Royal Oak Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Sexual abuse is something all too familiar to an unfathomable number of people in today’s society, Royal Oaks included. The choice to come forward and seek justice after sexual abuse is not one that someone makes with ease.

Our White Law PLLC Royal Oak sexual abuse lawyer is familiar with the delicate nature of a case like this and aims to empower survivors of sexual abuse to share their stories and hold perpetrators accountable. 

White Law PLLC has a decades-long reputation for successfully handling cases involving sexual abuse. Fighting for our clients is our highest priority, and because of that, with the help of our Royal Oak personal injury lawyer, we have recovered over a billion dollars in settlements for victims and their families.

The only person to blame for sexual abuse is the perpetrator, and we want to help you make that happen.

Understanding Sexual Abuse in the United States

Our firm has received national recognition for our work with survivors of sexual abuse. This roster includes a global settlement of $380 million on the Larry Nassar case, which was featured in the NY Post. What we have learned from this experience is that our sexual abuse lawyer in Royal Oaks and every other member of our team will always have perpetrators to face alongside survivors of their abuse. 

The prevalence of sexual abuse today is staggering. The Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN) shares statistics showing the scope of the problem is pervasive, with nearly 500,000 members of the general public, 60,000 children, 80,000 inmates, and nearly 19,000 military personnel having experienced some degree of unwanted sexual contact or abuse. Further, fewer than 25% of perpetrators will ever face jail time. 

Types of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is not just the situations we see depicted in the media of a violent assault or the neighbor who abuses a child. While those certainly are sexual abuse, it can also be more subtle than that. Examples may include:

• spousal rape
• sexual coercion 
• revenge porn  
• nonconsensual exposure to pornography

Myths About Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse and those who perpetrate it are often different than what we might expect. White Law PLLC understands the way ideas like the monster myth negatively impact survivors of sexual abuse. We know that perpetrators don’t always look like what we expect and that most perpetrators have likely put effort into becoming a trusted part of your life. 

The idea that a respected member of society is not someone who would perpetrate sexual abuse is not one that we abide by. Our Royal Oak clergy sexual abuse lawyer can speak first-hand about how trusted members of society can commit unspeakable acts. Sexual abuse is never the fault of the victim.

Long-Term Effects of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse, and particularly child sexual abuse (CSA), leaves lasting scars on the most resilient survivors. Our Royal Oak sexual abuse attorney regularly works with survivors who have complex needs due to their abuse. RAINN also lists some of these lingering effects to include:

• Self-harm
• Dissociation
• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• PTSD
• Sexual hyperactivity 
• Eating disorders

While some survivors may recover from these symptoms with time and therapy, many will continue to struggle with symptoms for the rest of their lives. Particularly in cases of CSA, these symptoms can have dramatic effects on a person’s ability to form or maintain healthy relationships. Some individuals may even engage in behavior that puts them at an increased risk of sexual revictimization, often in an attempt to cope with what happened to them.

Symptoms of Rape Trauma Syndrome and PTSD

Rape Trauma Syndrome is a cluster of symptoms commonly experienced by those who have survived sexual abuse. The mayo clinic identifies symptoms of rape trauma syndrome as similar to post-traumatic stress disorder but specifically associated with sexual assault and abuse. These include:

• Mental fog
• Emotional overwhelm 
• Lack of motivation
• Anxiety
• Mood swings

These symptoms will often come in three phases. The immediate phase is in the midst of the trauma and shortly after. The underground and resolution phases occur as you try to move on from the event, begin to work through what has happened, and adjust to your new normal. 

Compensation Available in a Royal Oak Sexual Abuse Case

The injuries someone sustains after sexual abuse can be extensive and significantly affect the quality of life, even with minimal physical injuries. When our sexual abuse lawyer in Royal Oak speaks with you about damages, you may claim these injuries are part of what will be considered. Some of the common damages claimed include:

• Lost wages from work missed during recovery or from the abuse
• Medical costs
• Costs of therapeutic interventions
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life

Punitive and Exemplary Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the offender acted particularly maliciously and are meant as a punishment for the defendant and a deterrent for similar behavior in the future. However, if you want punitive damages in Michigan, you should be aware that they are not often given as in other states. You may have to seek exemplary damages instead, which are also less often assigned. 

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is something to consider while determining whether you want to pursue a civil lawsuit. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Michigan is generally about three years. However, these timelines may vary in certain situations, so speaking with a Royal Oak sexual abuse lawyer is the best way to determine how much time you have available.  

Call a Sexual Abuse Attorney in Royal Oak

Sexual abuse is horrific regardless of the severity. Our sexual abuse attorney in Royal Oak is prepared to help you tell your story and seek justice against the person who perpetrated your abuse. White Law PLLC has years of experience fighting for survivors of sexual abuse and endeavors to use that experience to fight with you. 

We understand the necessity of taking control back and we want to help you do that when you are ready. You can contact us for a free case consultation, and we offer a contingency based payment plan so you do not owe us anything until we recover compensation. Call us today to take control of what happened to you.