Sexual abusers violate their victims physically, mentally, and emotionally. In doing so, they rob victims of their body autonomy and sense of security. The inflicted traumas are deep enough to cause damage for years to come.
A Commerce Township personal injury lawyer from White Law PLLC can help you fight back against abusers and get your power back. Among other recognitions, our team has earned a “Best Law Firm” acknowledgment by the 2024 The Official Community’s Choice Awards, and we will use the skills that generated that award to pursue your sexual abuse claim.
When you put your case in the capable hands of a Commerce Township Sexual Abuse lawyer from our firm, you can trust that you will get exceptional representation from a loyal, supportive firm.
Understanding Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse can happen anywhere. Abusive family members can hurt spouses, children, grandchildren, or other relatives. Employees can experience abuse at the hands of employers or other colleagues. Students may be abused in schools, children may be hurt at camps or daycares, and, as so many recent news stories show, clergy leaders can abuse parishioners.
The term “sexual abuse” comprises any sexual act performed without consent. Abusers may threaten their survivors into submission, perform the act when the person is unconscious, or use coercion to encourage participation. For example, an adult perpetrator may convince an adolescent that the two have a “special” relationship. However, even if the minor agrees, they are not old enough to give legal consent.
There are many reasons why most sexual abuse is unreported. Survivors are often afraid no one will believe them or are filled with shame. White Law PLLC understands how difficult it is for survivors to come forward but also knows that sexual abuse will not stop until abusers are exposed and held accountable for their actions.
If you are ready to come forward, you can trust a sexual abuse attorney in Commerce Township, MI, to treat you with compassion and respect, stand alongside you every step of the way, and fight with tireless determination to get you justice.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
The Comprehensive Effects of Sexual Abuse
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) explains the profound and comprehensive effects sexual abuse can have on victims. Survivors can be left with sexually transmitted diseases with the potential to cause permanent damage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states abuse survivors are more vulnerable to chronic cardiovascular, sexual, and gastrointestinal issues.
RAINN statistics on perpetrators of sexual violence show that in 93% of cases involving juveniles, the survivors know their abusers as family members or friends. In 8 of 10 rape cases, victims know their attacker. The emotional effects of such an act of betrayal cannot be overstated. Other effects survivors of sexual abuse may experience include:
- Suicidal ideation
- Panic attacks
- Eating or sleeping disorders
- Self-harm
- Pregnancy
- Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance abuse
- Inability to focus on school, complete their education, find gainful employment, or perform well at work
- Problems forming or maintaining relationships
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
A Commerce Township Sexual Abuse Attorney Can Help You Fight Back
A sexual abuse lawyer in Commerce Township, MI, can help you understand the legal options for survivors of sexual abuse in Michigan so you can fight back and find healing. Your lawyer will listen to your story and acknowledge your suffering. Our team will examine every detail of your case in an effort to gather convincing evidence to prove your abuser’s acts and the value of the losses you sustained.
Evidence often includes:
- Findings from your medical records
- Testimony from witnesses or others you confided in
- Communication to or from the abuser
- Forensic evidence
- Testimony from other survivors
- Testimony from those who know you regarding behavior changes
Your lawyer will evaluate your losses and calculate a dollar amount for your fair compensation. Typically, your abuser’s representatives will offer a lower amount in response, and negotiations will continue until each side agrees on a settlement. Sometimes, your abuser’s team will refuse to agree on a fair amount or will use techniques to stall negotiations, and you may decide to take your case to trial.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
How much Your Case is Worth
Your sexual abuse attorney in Commerce Township, MI, will fight for maximum compensation around the negotiating table and, if necessary, before the court. That said, trial awards or settlement amounts in sexual abuse cases vary from case to case.
While we cannot predict a compensation amount without knowing the specifics of your situation, our team can promise not to overlook a single detail when assessing your losses.
Damages typically available to survivors of sexual abuse include:
- Related medical costs
- Counseling costs
- Lost earning potential
- Lost wages for time missed at work
- Tuition payments if you could not complete coursework
- Acknowledgment of pain, suffering, and emotional and mental trauma
- Reduced enjoyment of life
These damages are “compensatory,” intended to make up for your losses. In some cases, abusers must also pay punitive damages, an additional monetary penalty to punish them for their egregious behavior. Count on your sexual abuse lawyer in Commerce Township to pursue every dollar you deserve.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
You Deserve Justice
White Law PLLC is dedicated to upholding survivors’ rights and getting them justice. Your case and your well-being matter to us. We want to help hold your abuser accountable so you can move into a healthy, hopeful future.
Connect with us today for a free case review. We will listen to your story with empathy and awareness of the courage you took to reach out to us. We appreciate and honor your trust. You deserve justice, and our team is ready to fight to help you get it.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
