Sexual abuse can devastate an individual, their family, and community. The fault and shame can be given only to the person who perpetrated the abuse. A Roseville personal injury lawyer with White Law PLLC is committed to helping survivors of sexual abuse hold their abuser accountable.
Our Roseville sexual abuse lawyer is trauma-informed and familiar with the nuances of sexual abuse cases. We have received recognition from several major news outlets and publications for our work in the community. If you are trying to cope with sexual abuse in Roseville, we are available to review your case.
Sexual Abuse in Roseville
Sexual abuse is a plague in every part of the United States. When we talk about sexual assault, the Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN) tells us that an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. Further, only about 2.5% of sexual abusers will end up in prison.
These low incarceration rates are due, in part, to the way our criminal justice system manages these cases. Survivors are often concerned they will not be believed, or they do not want to face additional traumatization from the trial process.
White Law PLLC is passionate about providing trauma-informed representation in sexual abuse cases as part of combatting this problem.
Defining Sexual Abuse
A critical component of handling sexual abuse cases is having a complete understanding of the behaviors that may include sexual abuse. Older understandings may only include a violent, penetrative assault from a stranger.
However, our sexual abuse lawyer in Roseville understands that sexual abuse can look many ways, including:
- Any form of sexual contact without consent. This can mean the person withdrew consent, did not give consent, or was unable to due to incapacitation, inebriation, or legal standing
- Coerced sexual contact
- Groping or fondling
- Unwanted sexually explicit messages, statements, or videos
Additionally, there are some professional settings in which the established power dynamic removes the ability to consent. Examples of this may be a relationship between a mental health provider or physician with their patient or a clergy member with a vulnerable member of their congregation. If you have concerns about whether an upsetting sexual encounter meets the legal definition of abuse, you can speak with an attorney.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
The Benefits of a Sexual Abuse Lawyer
The decision to pursue legal action against the person who abused you is monumental. Many survivors share that this is a way to take back their power and ensure they are heard, stating they feel a sense of closure regardless of the outcome.
When you choose to contact a sexual abuse attorney in Roseville, MI, there are many ways we can help, including:
- We have an extensive understanding of the legal process in civil lawsuits against a sexual abuser
- Our firm knows what to look for while we investigate your abuse to build a case
- We may have referrals to resources like counseling, physical therapists, and medical staff that specialize in working with survivors of sexual abuse
- We can help you determine the value of your damages to recover the highest compensation available
- We act as a point of contact and buffer for all interactions regarding your case. This means all calls and information go through us first, and we prepare you before you must have contact or interactions with the opposing parties
- We can accompany you to depositions, court hearings, and even to trial if that is deemed necessary
Engaging in a lawsuit for sexual abuse can be grueling, requiring you to bring up difficult memories and complicated, painful feelings. When you have the representation of a sexual abuse lawyer in Roseville, MI, you have someone on your side. At White Law PLLC, we fight to protect your rights at every stage.
Civil Sexual Abuse Cases Vs. Criminal Charges
Whether your case is being handled by the state prosecutor with your participation or you are not pursuing criminal charges, you may wonder why you need a sexual abuse attorney in Roseville.
Put simply, the criminal case is meant to determine the guilt or punishment of the offender, but in many cases, you may still be eligible to file a civil lawsuit to recover damages directly. If you choose to pursue a civil lawsuit, regardless of whether you pursue a criminal case, you need to have your own representation to protect your interests.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Compensation in a Roseville Sexual Abuse Case
Your motivation for pursuing a civil lawsuit against the person who abused you may be for financial compensation or simply accountability. Many components to valuing and assessing damages in a case like this make it nearly impossible to value without thorough consideration. However, some of the more common losses include:
- Medical costs
- Mental health therapy costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income or earning potential
- Decreased quality of life
Additional considerations to your overall compensation may include the strength of your evidence or how long ago the abuse occurred.
Just because your abuse happened years or even decades ago does not mean you are not able to recover compensation for your losses. In some cases, the additional years of pain and suffering may add to the value of damages, but you can discuss your situation with an attorney for a clearer picture of what to expect.
Punitive Damages
Michigan does not award punitive damages in the same way many other states may. So, while you are not likely to get punitive damages in Michigan, you may have the opportunity to recover compensation beyond your compensatory damages. You can discuss your situation with your attorney to determine if you may be eligible for exemplary damages.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Call a Roseville Sexual Abuse Attorney Today
Sexual abuse is an unconscionable evil. At White Law PLLC, our team is dedicated to helping survivors seek justice and holding abusers accountable.
If you are ready to take a stand in this way, call us today and schedule a free case consultation. This consultation allows us to discuss your case and explain the available options.
If you are putting your life together after sexual abuse, you may benefit from the closure of being heard by the courts and knowing that your story may inspire others to come forward.
The decision to call us is yours, but know that your experience is valid. When you’re ready to call us, we will be here to help you reclaim your narrative and continue your journey to recovery.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
