Crime victims in Missouri have more options beyond the criminal justice system to seek justice and compensation. While criminal prosecutions focus on punishing offenders and protecting public safety, civil lawsuits provide an essential avenue for victims to pursue financial recovery and hold the person who harmed them accountable directly. Missouri law recognizes this dual path, allowing victims to file civil suits against perpetrators even if the offenders are never charged or are acquitted in criminal court.

The key difference between these systems lies in control and standards of proof. The state prosecutes criminal cases and requires proof “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is a high threshold. In contrast, civil cases are brought by victims themselves and only require proof by a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it is more likely than not that the defendant caused harm. This lower standard allows many crime victims to seek damages in civil court when criminal prosecution is unavailable or unsuccessful.

Through a civil lawsuit, crime victims in Missouri can pursue compensation for a range of harms, including medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Civil actions can also result in punitive damages, which serve to punish particularly egregious conduct and deter future wrongdoing. Additionally, victims can seek accountability not only from the individual perpetrators but also from institutions or organizations that enabled or ignored abusive behavior.

Missouri’s Constitution and statutes also provide crime victims with specific rights in both criminal and civil proceedings. These include the right to be informed of and participate in criminal trials, to receive restitution, to reasonable protection, and to legal support. 

Victims have the right to file civil claims, regardless of the outcome in the criminal system, offering a path to justice that centers on the survivor’s needs and control over the process.

Many survivors find civil lawsuits empowering because they can initiate action on their own terms, maintain privacy through options like sealed records or anonymous filings, and work with attorneys to build a case focused on healing and compensation. Civil litigation also complements criminal cases when both are pursued simultaneously or consecutively.

In summary, crime victims in Missouri can and often do file civil lawsuits to obtain compensation and hold offenders accountable for their actions. Even if the criminal justice system falls short, the civil courts provide a vital forum for victims seeking justice, healing, and financial recovery after crimes.

Navigating a claim can be complex and time-consuming. Consulting with an experienced law firm ensures that victims and their families can gather the right evidence, work with experts, and advocate for maximum compensation. Gunn | Slater provides valuable, comprehensive insight into personal injury cases and has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for their clients. 

If you or someone you know suspects that they have a personal injury case, do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at Gunn | Slater for effective and personalized consultation.