Whether you are a parent who recognized signs of abuse after your child returned from an overnight trip with a trusted adult or are an employee who is bravely coming forward after enduring months of harassment by a supervisor, your abuser and those who facilitated the abuse should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Fortunately, with help from a reputable legal advocate, you have an opportunity to make them pay. The compensation will not make up for or change the trauma of your experience; it will give you a chance to access the financial support you will need to rebuild your life.
Your Kentwood sexual abuse lawyer with White Law PLLC has been advocating for sexual abuse survivors for 20+ years. A Kentwood personal injury lawyer from our firm can help you demand justice and hold abusers accountable.
Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation and learn more about how we can help you through these trying times.
Signs of Sexual Abuse
Recognizing the signs of sexual abuse is critical to identifying when your loved one may need help. These signs can be physical, emotional, or behavioral and may vary widely based on the survivor’s age and circumstances. Some of the most common indicators of sexual abuse include:
- Unexplained injuries – Bruises, cuts, or scars in unusual places may indicate physical contact during abuse.
- Withdrawal or isolation – Abuse survivors may become withdrawn, avoiding social interactions or family gatherings. This behavior can be a coping mechanism to manage shame or fear.
- Regression in behavior – Children who experience abuse may regress to behaviors like bedwetting or thumb-sucking.
- Changes in sleep patterns – Nightmares, insomnia, or excessive sleeping can indicate distress. Survivors often struggle to process their trauma, leading to disrupted sleep.
- Unusual interest or knowledge of sexual behavior – A sudden awareness of inappropriate topics may suggest exposure to abuse. This is especially concerning in younger children who lack the maturity to understand such subjects.
- Physical discomfort or pain – Complaints about soreness or discomfort in sensitive areas may indicate abuse.
- Fear of certain individuals or places – A sudden reluctance to be around specific people or go to certain locations may suggest a link to abuse. Survivors often associate their trauma with those responsible or where the abuse occurred.
- Substance abuse – Survivors may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their trauma.
Recognizing these signs is the first step in seeking justice and providing support for abuse survivors. Your Kentwood sexual abuse attorney can help your family take legal action to hold abusers accountable and protect others from harm. Understanding the full impact of the abuse is critical to building a compelling case against those responsible.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
What to Do if You Suspect a Loved One has been Sexually Abused
If you suspect someone you love has been sexually abused, it is important to act quickly and carefully. Taking the right steps can protect the survivor’s safety and preserve evidence for legal action. Here are some of the most important steps you should take:
- Ensure the survivor’s safety – Remove the survivor from any dangerous environment or contact with the abuser. Ensuring their immediate safety should be the top priority. Reporting the abuse to law enforcement or child protective services may be necessary under MCL Section 722.623.
- Document evidence – Collect evidence such as photographs, medical records, or written statements. This documentation can be critical for legal and investigative purposes. Evidence should be handled carefully to avoid contamination or loss.
- Seek medical attention – A medical evaluation can address physical injuries and identify signs of abuse. Forensic exams may also be conducted to gather evidence of the abuse. Medical professionals trained in trauma care can provide compassionate support.
- Consult a sexual abuse lawyer in Kentwood, MI – Contacting a legal advocate ensures that you understand your rights and options for pursuing justice. We can guide you through reporting the abuse, filing a civil claim, or seeking restraining orders. Our team with White Law PLLC can help you protect the survivor and hold abusers accountable.
Families play a critical role in helping survivors demand justice and hold abusers accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Learn more about understanding the importance of trauma-informed representation in sexual abuse cases and how it can impact the outcome of your case. Our Kentwood sexual abuse lawyers will stop at nothing to maximize your financial compensation.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Demand Full Compensation and the Justice You Deserve
Survivors of sexual abuse often face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Filing a civil claim allows you to seek compensation for the harm you have endured. Some of the most common types of damages that may be recovered in a successful sexual abuse claim include:
Medical Expenses
Survivors of sexual abuse often require extensive medical treatment, including emergency care, therapy, and long-term health interventions. These damages cover the cost of past, present, and future medical needs related to the abuse, such as counseling sessions, physical rehabilitation, and prescriptions.
Survivors may also need specialized care for trauma-related injuries or mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Lost Income
The emotional and physical toll of sexual abuse often prevents survivors from working, leading to lost wages and financial instability. Compensation for lost income includes both past wages and the loss of earning capacity if survivors are unable to return to their previous employment. Survivors who face long-term trauma or physical limitations may also require retraining or job placement assistance.
Emotional Trauma
Sexual abuse leaves deep emotional scars that can manifest as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Compensation for emotional trauma acknowledges the profound psychological impact of the abuse, providing resources for therapy and other mental health treatments. Survivors may struggle with trust issues, social withdrawal, or difficulty maintaining personal relationships, which further impacts their quality of life.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages account for the physical pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by sexual abuse. These non-economic damages are calculated based on the survivor’s testimony, medical evaluations, and the extent of their injuries. Survivors may face ongoing discomfort, fear, or distress that affects their ability to engage in normal activities.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Get Help from a Compassionate Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Kentwood for Help Today
The trauma of abuse can leave lasting emotional and physical scars, making it difficult to regain a sense of normalcy. Your sexual abuse attorney in Kentwood, MI, with White Law PLLC, has the experience and dedication to help you demand the at-fault party be brought to justice.
When you are ready to fight for your right to maximum compensation, reach out to our firm by phone or through our online contact form to schedule your consultation as soon as today.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
