Redford Clergy Abuse Lawyer

As a society, clergy members have divine authority over their congregation and community. We trust them as part of our family, with vulnerable moments, and with our children, making their violation of this duty all the more reprehensible.

If you or your family have suffered abuse at the hands of clergy members, you need a skilled Redford sexual abuse lawyer by your side in your pursuit of justice.

At White Law PLLC, our Redford clergy abuse lawyer is trauma-informed and familiar with the delicate nature of these kinds of cases. We have a long history of handling mass action and class action lawsuits and protecting the rights of survivors of clergy sexual abuse.

Our firm deeply believes that the shame and responsibility of the abuser does not lie with those they victimized but completely with the abuser. 

How We Can Help

Whether you choose to participate in pursuing criminal charges against your abuser or not, you may wonder why you would work with a Redford personal injury lawyer.

In criminal proceedings, the state’s prosecutor acts to prosecute on behalf of the state and, to a degree, you. However, if you pursue a civil case to seek compensation for yourself, we can do many things to make this process more effective for you, including:

• We understand the legal process and can navigate it with minimal delays 
• We know the important things to focus on while we help investigate your abuse
• Our clergy abuse attorney in Redford, MI, can connect you with resources and referrals to support your healing and recovery 
• A clergy sexual abuse attorney serves as the initial point of contact for all exchanges pertaining to the case
• We can help you value your damages in a way that is fair and gives you the best chance of maximum recovery 
• Representation in depositions, court hearings, and court if necessary

Additionally, we can help you manage your expectations by explaining the legal process, helping you anticipate bumps in the road, and empowering you to make decisions every chance you can.

When you face a civil lawsuit, it is critical to remember that the opposing party will almost always have an attorney, especially when you are facing a larger establishment, and having your own representation simply gives you the same advantage. 

Explaining Clergy Abuse

Clergy abuse, like any other abuse of power, is not something we can easily make sense of, particularly if you are the one who has experienced it. Regardless of their religious affiliation, clergy members hold a position of power and trust over and with their communities. We trust them with our vulnerabilities and, at times, our children. 

Religious institutions are particularly vulnerable to abuse because of the reasons listed above, as well as factors like power imbalance, inherent access to children, and purity culture.

A SAPREA article on preventing sexual abuse in church explains the importance of limiting unsupervised time with adults from church, standard background checks, and fostering open communication with your children.

These actions as parents and caregivers can help intervene in grooming, a common indicator of child sexual abuse.  

While many of the cases you may hear about from the media do involve sexual abuse, it is important to understand that this is not the only type of clergy abuse.

When we try to answer the question ‘What is Clergy Abuse?’ we have to consider the impact of verbal, physical, and emotional abuse as well. All types of clergy abuse can cause lasting symptoms, and working with our team may help you recover the maximum compensation available. 

Long-Term Effects of Clergy Abuse 

Abuse at the hands of those meant to guide and protect you leaves scars. Though the situation may be a little bit different than others, the abuse can be similarly devastating. Some of the lingering effects of sexual trauma include:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 
• Pain 
• Anxiety 
• Relationship instability
• Eating disorders 
• Depersonalization 
• Mental health diagnoses 

Sexual abuse is one of the most devastating forms of abuse. Not only does it cause physical and emotional pain, but it affects the survivor’s ability to trust themselves. Many report losing their sense of self because of this kind of trauma, causing unnecessary challenges in every facet of life. 

Damages in Clergy Abuse Cases

The purpose of most civil lawsuits is financial compensation or accountability. The factors that affect the amount of money you recover from your lawsuit are nearly countless. However, some of the more common considerations include:

• Medical costs 
• Mental health therapy costs
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of income 

Many of the previously discussed effects of clergy abuse can lead to a lifetime of challenges and struggles that can be difficult to tease through. Some additional factors to how much you may request in damages include factors like medical or therapy records documenting your experiences since the abuse, how long ago the abuse happened, and the overall impact on your life.

If you have questions regarding how your abuse may have affected you or how that can affect your case, you are best suited to work with an experienced clergy abuse lawyer in Redford, MI. 

Punitive Damages

Michigan does not award punitive damages in the same way many other states may. So, while you may not get punitive damages in Michigan, there is a structure that may allow you to recover damages beyond the expected compensatory damages. You can discuss your situation with your attorney to determine if you may be eligible for exemplary damages. 

Call a Clergy Abuse Attorney in Redford Today 

Coping with clergy abuse can alter the course of your life, especially when the abuse happens as a child. White Law PLLC is committed to fighting for the rights of survivors and facilitating the opportunity to tell their stories.

Countless times, we have seen how others are inspired by one or two people seeking justice against the person who abused them.

If you think you are ready to contact a clergy abuse attorney in Redford, or even if you are unsure of exactly what you need, call us today. Our firm offers free case consultations with no obligation to continue services. You deserve a chance to share your story and take back your narrative.