If you have suffered sexual abuse at the hands of individuals who were supposed to be caring for you, you may have the right to sue them for the damages you have endured. Even if you were not in the care of the individual or entity that abused you, you can still hold them accountable for their actions. Take back control of your life with the assistance of a dedicated and compassionate Kalamazoo sexual abuse lawyer.
White Law PLLC has been helping victims recover compensation with a track record of over $1.4 billion and counting. With our firm, you will be treated with respect and care for the devastating effects of the abuse you have suffered. Connect with a Kalamazoo personal injury lawyer today to discuss the details of your case, how much your claim could be worth, and what your best next steps might be.
Your Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Kalamazoo Can Help in Many Ways
The Kalamazoo sexual abuse lawyer at White Law PLLC has decades of combined experience working through the criminal and civil courts in Michigan. We have the knowledge you need on your side to hold the liable parties accountable. Some of the ways we can help you recoup your damages include:
Knowing the Laws that Can Affect Your Claim
Traditionally, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is only three years from the date of the incident. However, victims of sexual abuse have up to ten years to pursue their case under MCL §600.5805. Even with this additional time to file a lawsuit against your abuser, do not hesitate, or valuable evidence may be lost.
Our Record Speaks for Itself
You can easily see that White Law PLLC has had tremendous success in advocating for victims of sexual abuse by viewing our case results. In the notorious case of Larry Nassar abusing girls and young women under his care, we were able to recover over 1 billion dollars globally for the victims in that case, as described in our statement on the finalized Larry Nassar settlement. Do not be concerned that just because your case may not have a famous villain, we will still fight tirelessly for the compensation that you rightfully deserve.
There Are Many Types of Sexual Abuse
Under Michigan Law, many types of sexual abuse are covered by MCL-328-1931-LXXVI. While many of the laws contained in this statute cover criminal charges related to sexual abuse, we can still pursue a civil case against your abuser even if they can beat the criminal charges. We can help you pursue the justice you need to move on with your life.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Criminal Charges and Civil Claims Have Different Standards for Proof
While many people understand that when it comes to criminal charges, guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This means the prosecution must prove that the accused perpetrator undoubtedly committed the crime for which they are being tried. The outcome of the criminal case against your abuser may have some bearing on your case, but your sexual abuse lawyer in Kalamazoo will do everything they can to obtain a favorable outcome for your civil case.
For civil personal injury cases, there is a different standard. As described by the Michigan Rules of Evidence, for civil cases, the outcome will be based on the preponderance of the evidence. This means that your injuries and damages were more than likely caused by the defendant.
If your abuser is found guilty in a criminal case against them, is sentenced, pays their fines, and completes their incarceration, you can still pursue your civil case against them. If your abuser was part of your congregation or a pastor, your Kalamazoo clergy sexual abuse lawyer can even begin working on your case if your abuser is still in prison and will not be out for several years, as we prioritize clergy abuse survivors and their road to recovery. However, we must file your civil case before the 10-year statute of limitations runs out under MCL §600.5805.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Sexual Abuse FAQ
If you have been subjected to sexual abuse by a family member, friend, or complete stranger, you may be terrified and confused as to what your next steps should be. We have compiled this quick FAQ to help answer some of the most common questions our clients have had for us over the years. If your specific questions are not answered here, contact us for a free and confidential consultation and we can help guide you through the legal process.
What Damages Can I Sue My Abuser For?
Your abuser can be held liable for all the ways your life has been affected. This can include economic damages you have suffered, such as medical bills from treatments, lost wages from an inability to work, and any other financial hardship you have suffered due to the abuse you have endured. We can assist you in understanding what can fall into this category and form the beginning of your claim.
Non-economic damages include ways your life has been affected but are intangible and do not have fixed financial values. Some examples include pain and suffering, fear of certain people or places, or loss of enjoyment of life. Because these do not have predetermined values, they can be difficult to calculate, but your Kalamazoo sexual abuse attorney can help you understand how to value these difficulties you otherwise would not have to deal with.
What Is the Process for Recovering Damages from Your Abuser?
After your initial consultation with our law firm, your Kalamazoo sexual abuse lawyer can help you understand the process for recovering damages. Although it will be difficult, we will need to know the details of your abuse, who was involved, and when it happened to ensure we can file your lawsuit within the legal limit. We can then enter into a contingency agreement per Michigan Court Rule 8.121, which means you will not have to pay anything upfront for our services, and we will only get paid when we win your case and recovery compensation for you.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Contact Us for Legal Knowledge and Support During Your Civil Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
White Law PLLC has a wealth of experience in seeking justice for the victims of sexual abuse. You can feel confident that your Kalamazoo sexual abuse attorney will have your best interests in mind and will treat you with the respect and dignity you deserve. Take back control of your life and show your abuser you are not afraid to hold them accountable.
We are proud to pursue justice for victims of these heinous crimes, and we have the record to build your confidence. Do not waste another second before you demand justice. Connect with our legal team now by calling our law office or completing our convenient contact form and scheduling your free consultation as soon as today.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
