representing survivors in civil court. They know how these cases are built and how to anticipate the tactics defendants use.
- We pursue every claim with the resources to take on defendants of every size, including large institutions and their legal teams. We are prepared to see a case through rather than accept a quick settlement.
- We handle every case with sensitivity, letting you decide how much to share and when, so pursuing justice never comes at the expense of your well-being.
How a St. Joseph Sexual Assault Attorney Protects Your Rights and Well-being
After an assault, the idea of explaining what happened to a stranger, let alone in a legal setting, can feel overwhelming. A sexual assault attorney carries the legal burden for you. They handle communication with the defense, file the paperwork, and make sure opposing counsel treats you with respect, so you never face the process alone.
An attorney also safeguards your legal rights at every step by limiting access to your personal information and shielding sensitive details from public disclosure where the law allows. They also calculate the full scope of your losses, from the cost of treatment to the lasting effects on your life.
Seeking Justice Against Perpetrators and Enablers of Sexual Violence
A civil sexual assault lawsuit is separate from any criminal case and serves a different purpose. Where a criminal prosecution seeks to punish the offender, a civil claim seeks financial compensation for the survivor and proceeds whether or not criminal charges are ever filed.
The person who committed the assault can be held directly liable. In many cases, a third party whose negligence created the opportunity for the abuse can also be held liable. This includes a school, church, employer, youth organization, or nursing home that ignored warning signs, failed to screen or supervise its staff, or covered up prior complaints.
What Compensation Is Available Through a Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
In a sexual assault lawsuit, you can recover compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm the assault has caused. Your settlement may address:
- Therapy, counseling, and medical treatment, both current and future
- Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Lost income and diminished earning ability
- The loss of enjoyment and quality of life
- Punitive damages meant to punish egregious conduct
Contact Our St. Joseph Sexual Assault Lawyers for a Free, Confidential Consultation
Speaking with a St. Joseph sexual assault attorney carries no obligation; it is a confidential conversation about your rights and the paths that may be open to you. When you feel ready, you can request a free consultation with Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe, and we will listen to your story and explain how we can help you seek justice. Call us at (816) 876-2600 or complete our online form to discuss your next steps.