Survivors of sexual assault and abuse go through some of the most horrific experiences that a human can suffer. When they are able to identify their attacker or abuser, then that person should be held to the fullest extent of the law. Even if a criminal case against the person who violated you is not successful, you can still take action against them with a civil lawsuit.
White Law PLLC has been holding abusers accountable for sexual abuse survivors with more than 60 years of combined legal experience. We have sought compensation from defendants, including the former gymnastics coach Larry Nassar, and have recovered more than $1.4 billion in settlement amounts for sexual abuse cases for our clients.
Contact us today to speak with a Michigan sexual abuse lawyer and learn more about how you can get justice for everything you have been through.
Average Settlement Amounts Are Unreliable
Many survivors of sexual abuse spend countless hours online trying to find out how much they could be awarded in a civil suit against their abuser. Unfortunately, because of extremely high and low past settlements, the results of any average calculation would be skewed by these outliers. That does not mean you cannot demand compensation from the individual or group that harmed you.
Another reason that settlement averages are not reliable is because results can vary so much from city to city. Certain locations may have high levels of personal injury claims and could result in lower settlement numbers on average. Other areas could be more affluent and could see higher average numbers.
Ultimately, the circumstances of your specific situation and how your life has been affected will be one of the strongest determining factors for your civil claim. Beware of law firms that quote average settlements, as their results may be specific to their area or skewed based on where they obtained their numbers.
Only when you connect with a highly skilled sexual abuse lawyer in Michigan with White Law PLLC, and we discuss the details of your case in a free consultation, can we be comfortable estimating the value of your claim.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Damages You Can Sue for in Sexual Abuse Cases
When you consult with any Michigan personal injury lawyer about suing someone who has hurt you, they will usually explain the different types of damages you can demand in a sexual abuse lawsuit. These will generally consist of two or three categories of compensation or damages. The first two are called compensatory damages and include both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
The first category of compensatory damages that you can demand in your sexual abuse lawsuit is known as economic damages. Your Michigan domestic violence lawyer with White Law PLLC can help you total up these tangible costs that you have paid out of pocket or have bills for and can be verified with medical receipts and other financial records. Some common examples of economic damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Medical equipment
- Occupational therapy
- Mental health counseling
Non-Economic Damages
This category of compensatory damages is more difficult to calculate as your non-economic damages are not tangible or easily viewed by others. Using the per diem or multiplier method, as explained by Bloomberg Law, your legal advocate can assign financial values to these difficult-to-quantify losses that you have suffered. Common examples of non-economic damages can include:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Mental trauma
- Emotional distress
- Feelings of fear and apprehension
Punitive Damages
While not considered compensatory, punitive damages can apply in certain sexual abuse lawsuits. Under Michigan’s MCL §445.911, punitive damages are only awarded in select circumstances.
If the court finds that the defendant’s actions were intentionally malicious or particularly egregious, they may determine that punitive damages are appropriate to deter future situations from occurring in the future.
Michigan Laws that Could Affect Your Civil Case
Many district attorneys and state legislatures are trying to extend the statute of limitations for sexual abuse survivors. Our law firm remains encouraged that Michigan will take the necessary steps to increase these time limits to help victims of sexual abuse find the courage they need to hold their abusers responsible.
If you need a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer but your 10-year statute of limitations for sexual abuse has passed under MCL §600.5805, and you are older than 28 years of age, contact our office as we may still be able to pursue legal action against your abuser.
You also may be concerned that if your abuser has not been charged criminally, or they were found not guilty and that this could affect the settlement you could receive. The burden of proof in personal injury cases is different from criminal proceedings. In criminal court, the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
However, under the Michigan Rules of Evidence, in personal injury cases, the burden of proof is based on a preponderance of the evidence. This means your sexual abuse attorney in Michigan must present clear and convincing evidence that the defendant is more than likely responsible for your damages. While this burden of proof may be lower than in criminal cases, we can still work tirelessly to prove that the person who victimized you compensates you for every loss you suffered.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Choose Michigan’s Premier Sexual Abuse Lawyer
When you find a legal advocate that you can feel comfortable sharing your story with, you can be empowered to hold the person who harmed you responsible. We will conduct an exhaustive investigation into your abuse, interview any potential witnesses, and assess any available evidence. Facing the person who victimized you may be one of the most difficult challenges you can endure.
If you have a Michigan sexual abuse attorney with White Law PLLC on your side, you can find the confidence you need to hold them accountable. While no amount of money can undo the wrongs you have experienced, with a fair and just settlement, you may just be able to move past your trauma and rebuild your life.
Call our law office today or fill out our quick and confidential contact form to learn more about how you can hold your abuser accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
