Sexual abuse is a serious problem with major consequences associated with it. If you are dealing with this issue, it may be best to consult with an Ann Arbor personal injury lawyer. At this point, an Ann Arbor sexual abuse lawyer can go over your legal options with you.
White Law PLLC has earned national recognition from CNN, Time, and other prominent news outlets and publications. Our legal team is available to review your case. To learn more, reach out to us.
How Sexual Abuse Is Defined
An act of sexual abuse occurs when one person performs a sex act against another without consent. The abuse can be traumatic and affect an individual for the rest of their life. Those who are the victims of abuse may struggle to report their perpetrator, but doing so may help them put an end to the harm.
The State of Michigan offers a Sexual Assault Hotline. If you or someone you know is dealing with sex abuse, you can call this hotline for support. You may also reach out to the police for further assistance.
It may be beneficial to consult with a sexual abuse lawyer in Ann Arbor, MI, since they may help you pursue compensation from anyone who hurt you. At White Law PLLC, our attorney can work with you to build a compelling case against a liable party. For more information, contact us today.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Sex Abuse Legal Options
There are legal options for survivors of sexual abuse in Michigan. A sexual abuse attorney in Ann Arbor, MI can discuss these options with you and help you determine the best course of action. They can answer any questions you have about these options, so you will know what to expect if you pursue any of them.
One of the best things to do if you have dealt with sex abuse is to meet with a doctor. This enables you to receive a medical evaluation and treatment for any injuries you have suffered. Next, you may want to seek criminal and civil charges against a liable party.
When you contact the police, they can help you pursue a criminal charge against the party responsible for your abuse. An Ann Arbor sexual abuse attorney may assist you with a civil claim. They can make sure your claim is submitted in accordance with Michigan’s statute of limitations.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
How Much Time You Have to File a Claim
Per Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) §600.5805, you may have a maximum of 10 years to submit your claim. This means you may have up to 10 years from the date you were abused to seek compensation. If you do not file your claim within this window, you may be solely responsible for any losses that you have incurred.
A sexual abuse lawyer in Ann Arbor may encourage you to request economic and non-economic damages. You may receive economic compensation based on your medical bills and other losses you can quantify. A judge or jury may award non-economic compensation for your pain and suffering.
Your lawyer can help you calculate your damages. They may thoroughly review your losses to date and consider any expenses you may incur in the future. This may allow you to pursue a reasonable amount of compensation.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Child Sexual Abuse Claim
If you suffered sex abuse as a child, you may be eligible to file a claim as an adult. To find out how filing a child sex abuse lawsuit in Michigan works, it helps to meet with a lawyer. You and your attorney can determine if you have grounds for a claim.
Before you can submit a claim, you must determine who is liable for your abuse. A clergy member, friend, or other party may be at fault. An Ann Arbor clergy sexual abuse lawyer can help you with your case against clergy members. If a teacher, social worker, or another mandated reporter knew about your abuse but did not notify the authorities about it, they may also be held accountable.
A sexual abuse attorney in Ann Arbor understands that discussing harm you suffered as a child can be extremely difficult. They are empathetic and supportive, and they will do everything within their power to make sure that your legal rights are protected. By discussing your case with an attorney, you may be able to work with them to seek justice for someone who sexually violated you as a child.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Sexual Abuse Case Evidence
To get the best case results, it helps to share an abundance of evidence. You may use physical and digital proof to support your argument. An attorney may help you gather and evaluate evidence.
Physical proof may include samples of DNA, hair, or blood. It may help you show that the defendant in your case was sexually abusive. Your lawyer can help you preserve this evidence and present it to a judge or jury.
Digital evidence may consist of text messages, emails, and other information stored on an electronic device. Your Ann Arbor sexual abuse lawyer may help you go through your prior communications with the defendant. These communications may help you craft an argument that resonates with a judge or jury.
Sex Abuse Case Settlement
Your Ann Arbor sexual abuse lawyer can answer frequently asked questions and others surrounding sex abuse claims. They will assist you at each stage of your litigation. If the defendant in your case proposes a settlement, they can help you decide whether to accept, reject, or counter it.
It may seem like a good idea to approve a settlement, but doing so may actually do more harm than good. For example, you may get a settlement that is far less than what you originally requested in damages. If you accept this offer, you may wind up having to pay some or most of your abuse-related medical costs out of your own pocket.
If you have questions about a settlement proposal, share them with your attorney. This will give you insights into all that a settlement offer entails. You have the final say on an offer, and if you decide to decline it, you and your Ann Arbor sexual abuse attorney can continue with your litigation.
Hire a Lawyer
Legal help is available to sex abuse victims. The team at White Law PLLC may be able to help you with your case. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
