Missoula Sexual Abuse Claims Lawyer

Sexual assault crimes are horrible crimes that can leave victims traumatized and feeling powerless. The victims are frequently left with long-term emotional and physical effects as a result of these incidents. Victims of sexual abuse have options outside of the criminal justice system; they can file civil actions against their abuser for further restitution.

Heenan & Cook’s Missoula sexual abuse claims lawyers can assist victims in obtaining the compensation and justice they deserve. We are undeniably committed to assisting sexual assault victims in obtaining justice in every conceivable way. Our attorneys will fight for your rights while treating your case with sympathy and sensitivity. We recognize that any sexual abuse allegation requires confidentiality and discretion. If you have suffered sexual abuse, our Missoula sexual abuse claims attorneys can help recover damages for the pain, suffering and emotional damages that have occurred. Contact our firm for a free consultation with our experienced lawyers.

Missoula Sexual Abuse Legal Resources

Why Hire Heenan & Cook, PLLC for Your Sexual Abuse Claim

Heenan & Cook’s lawyers are a collection of committed and experienced personal injury and litigation attorneys that give dependable representation to every client. We have a long track record of success in personal injury cases, earning recognition as Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America.

We provide trial and settlement representation; we will always do what is best for the client and what the client desires. Our litigators, John Heenan and Joe Cook, will go to great lengths to ensure that our clients obtain the help and compensation they are entitled to.

While you focus on rehabilitation, our main mission is to obtain you the justice and payment you deserve.

Why Do You Need a Sexual Abuse Claims Attorney?

The victim of sexual abuse may be under a lot of stress and suffering. Having an experienced and compassionate sexual abuse claims attorney on your side will help to simplify the situation and reduce the victim’s worry. The major purpose of an attorney is to handle all parts and obstacles of a case while keeping our clients informed.

While the criminal justice system punishes those who commit sexual assault, some victims prefer to hold their abuser personally accountable for their actions. Having an experienced sexual assault lawyer on your side can make the process go more smoothly. Victims may also want anyone who helped enable the assault or turned a blind eye to be held accountable. A skilled attorney will properly investigate the abuse case, and find all responsible parties.

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What are Common Types of Sexual Abuse?

Sexual assault is a Montana legislation that makes it illegal for someone to have sexual contact with another person without their consent. Consent is also ineffectual if the victim is under the age of 14 and the criminal is three or more years older than the victim, according to Montana law.

Unwanted touching, harassing behavior, indecent exposure, and any other sexual behaviors conducted without consent or with those who are unable to give consent are all examples of sexual abuse. Unwanted sexual contact or even violent sexual contact can range from invasive strip searches by law enforcement to frequent sexually explicit jokes at work despite requests to cease.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in Sexual Abuse Case in Montana?

Survivors of sexual abuse may be able to recover various types of compensation if their claims are successful. While no two cases are exactly alike, you can count on our attorneys to help recover both economic and non-economic compensation.

Economic compensation refers to the types of losses that are relatively calculable after a sexual abuse incident. This can include compensation for any emergency medical expenses or ongoing medical bills for treatment of mental health. This can also include lost wages if a person cannot work as a result of what has happened to them, whether due to having physical injuries or extensive psychological and emotional trauma that prevents them from day-to-day functioning.

Non-economic losses are harder to quantify, as these revolve around the effects of the emotional and psychological trauma on the person. This can include feelings of depression, fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, there are ways to properly place a dollar amount on these damages, and a skilled Missoula sexual abuse attorney can help you through this process.

Additionally, there are times when punitive damages may be awarded for a sexual abuse claim in Montana. This is particularly true if there are individuals or institutions who knew about the sexual abuse that occurred but failed to report it. Punitive damages are designed to punish those involved as well as deter others from conducting themselves in the same way in the future.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Sexual Abuse Claims in Missoula, MT?

First and foremost, it is absolutely crucial to hold the alleged sexual abuser responsible for their actions. These individuals often have more than one victim, and it is crucial to ensure that they are held responsible and cannot cause harm to anyone else again.

In addition to holding individuals responsible for sexual abuse, there are other common negligent parties that arise in these cases. This can include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Religious institutions
  • After school childcare programs
  • Schools
  • Doctors and medical institutions
  • Athletic coaches
  • Property owners and negligent security companies
  • Employers and supervisors
  • Youth organizations (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA, etc.)

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What Is The Statute of Limitations For Sexual Abuse Claims in Montana?

The statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims in Montana has changed recently.

First, you need to know that survivors have three years from the date they discover they have been sexually abused, or three years from when they reasonably should have discovered they were abused, to file a lawsuit against the perpetrator.

In May of 2019, a bill was signed into law that adjusted the age with which survivors of child sexual abuse have to file a claim. HB 640 extended the age from 21 to 27 years old.

We know that the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims can be confusing. We strongly encourage you to reach out to a Missoula sexual abuse lawyer who can walk you through every aspect of these claims. Your lawyer will be responsible for examining the facts of your case, advising you on the best path moving forward, and filing the claim within the allowable timeframes. After your attorney takes over the case, you will have an advocate by your side who has extensive experience handling these types of claims.

Contact an Experienced Missoula Sexual Abuse Claims Attorney

Our attorneys work closely with each of our clients to ensure that they are properly represented and receive dependable service. We are here to help you gain a better grasp of the legal issues that arise in sexual abuse cases, as well as how to address such issues in a cost-effective manner.

At Heenan & Cook, PLLC, our Missoula personal injury attorneys work closely with each of our clients to ensure that they obtain the justice and restitution they deserve. If you or someone you care about has been the victim of sexual abuse, you should speak with an attorney as soon as you feel comfortable.

Arrange a free consultation with our team by completing our online contact form or calling us at (406) 272-3083.