If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, you deserve to be heard, believed and treated with respect. You also deserve to make decisions at your own pace. Reaching out to a lawyer does not commit you to anything, and what you share with us is kept confidential.
Under Minnesota law, a civil claim for sexual abuse that happened when the survivor was under 18 may be brought at any time, with some exceptions (Minn. Stat. § 541.073, subd. 2(a)). Our Minneapolis-area office handles these cases, and we work on a contingency fee, which means you pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you.
Your Privacy and Your Pace
The CDC notes that many children wait to report child sexual abuse or never report it. When you contact us:
- Your consultation is free and confidential
- We guide you through each step of the legal process
A civil claim seeks money damages, which can help pay for counseling and medical care. You stay in control of whether to move forward.
Minnesota Deadlines for Sexual Abuse Claims
Minnesota’s filing deadlines for civil sexual abuse claims are in a law cited as the Child Victims Act (Minn. Stat. § 541.073, subd. 5). The deadline depends on how old you were, who is responsible and the type of claim. Because these rules have exceptions, it helps to talk with a lawyer early, even if you are not sure you want to file.
Abuse that happened in childhood
A claim for sexual abuse of someone under 18 may be brought at any time, except for the claims described next (Minn. Stat. § 541.073, subd. 2(a)). A claim against a person who was under 14 at the time of the abuse must be brought before the survivor turns 24 (Minn. Stat. § 541.073, subd. 2(a)).
Abuse that happened in adulthood
A claim for sexual abuse of an adult must be brought within 6 years of the abuse (Minn. Stat. § 541.073, subd. 2(a)).
Claims against organizations
These deadlines also cover claims against a person or organization whose negligence caused the harm, such as a school, church, youth program or employer that failed to act (Minn. Stat. § 541.073, subd. 3). The law defines “person” to include a corporation, organization, association or other entity (Minn. Stat. § 541.073, subd. 1).
A claim that holds an employer responsible for an employee’s abuse because of their relationship, called vicarious liability, must be brought within 6 years of the abuse, or before the survivor turns 24 if the survivor was under 18 at the time (Minn. Stat. § 541.073, subd. 4).
Other rules that may help
If the abuse happened repeatedly, you do not have to prove which single act in the series caused the injury (Minn. Stat. § 541.073, subd. 2(b)). Minnesota’s rule that pauses deadlines during certain periods of disability still applies to these claims (Minn. Stat. § 541.073, subd. 2(c); Minn. Stat. § 541.15).
When a city or county is involved, Minnesota generally requires written notice to that city or county within 180 days after the injury is discovered (Minn. Stat. § 466.05, subd. 1). Notice rules like this one are a reason to get advice promptly.
Where Sexual Abuse Claims Arise
According to the CDC, about 90% of child sexual abuse is committed by someone the child or the child’s family knows and trusts. Claims can arise from abuse in:
- Schools, daycares and youth programs
- Sports teams, camps and coaching
- Religious organizations
- Medical, therapy and counseling settings
- Workplaces
- Nursing homes and other care facilities
Our Minneapolis nursing home abuse lawyers also handle abuse of older or vulnerable adults in care facilities.
When an organization may share responsibility
Minnesota’s deadlines apply to claims against a person or organization whose negligence was a cause of the harm (Minn. Stat. § 541.073, subd. 3). Records, policies and past complaints can help show what the organization knew.
If Your Child Was Abused
Learning that your child was abused is overwhelming. A few steps can help protect your child and preserve their account:
- Stay calm, listen and let your child know that telling you was the right thing to do
- Avoid asking the same questions again and again
- Write down what your child said, in their words, along with the date
- Arrange medical care with a doctor who knows the situation
- Ask about counseling with a professional who works with children
- Keep your child away from the person involved
You can talk with us now to understand what the process could look like and how to protect your child’s privacy along the way.
Compensation in a Civil Sexual Abuse Claim
A civil claim seeks payment for the harm you experienced. The losses we document often include:
- Counseling and therapy, now and in the future
- Medical care
- Lost income or interrupted education
- Emotional distress, anxiety and sleep problems
- Effects on relationships and daily life
A person who commits an intentional tort can be held responsible for the whole award, even when others share responsibility (Minn. Stat. § 604.02, subd. 1). Minnesota allows punitive damages only on clear and convincing evidence that the defendant showed deliberate disregard for the rights or safety of others (Minn. Stat. § 549.20, subd. 1(a)). No one can promise a particular result, but we can explain what may be available in your situation.
Steps You Can Take When You Are Ready
- Focus first on your safety and well-being
- Reach out to a doctor, counselor or someone you trust
- When you feel able, write down what you remember, such as dates, places and people you told
- Keep messages, emails, photos or other records that relate to what happened
- Call 844-SEE-MIKE for a free, confidential consultation when you are ready
How 844-SEE-MIKE Helps Sexual Abuse Survivors in Minneapolis
When you call 844-SEE-MIKE, you talk with our team about what happened, and there is no cost to find out where you stand. If we take your case, we negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and gather the records and evidence for your claim.
- Free consultation, available 24/7
- No fee unless we recover money for you
You decide the goals of your case and whether to settle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will what I share with you stay confidential?
Yes. What you tell us in a consultation is kept confidential. If you decide to move forward, the rules lawyers follow generally bar us from revealing information about your case without your informed consent, with limited exceptions.
Do I need to have reported to the police before talking with you?
No. You can talk with us whether or not you have gone to the police. We can explain how a civil claim and a criminal case relate and help you decide what feels right for you.
Can I talk with a lawyer without deciding to file a claim?
Yes. A consultation does not commit you to anything.
What does it cost to talk with 844-SEE-MIKE?
Nothing. The consultation is free, and if we take your case, you pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you.
If you or someone you love was hurt in Minneapolis, contact 844-SEE-MIKE anytime for a free, no-pressure consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
You can also learn more about our Minneapolis personal injury lawyers and the other cases our office handles.
This information is general and is not legal advice. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a future outcome.
