If you or someone you love has been sexually abused in Columbia, Missouri, you may have legal options for compensation, accountability, and justice — separate from any criminal case. Chris Miller handles civil sexual abuse claims with the sensitivity and directness this type of case demands. One attorney. Your case, handled personally.
Civil sexual abuse claims can be brought against the abuser, against institutions that failed to protect you, or both. Whether the abuse happened at a school, church, employer, care facility, or elsewhere, Chris will evaluate your options in a completely confidential consultation — no obligation, no cost. (573) 499-0200
Sexual abuse civil cases require a different kind of attention than a typical injury claim. There is the legal complexity of civil versus criminal proceedings, the question of institutional liability, and the very real emotional weight of what a survivor has been through. Chris Miller handles every case personally — no associates, no paralegals taking over. When you call, you speak with Chris.
Bur Oak Injury Law serves Columbia, Boone County, and all of central Missouri. Chris brings 20 years of legal experience and the perspective of someone who has argued before the Missouri Supreme Court — a case that expanded the legal rights of Missourians statewide. He applies that same commitment to every civil claim he takes on, including cases that other firms consider difficult or low-profile.
You do not need to decide anything during the initial conversation. The consultation is confidential, free, and available on your schedule. Call (573) 499-0200 or use the form on this page to reach out.
A civil lawsuit is entirely separate from the criminal justice system. You can pursue a civil claim for compensation whether or not criminal charges were ever filed, whether or not the abuser was convicted, and whether or not prosecutors pursued the case. The standard of proof in a civil case is lower — a preponderance of the evidence, meaning more likely than not — which means civil claims can succeed even in situations where criminal prosecution was not possible.
Civil cases also reach defendants that criminal cases cannot. When an institution — a school, church, hospital, employer, or youth program — enabled or ignored abuse, a civil lawsuit can hold that organization financially accountable. Institutional defendants often have insurance and assets that make meaningful compensation available to survivors.
According to the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, sexual violence is one of the most underreported categories of serious injury in the United States, with the majority of victims never receiving any legal remedy. A civil claim is often the only path to financial accountability — and for many survivors, accountability matters as much as compensation.
Sexual abuse civil claims vary widely in their facts, defendants, and legal theories. Chris handles the full range of civil claims across Boone County and central Missouri.
Civil claims by adult survivors of childhood abuse, including abuse by family members, coaches, teachers, clergy, or caregivers. Missouri provides extended deadlines for these claims.
Claims against schools, churches, hospitals, foster care agencies, youth programs, and other organizations that failed to protect against a known or foreseeable risk of abuse.
Civil claims involving sexual assault, sexual misconduct, or harassment by supervisors or coworkers, including employer liability for failing to prevent or address the conduct.
Claims involving University of Missouri students and campus sexual assault, including Title IX advocacy and civil liability against the institution for inadequate response.
Claims against doctors, therapists, nurses, or other healthcare workers who used a position of trust and professional access to commit sexual misconduct or assault.
Sexual abuse of elderly individuals in nursing homes, care facilities, or by in-home caregivers — often involving victims who were unable to report the offense themselves.
Missouri law allows civil sexual abuse plaintiffs to seek a broad range of damages. Because the harm caused by sexual abuse often extends well beyond physical injury — affecting mental health, relationships, employment, and quality of life for years — Missouri courts recognize the full scope of a survivor's losses.
Past and future medical expenses, psychological counseling and therapy costs, lost wages and lost earning capacity, and other out-of-pocket costs caused by the abuse and its aftermath.
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and the long-term effects of trauma on relationships and daily functioning.
In cases involving particularly egregious conduct — or where an institution deliberately concealed known abuse — Missouri courts may award punitive damages designed to punish the defendant and deter future misconduct.
When sexual abuse contributes to a victim's death, Missouri's wrongful death statute (§537.080 RSMo) allows surviving family members to pursue compensation for their losses.
Chris Miller personally handles every step — from the first confidential conversation through resolution. No handoffs to associates or paralegals.
Timing matters in civil sexual abuse cases. For most adult civil claims in Missouri, the statute of limitations is five years under §516.120 RSMo. However, Missouri provides significantly extended deadlines for childhood sexual abuse. Under Missouri law, adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse may bring a civil action until age 31, or within three years of discovering the connection between the abuse and their injury — whichever is later. These discovery rule provisions exist specifically because the psychological effects of childhood abuse often are not recognized or connected to the abuse until much later in life.
Missouri's pure comparative fault system under §537.765 RSMo means a survivor can recover damages even if a court determines they share some portion of fault — though in sexual abuse cases, defendants rarely succeed with such arguments. More commonly, the legal fight centers on institutional defendants who argue they had no notice or duty. An experienced civil sexual abuse attorney knows how to build the evidentiary record that defeats those defenses.
If you are uncertain whether your claim is still within the legal deadline, the only way to know for sure is to speak with an attorney. Contact Bur Oak Injury Law at (573) 499-0200 for a free, confidential consultation. We serve survivors throughout Columbia, Boone County, and central Missouri.
No fee unless we win. One attorney handles your case from the first call through resolution. Everything you share is protected.