Trying to live your life as normally as possible after experiencing sexual abuse or learning that someone you love has been sexually abused can seem impossible. You may be undergoing extensive medical treatment and mental health counseling and find it difficult to focus on anything other than the trauma of your experience.
However, with the right Macomb sexual abuse lawyer from White Law PLLC on your side, you can regain control of your life and hold your abuser accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Law enforcement officials and prosecutors will determine whether your abuser and those who facilitated the abuse will face criminal charges. But when you decide to take action on your legal claim, you can demand they be brought to justice in civil court as well.
Consult a reputable Macomb personal injury lawyer at our firm 24/7 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the steps you will need to take to move forward with your sexual abuse lawsuit.
What Constitutes Sexual Abuse Under Michigan Law
According to the State of Michigan, multiple types of sex offenses could constitute sexual abuse. Understanding these crimes can help you determine whether you have grounds for a legal claim against your abuser and others who may be responsible for the abuse you endured. Some examples of sex offenses that You may be able to sue for include:
- Criminal sexual conduct under MCL Section 750.520b – If one person pressures or forces another into engaging in any type of unwanted sexual contact, this could be considered sexual assault. Some examples could include unwanted touching of genitals or sexual penetration.
- Child molestation or sexual abuse under MCL Section 750.136b – When an adult engages in sexual contact with a child, it is a criminal offense. Examples could include manipulation, taking inappropriate photos, sexual touching, or penetration.
- Rape under MCL Section 750.520d – When a perpetrator forces sexual penetration on someone who cannot give their consent due to age or intoxication or otherwise does not consent to the encounter, the perpetrator can be charged with rape.
- Incest under MCL Section 750.520e – Anytime close biologically-related family members engage in sexual contact, incest charges may apply. This is most often reported between adult family members and children.
These are just a few examples of sexual abuse. Many other types of behaviors could constitute sexual abuse and warrant legal action. Revenge porn, making inappropriate sexual comments to children, or perpetrators having sex in front of children is also considered sexual abuse and may leave the perpetrator open to both civil and criminal liability.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Signs of Sexual Abuse
The signs of sexual abuse may not always be clear, and breaking the silence about their abuse can seem impossible to survivors of sexual abuse. Even people closest to individuals who have been abused may not always pick up on the red flags. However, according to RAINN, some of the telltale signs of sexual abuse could include:
- Decrease in self-image or confidence
- Depression or anxiety
- Increased promiscuity
- Keeping secrets
- Loss of interest in activities and people
- Nightmares
- Not wanting to be left alone with certain people
- Over compliance
- Regression
- Self-isolation
- Self-harming behaviors
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Substance or drug abuse
- Sudden mood swings
- Unexplained injuries
- Weight loss or gain
Of course, these are just a few signs that someone you love may have been victimized by sexual abuse. Although one or two of these signs may not be a cause for concern, when you are noticing multiple signs that your loved ones are not themselves, it may be time to raise your concerns.
Do not pressure survivors to talk about their ordeal, but be there for them when they decide how they want to handle it and encourage them by providing support for victims of sexual assault.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Legal Options Our Macomb Sexual Abuse Attorneys Will Explore
There are multiple ways your Macomb sexual abuse attorney with White Law PLLC may be able to help you bring your abuser and other at-fault parties to justice. Depending on your relationship with the abuser, you may have the opportunity to file a claim against their insurance policy. It may surprise you to learn that some businesses do purchase protection against sexual abuse allegations.
However, this insurance settlement may not cover the full value of your damages or ongoing losses. For this reason, it is important to keep your options open. In many cases, filing a personal injury lawsuit is one of the best ways to ensure the at-fault party is held to account.
When your sexual abuse lawsuit goes to trial, you are demanding full reimbursement for your damages and suffering. No amount of money will ever change what happened or ease the pain of the trauma you went through. However, this may be your best opportunity to take justice into your own hands.
Criminal Charges Differ From Your Civil Suit
It should be noted that criminal charges are much different from civil lawsuits. The district attorney will decide whether formal criminal charges should be filed. According to the Committee on Model Criminal Jury Instructions, the burden of proof in criminal cases is beyond a reasonable doubt. If the state does not feel it has enough evidence to secure a guilty verdict, it may not pursue the case.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Get Help From a Highly Experienced Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Macomb, MI Today
Your life may be turned upside down by the trauma of the sexual abuse you experienced, but you have the power to build a brighter tomorrow. When you feel empowered to take action against your abuser and anyone who allowed the abuse to occur, you can not only ensure this reprehensible conduct is answered for but potentially prevent future instances of sexual abuse or assault.
You do not need to take on your case alone when you have the advice, resources, and representation of a trial-tested sexual abuse attorney in Macomb, MI, from White Law PLLC.
Our legal team has over 30 years of trial experience and has successfully recovered over $1.4 billion in trial verdicts and insurance settlements. We are prepared to put our firm to work for you and your family when you need us most. Fill out our secured contact form or call our office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as today.
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