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Minnesota Sexual Abuse Injury Lawyers
Standing up for survivors of abuse in schools, churches, and institutions
Sexual abuse can have long- lasting consequences for victims. While the law can punish those who commit these acts, a criminal case doesn’t always fully acknowledge the pain of victims, and doesn’t compensate them for their suffering. Civil cases provide another pathway for victims of sexual abuse in Minnesota to hold their abuser accountable and recover compensation that can help them cover some of their losses, like the cost of long-term therapy or other expenses, and account for their pain and suffering. At Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, our attorneys have experience handling these extremely sensitive and challenging cases. We’re here to offer compassion and guidance.
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How can we help you?
- Why choose Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC to represent you?
- What is sexual abuse under Minnesota law?
- Where and how does sexual abuse occur?
- How civil lawsuits help survivors seek justice
- Minnesota laws that protect sexual abuse survivors
- What to do if you suspect sexual abuse
- What to expect when working with our attorneys
- Do you have a Minnesota sexual abuse lawyer near me?
Why choose Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC to represent you?
Our team is dedicated to seeking justice for the survivors of institutional abuse. We have a proven track record of representing victims in cases against powerful institutions like schools and churches. We don’t back down when faced with challenging circumstances, and have established relationships with expert witnesses who can offer support when it comes to building successful claims. If you have questions about how we can help you, reach out. We’re ready to listen.
What is sexual abuse under Minnesota law?
Sexual abuse in Minnesota involves a person responsible for a child, and who has a relationship with that child, or is in a recent or current position of authority over that child, who engages in the following with that child:
- Solicitation to engage in sexual conduct
- Sex trafficking
- Criminal sexual conduct
- Sharing of sexually explicit content or materials
- Any violations of prostitution-related offenses
A person who commits these offenses can face criminal charges and possible prison time. The same acts can also give rise to a civil lawsuit. In civil cases, any form of non-consensual sexual contact should qualify, especially if there is a power imbalance, perhaps as a result of disparity in age, trust, or authority. In the case of institutions like churches or schools, the organization may also face liability.
Where and how does sexual abuse occur?
Unfortunately, child sexual abuse happens more often than many people realize, and in places where children should feel safe.
Church- related abuse claims in Minnesota
Over the years, clergy sexual abuse cases have grabbed headlines. In 2013, Minnesota even passed a law that lifted the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse victims, giving them three years to file their claims. That led to more than 900 claims being filed against the organizations that employed the abusers.
Still, abuse by clergy continues to be a problem in the state. In 2018, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis settled with around 450 abuse survivors for a total of $210 million. The settlement was one of the largest in the country, and led to bankruptcy reorganization for the archdiocese.
Additionally, as of 2024, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) stated that five priests facing credible accusations of abuse in other dioceses were not on the public list for St. Paul and Minnesota. SNAP urged the archdiocese to update their lists in the interest of safety and transparency. The archdiocese responded by saying it opened investigations.
Abuse in Minnesota schools
Abuse of minors in public school districts and private schools across the state occurs more often than many people realize. The behavior may start as grooming, showing favoritism, and offering special privileges to a student. It may also involve unsupervised time alone with a minor. In some cases, schools may be liable for the actions of their teachers and others, especially in cases where they neglected to act.
Other environments
Schools and religious institutions aren’t the only places where minors are at risk of being groomed, exploited, and abused by people in positions of authority. Other organizations that might involve this type of abuse include:
- Youth programs (like scouts or athletic clubs).
- Daycares and camps.
- Foster care and group homes.
In any of these cases, holding the abuser and the organization responsible for their actions is a critical part of prevention.
The lifelong impact of sexual abuse
Victims of sexual abuse suffer immediate and long-term consequences. Some of the impacts can last for life. For instance, abuse victims might suffer from:
- Emotional trauma (PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation).
- Difficulty forming relationships or trusting others.
- Poor grades and academic performance.
- Increased risk of substance use and self-harm.
Sadly, abuse that leads to these symptoms and others happens more frequently than most of us realize.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that “at least one in four girls and one in 20 boys in the United States experience child sexual abuse.”
Additionally, around 90% of the abusers are someone the child knows and trusts, including family members.
How civil lawsuits help survivors seek justice
Civil cases allow survivors to hold abusers liable and to recover financial compensation from the facilities that negligently allowed the abuse to take place, or in some cases, even covered it up. Civil claims may allow victims to recover for damages related to their emotional distress, medical care, and therapy bills.
In some circumstances, the plaintiff in one of these cases may be able to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages are unlike compensatory damages. While compensatory damages are meant to compensate for losses, punitive damages aim to penalize the defendant for conduct that shows a deliberate disregard for the safety and rights of others.
In addition to gaining compensation and validation for victims, these claims help the community by encouraging policy changes at schools and other organizations to improve safety for students.
Our Minnesota sexual abuse lawyers will coordinate your civil case with any criminal actions brought by local, state, or federal prosecutors.
Minnesota laws that protect sexual abuse survivors
In Minnesota, there are certain laws that aim to protect survivors of sexual abuse. Some of the laws and policies include the following.
Civil statute of limitations
Minnesota law gives victims of sexual abuse who were 18 or older at the time the abuse occurred six years to file a claim. In the case of victims who were under 18 at the time of the abuse, the claim can be filed at any time. There is an exception in cases where the alleged abuser was under 14 at the time, in which case the victim has until they are 24 years of age to file their claim.
Please contact us as soon as possible to help protect your claim or the claim of your child. Early representation can help strengthen your/your child’s case and stop others from suffering the same harm.
Mandatory reporting laws
The state also has a law that mandates reporting of sexual abuse. Teachers, doctors, and in some instances, clergy members must report abuse within 24 hours. This law shifts some of the responsibility onto the people who are in positions to report abuse and thereby get help for the victim.
What to do if you suspect sexual abuse
While some people are mandated reporters, others in a child’s life can also take steps to report their observations if they suspect abuse. One of the first things to do is to contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services at (651) -431-4661 during business hours. In an emergency, contact local law enforcement or call 911.
For families who suspect abuse might be occurring at their child’s school or another organization, it’s important to document the evidence, and to get in touch with an attorney right away to learn more about your options and the next steps you should take.
What to expect when working with our attorneys
Getting help following sexual abuse may seem frightening. However, our attorneys are here to offer compassionate support to our clients. If you contact us, you can expect:
- A confidential consultation – We prioritize your safety and security
- Step-by-step guidance – We can go over all of your legal options and help you determine your best course of action
- Medical help – We’ll review the medical care you are receiving for any physical injuries, sexual diseases, and the psychological counseling that most sexual abuse victims require – often for the rest of their lives. We also work with medical professionals and state and local agencies who help victims with all types of sexual healthcare problems, including pregnancy.
- Dedicated advocacy – Your lawyer can handle settlement negotiations and if necessary, take your case all the way to trial to hold the abuser and their institution accountable
Do you have a Minnesota sexual abuse lawyer near me?
We have an office located at 1505 Division Street, Waite Park, MN 56387. If you are unable to make it to us, we can often find alternative arrangements, including connecting on a phone call or through a video conference.
Get help from a Minnesota sexual abuse lawyer today
At Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, we believe that all survivors deserve justice. Our team of dedicated sexual abuse lawyers are here to help. Call us or fill out our contact form to arrange a free consultation with one of our attorneys. We don’t charge attorney fees unless we win your case.