After enduring sexual abuse or assault, you may be anxious to bring your abuser to justice. In addition to filing a report with local law enforcement officials, you may be wondering whether there are other opportunities for legal recourse. However, you may have no idea what type of lawyer deals with sexual abuse cases or whether you have grounds for a claim.
Lansing sexual abuse lawyers can fight for the compensation you need to cover your expenses and get through some of the most difficult times in your life.
By filing a personal injury lawsuit against your abuser, you can take back control of your life and feel empowered to make your abuser and those who facilitated the abuse pay for what they did to you. Here is more about the type of lawyer that deals with sexual abuse cases and what to expect if you decide to take civil action.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help With Your Sexual Abuse Case
Having the right legal representative guide you after everything you have been through is crucial. The last thing you likely want to do is take on a civil lawsuit, but the sooner you get started on your case, the greater the chances of accessing evidence we can use to help establish your abuser’s liability for your suffering. However, selecting a traditional personal injury lawyer may not always be the best option.
Finding a personal injury law firm that has extensive experience handling sexual abuse cases is a stronger alternative. White Law PLLC has taken on many sexual abuse lawsuits over the years, gaining nationwide recognition for our representation of Larry Nassar abuse victims. We understand how overwhelming and intimidating this time in your life must be, and we aim to make the claims process as stress-free as possible.
Advantages of Having a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Support You
The advantages of having a sexual abuse attorney who specializes in cases similar to yours are undeniable. However, finding these law firms can be more difficult than you might expect. Some of the top benefits of having White Law PLLC take on your case include:
- Gaining insight into the requirements that come with a sexual abuse lawsuit.
- Ensuring that your claim is filed before the statute of limitations expires as described under MCL Section 600.5805.
- Exploring your legal options for financial relief.
- Accessing resources for survivors of sexual abuse.
- Identifying anyone who may share liability for the sexual abuse you experienced.
- Calculating the value of your economic and non-economic damages to ensure you receive total compensation.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit or claim against the at-fault party’s insurance policy, depending on the circumstances of your case.
- Filing all necessary pre-trial motions and representing you at any hearings.
- Advocating for your rights if your case goes to trial.
- Representing you if the defendant files an appeal.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
How Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Are Different From Criminal Cases
Sexual abuse lawsuits are much different from criminal cases. Although both are ways of holding abusers and other at-fault parties accountable, the requirements and consequences of each are much different. Here is more about some of the differences between criminal cases and sexual abuse lawsuits.
Understanding Sexual Abuse Criminal Cases vs. Sexual Abuse Civil Lawsuits
Civil sexual abuse lawsuits start when your Lansing catastrophic injury lawyer initiates an investigation into the defendant’s conduct. However, criminal investigations begin once the sexual abuse has been reported to law enforcement officials. Your legal team will be responsible for investigating your civil claim, while the criminal case will be investigated by law enforcement officials and prosecuted by the district attorney.
When criminal charges are filed, the defendant will face criminal penalties. This might include jail time, prison, fines, and the requirement that they register as a sex offender upon their release. However, in civil court, if the defendant is liable, they will not face a criminal penalty but will instead be ordered to compensate you for the total value of your economic and non-economic damages.
Additionally, the burden of proof is much different in sexual abuse lawsuits versus criminal cases. For the jury to convict the defendant in criminal court, guilt must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, according to the Committee on Model Criminal Jury Instructions. In civil court, the burden of proof is based on a preponderance of the evidence according to the Michigan Rules of Evidence, which simply means the evidence presented must be clear and convincing.
Establishing Liability After Sexual Abuse
There are several parties who could be sued if you have been sexually abused. Multiple factors will be taken into consideration when identifying these parties. Some of the questions we might ask when determining who should be held accountable for the abuse you suffered include:
- Did the school or organization have policies in place to handle sexual abuse allegations?
- Did the school organization follow these policies?
- Was a background check performed on the abuser prior to their hiring?
- Did the defendant’s employment history show any indication that they could commit sexual abuse?
- Did the school or organization attempt to coerce or intimidate the victim into not reporting the abuse or talking about it?
- Did anyone attempt to conceal allegations, evidence, or reports of sexual abuse?
Get Help From a Respected Lansing Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you or someone you love has been sexually abused, holding the abuser accountable to the full extent of the law may be one of your top priorities. While you may not have any control over whether the district attorney decides to prosecute your abuser or those who facilitated the abuse, you do have the power to decide whether you want to bring them to justice in civil court.
You have the right to be made whole when someone else’s negligent or wrongful actions result in catastrophic injury, extreme emotional distress, or astronomical financial losses. With help from a Lansing personal injury lawyer at White Law PLLC, you can feel confident moving forward with your case against your abuser.
This could be one of your only opportunities to tell your side of the story and fight to ensure the at-fault parties are made to answer for their reprehensible actions. When you are ready to take back control of your future but are unsure of where to begin, do not hesitate to fill out our quick contact form or call our office to schedule your confidential and 100% free consultation as soon as today.
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