Haslett Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Survivors of sexual abuse often face immense emotional and physical challenges while searching for justice. Your compassionate Haslett sexual abuse lawyer with White Law PLLC has represented over 35,000 injury victims and accident survivors over the last 20 years. 

A Haslett personal injury lawyer from our firm is prepared to provide the experienced legal guidance you deserve, so contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and take your first step toward rebuilding your life.

Common Types of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can take many forms, each with its own devastating impact on survivors. Recognizing the types of abuse can help you and your family understand your options for demanding justice. 

Some of the most common types of sexual abuse seen in Haslett and the surrounding areas include:

Clergy Abuse

Clergy abuse involves misconduct by religious leaders, often targeting vulnerable individuals such as children or parishioners. These cases often involve a breach of trust and can cause profound emotional and spiritual harm. Under MCL Section 722.623, clergy members are mandated reporters in Michigan, meaning they are required to report suspected abuse to authorities.

Survivors of clergy abuse may pursue legal action against the abuser and the institution that failed to prevent the harm. Compensation can address medical costs, therapy, and non-economic damages like emotional distress.

 Your Haslett clergy sexual abuse lawyer with White Law PLLC can help you build the strongest case possible against your abuser and anyone else who may share liability for your trauma.

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual harassment in the workplace includes unwelcome advances, inappropriate comments, and coercion. These behaviors create a hostile work environment and can escalate to physical misconduct. Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act protects employees from harassment based on sex or gender.

Abuse in Educational Settings

Sexual abuse in schools or universities often involves teachers, coaches, or other authority figures taking advantage of students. Survivors may face significant barriers to reporting due to fear of retaliation or disbelief. 

Educational institutions have a legal obligation to protect students and investigate complaints, and under Title IX, schools must implement policies to prevent and address sexual misconduct. 

Online Exploitation and Sextortion

Online exploitation and sextortion involve individuals using digital platforms to coerce victims into sending explicit content or engaging in sexual activities. These crimes often target minors but can impact individuals of all ages. Some of the most common tactics used in these cases include:

• Threats of exposure – Perpetrators may threaten to share private content unless the victim complies with their demands.
• Impersonation – Abusers often pose as trusted individuals to gain access to personal information or images.
• Unlawful recordings – Recording or distributing explicit content without consent constitutes a federal offense.

Abuse in Care Facilities

Abuse in care facilities targets vulnerable individuals, including the elderly or those with disabilities. These incidents often go unreported due to isolation or fear of retaliation. Some of the most common forms of abuse in these settings include:

• Physical misconduct – Unwanted contact or invasive procedures under the guise of care.
• Verbal harassment – Inappropriate comments or threats designed to intimidate residents.
• Neglect or coercion – Failing to address medical needs or manipulating residents into unwanted acts.

Consider Your Opportunities for Legal Recourse

Sexual abuse survivors have several legal options for survivors of child sexual abuse who are ready to seek justice and fair compensation. These options typically involve reporting the abuse to law enforcement, pursuing claims through insurance, or filing civil lawsuits. Here is more about the options that may be available depending on the circumstances of your case:

Reporting Abuse to Law Enforcement

Reporting abuse to the police initiates an investigation that may lead to criminal charges. Law enforcement gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and works with prosecutors to hold abusers accountable. You can also request a protective order to limit contact with the abuser.

Filing a police report creates an official record of the incident, which may be used in criminal or civil proceedings. You can report abuse directly to local law enforcement or through Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Your sexual abuse lawyer in Haslett, MI, will be by your side every step of the way to help you navigate an already emotionally taxing claims process. 

Filing Claims through Insurance

Churches, schools, or organizations often carry liability insurance that covers sexual abuse and molestation claims. You may be able to file a claim to recover compensation for medical expenses, therapy, and other damages. These claims may proceed alongside criminal charges or civil lawsuits.

Pursuing Civil Lawsuits

Filing a civil lawsuit allows survivors to hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable for their harm. Civil claims often include compensation for economic and non-economic damages, such as therapy costs and emotional trauma. Michigan law provides survivors with specific timelines to file lawsuits under MCL Section 600.5805.

What to Expect from the Sexual Abuse Claims Process

The sexual abuse claims process involves several steps designed to help survivors seek justice and compensation. Understanding each step can prepare you for what to expect and how to protect your rights. Here is a general overview of the claims process for sexual abuse survivors:

1. Initial consultation – Survivors meet with a legal team to discuss their case and evaluate their options. 
2. Filing a claim or lawsuit – After evaluating the case, the legal team files a claim with the relevant party, such as an insurer or the court. 
3. Investigation and discovery – Both sides gather evidence to build their cases. 

Many states are starting to change legislation to increase the statute of limitations currently in place. We are hopeful that this will hold true for the state of Michigan as well. If you are a victim of sexual abuse and it has been more than three years since the abuse occurred or you are older than 28, please find the courage to reach out, as we may still be able to help you with your claim.

Trust in a Reputable Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Haslett for Help Today

Whether you are facing extensive therapy costs while trying to overcome anxiety that affects their ability to work or study or were abused in a care facility and struggling to find a safe environment where you can heal and rebuild your life, you deserve compassionate legal representation. 

Thankfully, your sexual abuse attorney in Haslett, MI, with White Law PLLC, is ready to fight for the justice you deserve. Connect with our legal firm by phone or through our quick contact form to schedule your no-cost, risk-free, confidential consultation as soon as today.