Intentional acts of violence can cause serious physical and emotional harm. Survivors may have the right to pursue accountability through the civil justice system.
Being a victim of a violent crime can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. While the criminal justice system primarily aims to punish offenders, it is not designed to address the full scope of harm suffered by victims. Victims can seek compensation for:
Through a civil lawsuit, survivors and families may seek financial compensation and accountability from:
If you have been the victim of a violent crime, speaking with an experienced lawyer can help ensure you understand all available legal options.
These cases may involve:
If you have been the victim of an assault or other intentional act of violence, Donelan Law can help you navigate both the civil and criminal legal processes.
As a former assistant prosecutor, Sarah understands how violent crime cases progress and works to ensure victims are:
The goal is to help survivors and families understand their legal options and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Often, yes. In some cases, third parties may share responsibility, such as:
Identifying all responsible parties is a critical part of a civil case.
There are many differences between criminal and civil cases:
1) Who decides to pursue charges.
In criminal cases, the State of Missouri or the federal government decides whether to pursue charges against a person when they have committed a crime.
In a civil action, the victim or their legal representative chooses to pursue legal action against the person or entity who caused them harm.
2) The kinds of justice and remuneration a case can achieve.
In a civil case, the victim usually seeks monetary compensation for damages.
In a criminal cases, the courts may award monetary restitution, but also can impose punishments such as fines, imprisonment, community service, court-ordered treatment, or other remedies.
3) The Standard of Proof required to achieve a result.
In civil cases, the standard of proof is generally lower than in criminal cases.
4) Impact on Related Cases
A criminal conviction can sometimes make the civil case more likely to be successful, but it is not necessary to file criminal charges. Even if a defendant is found not guilty in a criminal case, you still may be able to file a civil action against the abuser or a third party.
A victim can pursue a civil action whether or not a criminal case has also been filed.
It depends on several factors.
In most personal injury cases, Donelan Law works on a contingency basis. This means you do not pay a fee for the services unless we win and make a successful recovery. A personal injury case is a civil legal claim brought by an individual seeking compensation for wrongs committed by an individual or entities who caused them preventable harms and losses (i.e., suing an abuser or third party for money damages).
In other types of cases, Donelan Law can be hired for an hourly rate or a flat fee. For example, representation for obtaining an order of protection is often based on an hourly fee or a flat fee. After reviewing the facts of your case, we will let you know the initial retainer fee to open a case and candidly discuss potential costs from the beginning and throughout your case.
In many types of cases, Donelan Law only receives a fee after a monetary recovery has been made. However, in some legal battles with abusers, having an experienced attorney can make all the difference. Having an attorney as your advocate and legal representative can better protect your time, money, mental health and safety. Sarah has over 10 years of experience fighting for survivors of sexual and domestic violence and she understands the real dangers of some abusers and knows the complicated legal system.
Donelan Law understands that abusers can wreak havoc on all areas of your life, and you may need support with several issues. We are here to help you navigate whatever legal issues you are facing or make sure you find the right help. This might include defamation claims, criminal charges, and housing issues.
Please note: Donelan Law does not generally represent clients in family law cases (i.e., divorce and custody cases).
You may still have a civil case.
Criminal cases require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Civil cases require a lower burden of proof — typically “a preponderance of the evidence.”
A criminal acquittal does not prevent a civil lawsuit.
Even if the offender has limited financial resources, there may be:
Investigating all potential sources of recovery is part of our role.
Yes! Donelan Law takes the utmost precautions to ensure your information stays private and it is always the individual’s decision whether or not to move forward with legal action.