Civil action for damages authorized, sexual and pornographic offenses involving a minor
If someone was a child when they were a victim of certain sex crimes involving minors, and they were hurt physically or mentally because of it, they can sue the person who harmed them in civil court to get money for their damages. They can also get money for lawyer fees and expert witness costs. A mental injury counts even without a physical one. The lawsuit has to be filed within 10 years after the victim turns 21, or within 3 years of when the victim figures out the injury was caused by the crime — whichever comes later. This only applies to crimes that happened on or after August 28, 2007.
537.047. , sexual and pornographic s involving a — . — 1. Any person who, while a child or minor as defined by section 573.010, was a victim of a violation of sections 573.023, 573.025, 573.035, or 573.037, and who physical or psychological injury or illness as a result of such violation, shall be entitled to bring a to recover the as a result of the violation, and shall also be entitled to recover the of the civil action and reasonable fees for attorneys and expert witnesses. A psychological injury or illness as described under this section need not be accompanied by or illness.
2. Any described under this section shall be within ten years of the attaining the age of twenty-one, or within three years of the date the plaintiff discovers that the injury or illness was caused by the violation of an offense enumerated in 1 of this section, whichever later occurs.
3. A under this section may arise only if the violation that caused the injury occurs on or after August 28, 2007.
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Source & history notes
(L. 2007 H.B. 583)
Related Missouri laws
Childhood sexual abuse, injury or illness defined
RSMo 537.046
Parent or guardian liable for damages by minor, when, limitation
RSMo 537.045
Civil action not merged in criminal prosecution
RSMo 537.050
Sale of alcoholic beverage may be proximate cause of personal injuries or death
RSMo 537.053
Operation of a motorcycle not evidence of comparative negligence
RSMo 537.055
Emergency care or assistance at scene of emergency or accident
RSMo 537.038
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.