Those who commit acts of sexual abuse against children need to pay for their actions both criminally and through civil court. Child sex abuse survivors have the right to hold their abusers accountable in civil court, demanding compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial losses incurred by the abuse.
The average settlement for child sex abuse cases varies depending on the specifics of your case. A Michigan sexual abuse lawyer will fight to maximize that compensation.
Child Sexual Abuse Statistics
Unfortunately, the sexual victimization of children is not a rare occurrence. In recent years, accounts of abuse have become more and more common as adults have come forward to recount past abuse perpetrated by teachers, clergy, child-care providers, neighbors, and family members.
The spotlight put on child sexual abuse has also encouraged some of today’s victims–still kids–to come forward, though there is still much work to be done to expose abusers and get yet unidentified victims help.
Statistics from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) show the prevalence of child sexual abuse. According to their research:
- Child Protective Services substantiates evidence for claims of child sexual abuse every nine minutes
- One in nine girls and one in 20 boys under age 18 will experience sexual abuse
- 82% of victims under age 18 are female
- 93% of abusers are known to their victims–59% are acquaintances, and 34% are family members
The National Children’s Alliance also recognizes the continuing disgrace of child sexual abuse. Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) investigated 236,601 cases involving sexual abuse allegations in a recent year, representing about 55% of all abuse cases. Though not every case led to “disclosure, charges, or conviction,” the Alliance recognizes that staggering number as an indication that child sexual abuse is a widespread scourge.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
What You Can Expect from a Child Sex Abuse Settlement
Since all child sex abuse cases are different, it is not possible to offer an average settlement amount. But at White Law PLLC, we fight for the maximum compensation available to you based on the circumstances of your case. You can rely on us to account for every element of your suffering and loss when calculating a demand.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges the many potential outcomes of child sexual abuse, including:
- Sexually transmitted infection
- Physical injuries
- Chronic conditions that may not appear until later in life
- Depression
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Suicidal ideation
- Substance abuse
Many victims also experience lost opportunities because of their abuse. The psychological trauma prevents them from maintaining relationships or employment, costing them continuing emotional and financial costs and destroying their quality of life.
Your Michigan sexual abuse attorney will pursue all damages you can collect in a sex abuse case, seeking full recovery and acknowledgment for every loss you have sustained.
How We Fight for You
Child sexual abuse victims often feel unseen and isolated. From the start, White Law PLLC will work to make sure you know you are not alone. With us, you have a loyal partner and fierce advocate in your fight for justice.
Our team knows what kind of evidence you need in a sex abuse lawsuit and will search to find every shred available. We may find physical evidence, especially for more recent cases. We will also review medical records for evidence of abuse and track down witnesses or other potential victims–our insightful team knows where to look and how to look for evidence and will leave no potential sources unsearched.
After valuing your case and sending a demand to your abuser’s representatives, we will work to negotiate a just settlement amount without you ever having to enter a courtroom. That said, we will not encourage you to accept less than you deserve just to avoid a trial. Our goal is to maximize your compensation and justice, whether through a settlement or trial verdict.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
What We Promise
While we cannot promise or predict an average settlement amount, we can promise to provide you with exceptional legal representation, compassionate support, and tireless advocacy. Filing a child sex abuse lawsuit in Michigan is an act of courage and can be intimidating. We are here to help you through it.
It is important to connect with a child sex abuse attorney as soon as possible. If your abuse is recent, or you are coming to us on behalf of a child recently abused, the sooner we can begin the investigation, the better. Physical evidence is prominent, and a witness’s memory may be more accessible within a closer time frame to the violation.
Michigan has extended the statute of limitations for child sex abuse cases in recent years. If your abuse happened years ago, you may still have grounds to file a claim. Do not assume it is too late for justice before speaking with White Law PLLC.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Fight for the Maximum
Those who sexually abuse children can inflict a lifetime of trauma on their victims. Most would agree that no dollar amount can make up for the devastation. While that may be true, victims still deserve substantial compensation. The truth is, money matters–and in the case of child sexual abuse, it attaches a concrete value and acknowledgment to victims’ suffering.
Demanding a settlement also forces personal accountability–abusers have to pay for what they have done out of their own pockets. White Law PLLC may not be able to calculate an average settlement for child sex abuse, but we can calculate a maximum settlement for your case–and we will fight tirelessly to deliver it.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
