Facing any type of sexual abuse claim can feel devastating. When your child is the one who has experienced sexual abuse, or if you yourself were sexually abused as a child, it can be much more painful. Fortunately, you can get closure, justice, and compensation.
Filing a child sex abuse lawsuit in Michigan can be a long but healing process. Your sex abuse lawsuit may provide the support you need following this devastating experience. Taking action now to file your lawsuit is also vital.
Fortunately, a Michigan sexual abuse lawyer is here to help. Having the right team on your side can make a big difference in your lawsuit and compensation. If you are ready to learn more about your filing options, do not hesitate to contact an experienced lawyer.
Determine Liability for Child Sex Abuse
One of the first steps you need to take for a child sex abuse case is identifying the at-fault party. Holding the right abuser accountable is vital to creating a successful lawsuit. If you have any doubts about who is liable for your case, our attorneys can help.
Unfortunately, many child sex abuse cases are perpetrated by people closest to the child. That includes close family members, friends, clergy members at the victim’s church, teachers, or other mentors. That can be a traumatic experience, but you may be able to identify them and seek justice.
If you are struggling to prove liability, reach out to your attorney. You may be able to use forensic evidence to identify the DNA of the abuser, or you may have specific physical evidence that ties them to the abuse. Your attorney has the tools and resources you need to determine your best steps forward and to take them.
What Are Mandated Reporters?
In some cases, your case may be impacted by mandated reporters. A mandated reporter is someone who is legally obligated to report sexual abuse if they are aware of it. They may face severe legal or even criminal penalties if they do not.
Mandated reporters include teachers or other school faculty, social workers, and clergy members, to name a few. If these mandated reporters are diligent with their jobs, their testimony may be key for your child sex abuse claim. If they fail to report it, they may also be liable for the suffering you experienced.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Child Sexual Abuse?
Liability for child sexual abuse does not always fall exclusively on the abuser. Other people may have enabled the abuse or failed to report it. Below are potential parties who may be held at fault for the sexual abuse you or your child suffered:
- Parents and caregivers
- Organizations that hired the abuser
- Mandated reporters who failed to act
These are just a few examples of the parties who can be held liable for child sexual abuse. If you believe a different party hurt you and may be liable, speak to an attorney about the suffering you experience. They can determine whether the partying question was negligent, and they can guide you through the process of seeking compensation for child sexual abuse.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
What Are My Time Limits to File a Claim?
As awareness around child sexual abuse changes, state laws have also adjusted to provide more support to survivors. For example, Michigan has recently opened a window for people who missed the deadline as children to sue for the suffering they experienced. While this window has closed, state law has adjusted to allow more people to sue for the abuse that they have suffered.
For example, Michigan law has adjusted to give children who were sexually abused time to sue. Until age 28, you may be within the time limit to sue for child sexual abuse. Contact an attorney if you believe you are getting close to your time limits.
Speaking to an attorney before your time limit runs out is vital. If you do not act within the statute of limitations, your claim may be dismissed. That means you will be barred from financial recovery, leaving you without the financial compensation and closure you may receive through your child sexual abuse lawsuit.
Do I Need an Attorney to File a Child Sexual Abuse Case?
While a sexual abuse attorney is not a requirement to follow a lawsuit, they can be a crucial part of your case. Your attorney has certain tools and resources you may not have access to on your own. They also have experience and a track record of success that can help you through this devastating time.
The resources your attorney provides can give you the evidence and support you need for your child sexual abuse case. These resources may include tools for gathering DNA evidence, more opportunities to seek out witness testimony, and more. If you are struggling to get evidence that supports your claim fully, leave this step to a lawyer who can help you protect your claim.
Remember that your attorney can also represent you in the courtroom. Speaking before the judge can be stressful, and it is easy to misspeak in a way that can hurt your claim. Getting represented by a lawyer means that you can focus on your health and recovery rather than exclusively on your legal case.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
File a Child Sex Abuse Claim with an Attorney
If you were a loved one has suffered child sexual abuse, it can be difficult to overcome that situation. You may be emotionally devastated and need support through this time. Fortunately, the right attorneys can provide that support.
At White Law PLLC, you can expect experience and a track record of success on your side. Our team has worked with many child sex abuse survivors to get the financial compensation they are due for the suffering they experienced. Now, we are ready to help you get the compensation you need.
If you or your child has suffered child sex abuse, we offer free consultations for people suffering and struggling to overcome their cases. During our free consultation, we can review exactly how we can help your case succeed. When you are ready, reach out to our team by calling or filling out our online contact form.
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