Former Southfield music teacher Lamar Willis was charged with the sexual abuse of five of his students in 2023. The families of the students allegedly abused by Southfield music teacher Lamar Willis may be struggling to cope since Willis has not been held accountable for the sexual abuse or misconduct he has been accused of committing.
Families who experience similar trauma may have an opportunity to take civil action against their abuser and anyone who allowed the abuse to occur with help from a compassionate and empathetic Michigan school sexual abuse lawyer. Here is more about the Lamar Willis sexual abuse accusations and how families going through similar experiences may be able to take justice into their own hands.
Signs Students May Have Been Sexually Abused
One of the reasons why sexual abuse in schools goes unreported is because there are so many different ways that it can happen and so many different school staff members who could be abusing children. Being able to recognize some of the signs that your child or students have been abused or are experiencing ongoing sexual abuse is crucial. Here are some of the red flags our Michigan sexual abuse lawyers recommend you keep an eye out for:
- Changes in eating habits
- Changes in personality or mood
- Decrease of a positive self-image or reduced confidence
- Decreased interest in friends, school, or activities
- Excessive discussions about or knowledge of sexual topics
- Exhibiting inappropriate sexual behavior for the child’s age
- Fear of being alone at night
- Fearfulness of teachers or other school staff
- Increased health issues such as headaches or stomach aches
- Keeping secrets
- Nightmares
- Not wanting to be around or alone with certain people
- Overly compliant behavior
- Regressive behaviors, such as bedwetting or thumb sucking
- Self-harming behaviors
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Social isolation
- Trying to avoid removing their clothes while bathing or changing
- Unexplained trauma to the genital area
- Worrying excessively
Parents and other teachers need to be cautious of who children are spending time with. Anyone who tries to be a child’s friend, does not respect boundaries, or spends time alone with children outside of their role as a teacher or caregiver should be watched carefully.
If anyone expresses an unusual interest in your child’s sexual development, restricts your child’s access to other adults, or gives your child gifts, these may also be signs of sexual abuse. Contact our Michigan personal injury lawyers immediately.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
The Allegations Made Against Lamar Willis Are Serious
According to court records, Lamar Willis was charged with three counts of accosting a child for immoral purposes under MCL Section 750.145a and four counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC-II) under MCL Section 750.520c. Records also indicate that one of the children who was sexually abused was under the age of 13.
The abuse allegedly took place at the University High School Academy in 2022 and early 2023. School authorities stated that they cooperated with law enforcement officials’ investigation into the Lamar Willis sexual abuse accusations. Willis resigned in June 2023 after being suspended once an internal investigation was launched.
Multiple parents complained to the school that their children had reported being sexually assaulted by Willis before formal charges were filed against him. Children told investigators that Willis would force the children to engage in “obscene activities” and sit on his lap. However, court records also indicate that the criminal case may have been closed.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Criminal Charges are Much Different From Civil Claims
With the criminal charges against Lamar Willis seemingly being dropped, families may worry that they are out of options. However, criminal charges are much different than civil claims. The families of Willis’s alleged victims and other families who may find that their children have been sexually abused by a teacher or another person of authority may be able to file a civil claim against Willis, the school, and other parties who may have facilitated the abuse.
In a civil case, families can file a claim demanding compensation. Our burden of proof in personal injury claims is significantly lower in civil claims and is based on preponderance of the evidence according to the Michigan Rules of Evidence. The evidence we present does not need to prove the abuse occurred beyond a reasonable doubt but it does need to be clear and convincing.
If your claim is successful, the jury will find Willis, other abusers, or those who facilitated the abuse liable for your child’s trauma and damages. When this happens, the defendants can be ordered to compensate families for the total value of their losses and suffering. After reviewing the specific circumstances of your case, your Lansing personal injury lawyer from White Law PLLC can determine how much compensation you could be awarded.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Damages That Can Be Recovered in School Teacher Sexual Abuse Claims
Families are entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Collectively, these are called compensatory damages. Some examples include:
- Costs of relocating or changing schools
- Your child’s medical expenses and ongoing mental health counseling
- The post-traumatic stress your child experiences
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Your child’s embarrassment, shame, shock, fear, and indignity
It is also possible punitive damages could be issued. According to MCL Section 445.911, in instances of intentional malice or gross negligence, punitive relief may be warranted. You can find out more about the types of damages that could be recovered in your case when you contact our legal team for additional information.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Get Help From a Reputable Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
While there may be no current updates to the Lamar Willis case, that does not mean that there has not been progress that has not been made public. If you or someone you know and love was allegedly victimized sexually by Lamar Willis or another person of authority at school, you may have the right to take legal action against them. Consult a top-rated Lansing sexual abuse lawyer from White Law PLLC to discuss your options extensively.
Our team will carefully review the circumstances of your case to determine the best possible approach. The defendant may or may not face criminal charges, but you have the power to hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law when you file a civil claim against your abuser and anyone else who may have facilitated the abuse or allowed it to occur. Fill out our secured contact form or call our office to schedule your confidential and 100% free consultation as soon as today.
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