Summer camp is an essential part of childhood for many and it is often pictured as an idyllic place to make beautiful memories. It is often a kid’s first time being away from their parents or guardians, learning new skills, and making friends. Sadly, summer camps are not always a safe haven for kids, with some experiencing sexual abuse during their time at camp.
Whether you are a parent and have just discovered your child has been abused, or if you are an adult and are just now processing abuse that happened to you as a child, the team at White Law PLLC is here to stand by you through your entire case. We are passionate advocates for ensuring that survivors of sexual abuse are heard and their rights are protected. Contact us today for a free, confidential case consultation with a Michigan sexual abuse lawyer.
Summer Camp Victims of Child Sexual Abuse and Molestation
Sexual abuse at both overnight and day camps is nothing new. In 2018, CBS News reported on hundreds of sexual abuse cases at children’s camps across the U.S. In their research of reports dating back to the 1960s, the investigative team found at least 578 victims who were allegedly sexually abused at children’s camps. and advocates of the victims say that the real number of cases is much higher.
Unlike schools and other children’s institutions, camps do not have any national regulations, and many states do not even require employees to undergo background checks. Parents are told to trust camps with their children’s safety, but many do not properly screen their employees, train them with proper reporting procedures, or create supervisory protocols for accountability. The act of sexual abuse creates lasting and often irreparable physical, emotional, and psychological harm to children, and camps should know they need to prevent these acts from happening as a basic level of care.
Camps and their leadership have a duty of care to provide their campers with a safe environment, and they should be held accountable when their actions or negligence causes harm to befall children under their care. At White Law PLLC, our legal team specializes in handling sexual abuse cases and will stop at nothing to help you obtain justice. We are court-tested and proven, having obtained successful settlements such as the global settlement of $800,000,000 on behalf of numerous survivors of the Nassar sexual abuse case, as seen in our case results.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Claims
Children who survive sexual abuse do not always realize what they were experiencing when the abuse was happening. Sometimes it takes years for people to be ready to face what really happened and become ready to discuss their case with a sexual abuse attorney. However, adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse may still be able to pursue justice against their abusers long after it happened.
In Michigan, the statute of limitations for filing a civil sexual abuse case is typically ten years after the victim’s 18th birthday. Some cases may qualify as an exception. So, even if you are not sure if the statute of limitations has lapsed in your case, consulting with a sexual abuse attorney can help you determine your rights to pursue justice in your sexual abuse case.
If you were a victim of first-degree criminal sexual abuse, there is no limit to when you can bring your case against the perpetrator. This is defined as sexual penetration with aggravating circumstances with a victim under the age of 13 years old. No matter how much time has passed, you deserve justice, and we are here to help you organize the best case possible against your abuser and their enabling organization and leadership.
Statute of Limitations on Filing a Sexual Abuse Claim
Michigan Senate Bill 872 extended the statute of limitations the previous three years for sexual abuse civil cases to now allowing up to 10 years to file a claim. In addition, victims of childhood sexual abuse are allowed to file anytime before they turn 28 years of age or up to three years after discovering an injury caused by childhood sexual assault. If you or someone you loved were sexually abused at a summer camp, do not hesitate to contact White Law PLLC for a free and confidential case consultation so the statute of limitations does not limit you from getting justice.
Pursuing Sexual Abuse Case as a Minor
If your child was sexually abused at summer camp, as a parent or legal guardian, you can bring a lawsuit on their behalf. Because minors, persons under 18 years of age, cannot pursue their own lawsuit, it is your responsibility to explore all legal options for your family. A minor survivor of sexual abuse can file a lawsuit to cover losses such as physical injuries, emotional suffering, and medical expenses, including therapy for trauma.
An experienced sexual abuse lawyer can also help you calculate any future losses that might be sustained. Experiencing such a traumatic event as a minor can have long-lasting consequences and might incur expenses related to their ongoing mental and emotional health. Your legal representative can calculate a full settlement to care for your child’s future expenses.
Children’s identities in sexual abuse cases are typically brought under a pseudonym to maintain anonymity in the public’s eye. All paperwork filed and courtwork documents should consider the sensitivity of a child’s privacy to protect them now and in the future. If you have already filed the complaint under your child’s real name, the court may allow you to use a pseudonym if requested.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Survivors of Sexual Abuse at Camp Can Get Help from White Law PLLC
Our legal team believes in justice for survivors of sexual abuse and will work tirelessly to bring you or your child justice. Children should be safe at summer camp, and pursuing the full extent of the law against abusers can serve as a painful reminder to camps and their leadership of the ways that they have failed in their duty to protect those in their care. Contact our team today for a free and confidential case evaluation and we can help answer any questions you might have regarding your rights.
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