Individuals who have been subjected to abuse often struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, and fear and need compassion and empathy to find the strength to come forward.
Your Waverly sexual abuse lawyer with White Law PLLC is available 24/7 to help survivors demand justice. Our team has secured over $1.4 billion in damages on behalf of our clients.
A Waverly personal injury lawyer from our team can help you take legal action against abusers and the institutions that shielded them, so contact us today for a confidential consultation and learn more about how you can protect your rights.
Michigan Personal Injury Laws that Could Impact Your Sexual Abuse Settlement
Michigan’s personal injury laws play a significant role in determining how sexual abuse cases unfold. Survivors need to understand how statutes of limitations, liability laws, and damages influence their claims. Some of the most important laws that may impact your ability to recover compensation after experiencing sexual abuse include:
Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Claims
Under MCL Section 600.5805, you must file a sexual abuse lawsuit within three years of the abuse or before your 28th birthday. Failing to file within this timeframe may prevent you from pursuing legal action. However, exceptions may apply in cases involving suppressed memories or recent discoveries of abuse.
Some states are introducing legislation to extend statutes of limitations for sexual abuse. Our firm has been actively working with legislators to increase the length of time survivors have to pursue legal action against their abusers.
Even if the statute of limitations has passed in your case, connect with our team to see if there are exceptions we can consider to seek justice for the abuse you suffered.
Mandatory Reporting Laws
Michigan law requires certain individuals, such as teachers, doctors, and clergy members, to report suspected abuse. Under MCL Section 722.623, mandated reporters who fail to notify authorities may face legal consequences. These laws are designed to protect vulnerable individuals by encouraging timely intervention.
Survivors and families can also report abuse directly to law enforcement or child protective services. Filing a report helps initiate an investigation and hold abusers accountable. Working with a sexual abuse lawyer in Waverly, MI, at White Law PLLC can help you through this process and protect your legal rights.
Comparative Fault in Civil Claims
Michigan follows a comparative fault rule under MCL Section 600.2959, which means your compensation may be reduced if you share responsibility for the incident.
For example, if a defendant proves you partially contributed to the circumstances leading to the abuse, your damages may be reduced proportionately. Comparative fault does not bar survivors from pursuing claims entirely as long as their fault is less than 50%.
Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records can help establish the defendant’s liability. Your Waverly sexual abuse lawyer can challenge claims of comparative fault to maximize your compensation. By building a compelling case against the liable party, we can protect you from being taken advantage of during your greatest time of need.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Fight for the Fair Compensation You Deserve
Survivors of sexual abuse may be entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages through civil claims. These damages compensate survivors for financial losses, emotional harm, and long-term trauma. Some of the most common types of damages that you may be entitled to in your sexual abuse lawsuit include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Future medical care
- Property damage
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Mental anguish
- Feelings of guilt, fear, or shame
Punitive damages may also be awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was intentional or egregious. These damages, outlined in MCL Section 445.911, are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. We will know more about whether your case warrants punitive relief after reviewing the specific circumstances of your case.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Sexual Abuse Can Take Multiple Forms
Sexual abuse occurs in many different settings and can take various forms, each with its own devastating impact. Recognizing these different forms of abuse can help survivors understand their rights and options for seeking justice. some of the most relevant legal options for survivors of child sexual abuse include:
Institutional Abuse
Includes cases where schools, churches, or organizations failed to protect individuals from abuse. Institutions may be held liable for negligence or complicity in allowing abuse to occur. Survivors can pursue compensation for both physical and emotional distress.
Abuse by Trusted Family Friends
Abuse by family or friends often involves individuals who use their position of trust to harm others. If you were abused by someone deeply integrated into your life, such as a family friend or mentor, you may feel conflicted about coming forward.
The abuser’s connection to your family or social circle can make it difficult to take action, but you have the right to demand justice.
Online Exploitation
Abusers often target survivors through digital platforms, including sextortion and coercion. Cases often involve threats to share private content unless victims comply with demands. Legal options may include both civil claims and criminal investigations.
Abuse in Recreational and Sports Settings
Sexual abuse in recreational settings often involves coaches, trainers, or volunteers who exploit their positions of authority. If you were abused in a sports or recreational program, you may have felt pressured to comply out of fear of losing opportunities like scholarships or team positions. These power dynamics often silence survivors, but you have the right to seek justice and hold your abuser to account.
Caregiver Abuse
This type of abuse occurs in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, targeting vulnerable residents. Abuse may include physical misconduct, coercion, or neglect. Care facilities and staff may be held accountable for failing to protect residents.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Turn to a Dedicated Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Waverly for Help Today
Sexual abuse can disrupt every aspect of your life, leaving you to manage emotional pain, financial challenges, and uncertainty about the future. Your sexual abuse attorney in Waverly, MI, with White Law PLLC, is available 24/7 to provide the compassionate representation you need when you need it most.
Contact our law office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and find the confidence and empowerment you need to begin to pick up the pieces of your life.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
