February 23, 2026
For survivors of abuse, deciding whether to take legal action is deeply personal and often overwhelming. Many people are unaware that even if criminal charges are never filed, or a prosecutor declines to move forward, survivors in Nebraska may still have the right to pursue justice through the civil court system.
With guidance from experienced Nebraska personal injury lawyers, civil claims can offer a path toward accountability, financial recovery, and a sense of control after abuse.
While the criminal system focuses on punishment, civil law is designed to compensate survivors for the harm they’ve suffered. That distinction can be empowering for those who want recognition of what happened and resources to rebuild their lives.
Civil Claims Are Available Even Without Criminal Charges
One of the most common misconceptions survivors have is that a civil lawsuit requires a criminal conviction. That’s not true. Civil claims can move forward regardless of whether:
- Criminal charges were never filed
- The case was dismissed
- A jury returned a “not guilty” verdict
Civil courts apply a lower legal standard of proof and evaluate responsibility differently. This means survivors still have options, even years after abuse, depending on the circumstances and applicable deadlines.
Types of Civil Claims Abuse Survivors Can File in Nebraska
Nebraska law allows survivors to pursue several types of civil claims, depending on the nature of the abuse:
- Assault and Battery: Often used in cases involving physical abuse or unwanted physical contact.
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Applies when the abuser’s conduct causes severe psychological trauma.
- False Imprisonment: Relevant when an abuser restricted a survivor’s freedom or ability to leave.
- Sexual Assault and Related Torts: Used in cases involving sexual abuse, exploitation, or coercion.
Each claim focuses on how the abuser’s actions caused harm, not whether those actions met the higher criminal standard for conviction.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations in Nebraska
In Nebraska, assault and battery claims typically have a one-year statute of limitations. However, this rule is not always straightforward, especially in cases involving childhood sexual abuse.
Special provisions may apply when:
- The survivor was a minor at the time of abuse
- Trauma or repression, delayed awareness of the harm
- The survivor could not reasonably connect injuries to the abuse until later
Nebraska law recognizes that trauma can delay reporting, and that survivors shouldn’t lose their rights simply because they weren’t ready to come forward. For many claims, there is no deadline to file in civil court against the individual abuser.
Speaking with Nebraska personal injury lawyers as soon as possible helps clarify whether these exceptions apply.
Compensation Available in Civil Abuse Cases
Civil claims focus on the real-world consequences of abuse, recognizing the lasting impact it can have on a survivor’s physical health, emotional well-being, and everyday life.
Compensation may include:
- Medical and therapy expenses, including long-term mental health care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if the abuse affected work or career opportunities
- Pain and suffering, recognizing emotional trauma and lasting psychological harm
- Punitive damages in cases involving especially egregious or malicious conduct
According to a Frontiers in Psychology study, survivors of childhood sexual abuse have a nearly 25% increased risk of depression. They also experience long-term health issues, anxiety, and employment disruption, costs that civil compensation addresses.
How Civil Cases Differ From Criminal Prosecutions
Civil and criminal cases serve different roles, and many survivors prefer the civil process for several reasons:
- Lower Burden of Proof: Civil cases require a preponderance of the evidence, not proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Greater Control: Survivors have the option to decide whether to file a claim, settle, or proceed to trial.
- Focus on Compensation: The goal is financial recovery and accountability, not incarceration.
These differences can make civil claims feel more accessible and survivor-centered.
Take the Next Step With Support You Can Trust
Pursuing a civil claim against an abuser is not just a legal decision; it’s an emotional one. Survivors deserve legal guidance that is trauma-informed, respectful, and focused on their well-being. The right legal team can handle the legal burden while allowing survivors to move forward on their own terms.
Speaking with a lawyer doesn’t mean you have to file a lawsuit; it simply gives you clarity about your options.
Contact our experienced Nebraska personal injury lawyers at Friedman Law Offices for a free case review. We can help you understand your rights, timelines, and potential paths to justice.