Port Huron Sexual Abuse Lawyer

If you are a sexual abuse survivor, you have the right to hold liable parties accountable. A Port Huron sexual abuse lawyer puts your best interests front and center. They understand the emotional, psychological, and physical toll of abuse and can help you pursue justice and damages from anyone who has harmed you. 

White Law PLLC has nationally recognized trial attorneys on staff. We have helped our clients recover over $1.4 billion in compensatory damages in personal injury cases and will assist you in any way we can with your sex abuse case. Request a free case consultation with a Port Huron personal injury lawyer from our team. 

Who Can Be Ordered to Pay Damages in a Port Huron Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

A teacher, doctor, or another individual perpetrator can be required to pay damages. In addition, there are times when an institution can be held accountable for sexual abuse. Institutions named as defendants in sexual abuse lawsuits can include:

• Churches
• Schools
• Daycare or after-school care providers
• Summer camps
• Detention center

White Law PLLC understands just how difficult it can be to request damages from individuals or institutions liable for sex abuse. A Port Huron sexual abuse attorney is empathetic and caring, and we will do everything we can to assist you during your legal proceedings. Contact us for more information. 

How Much Time You Have to Sue for Sexual Abuse

Per Michigan Compiled Laws section 600.5805, the statute of limitations for a personal injury is generally three years. In a sex abuse case, you may have up to 10 years to sue for damages. With child sexual abuse, survivors may have until they are 28 years old to seek compensation from any liable parties. 

A sexual abuse lawyer in Port Huron, MI, can discuss the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Michigan and other legal topics relating to your lawsuit.

It can be tough to gain the courage to move forward with a lawsuit. Your lawyer is your legal advocate and representative and, as such, will help evaluate your legal options carefully. 

Unfortunately, filing a lawsuit does not automatically mean you will recover damages. Your lawyer can help you build a body of evidence to support your case. If you have an abundance of evidence, the defendant in your lawsuit may struggle to dispute your claims against them. 

What to Expect If You File a Sex Abuse Lawsuit

A sex abuse lawsuit is part of the public record. However, you may be able to keep your identity confidential. A sexual abuse attorney in Port Huron, MI, can explain how to maintain privacy throughout your litigation. 

The defendant in your lawsuit could argue that they are facing false allegations of sexual abuse. To contest the defendant’s argument, your lawyer may use DNA evidence, audio and video recordings, and other evidence. With a compelling body of proof, a judge or jury may be inclined to award you damages. 

If the defendant in your lawsuit is concerned about the strength of your argument, they may propose a settlement. You are not legally obligated to approve a settlement. If you want to obtain the best case results and believe your lawsuit warrants a trial, you can present your argument to a judge or jury. 

Damages that You Could Receive in Your Lawsuit

Economic and non-economic damages are available in Michigan personal injury cases. A sexual abuse lawyer in Port Huron can teach you about both types of damages. They will encourage you to ask for compensation for many reasons, such as:

• Medical bills
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment

How much you get in damages depends on your case. Your attorney will work diligently to prepare an argument designed to show a judge or jury that you should be awarded compensation.

Throughout your litigation, your lawyer can address your legal concerns and questions and make sure that you are fully prepared for your trial date.

What Can Happen if Sexual Abuse Goes Unreported 

The thought of reporting sexual abuse to the authorities can be overwhelming. You may have concerns about retaliation by a perpetrator or whether the authorities will believe you. Alternatively, if you choose not to report sexual abuse, a perpetrator could try to hurt you again or harm someone else. 

Our team wants to help those who are struggling to decide how to deal with the aftermath of their respective situations. It can be stressful and exhausting to determine what course of action to take relative to your case. Your lawyer can address your legal concerns and questions and teach you about the ramifications of any decisions you make. 

If you sue for damages, your lawyer can guide you through the legal process. Regardless of what happens during your litigation, your lawyer offers legal services and support.

They want you to feel confident about your legal representation and will commit time and resources to help you prove that the defendant in your lawsuit should be punished for their actions. 

How a Sex Abuse Civil Case Differs from Criminal Litigation

In a civil lawsuit, you can request compensation from someone based on sex abuse. The lawsuit could allow you to recover damages for your quantifiable and subjective losses. You may have the option to settle your lawsuit without a trial. 

A person can be charged criminally for sexual abuse. If convicted, they could receive a prison sentence, fines, probation, and other penalties. The conviction can appear on their criminal record. 

If you are unsure of your legal options, consult with a lawyer. Next, your attorney can learn about your case and provide legal recommendations and suggestions. They can also explain what civil and criminal actions you can take.

Request Legal Help with Your Sex Abuse Case

White Law PLLC takes sexual abuse seriously, and we want to help you with your case. Our legal team is available to discuss your case and can help you determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit. Contact us today for more information.