Students attend school to learn and grow into educated young people ready to enter society. Unfortunately, the number of both private and public school students sexually abused by teachers, coaches, and other professional educators is staggering. Anyone who has experienced sexual abuse in Michigan schools has a right to justice and may qualify for a civil lawsuit holding both the school and the abuser accountable for their actions.
Separate from any criminal charges that may be pursued, a Michigan school sexual abuse lawyer can help you demand a settlement that can support you in recovery as well as provide peace of mind that the abuser has been held accountable.
At White Law PLLC, fighting for our clients is our highest priority, and we pride ourselves in bringing home successful settlements totaling over $1.37 billion, supporting survivors of sexual assault, clergy abuse, and school sexual abuse cases.
A Michigan sexual abuse lawyer from our firm is ready to listen to your story, compile evidence for your case, and work tirelessly to hold your abuser and other negligent parties accountable for their actions.
Sexual Abuse in Michigan Schools
Our Michigan personal injury lawyers can help with your case. An estimated 10% of K-12 students will experience some form of sexual abuse or misconduct from a school employee by the time they graduate high school, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s Case Study of K-12 School Employee Sexual Misconduct.
Sexual abuse, especially at a young age, can have serious long-term effects on survivors. Some forms of sexual abuse that are seen in schools can include:
- Rape or attempted rape
- Kissing
- Fondling or inappropriate touching
- Exposure or masturbation in front of a child
- Showing a minor sexual materials
- Requests of a minor to expose or touch themselves
- Taking sexual videos or photos of a minor
- Making sexual comments to a child
Minors are not legally able to consent to any sexual conduct with an adult, but no matter what age students are, school employees have an obligation to refrain from inappropriate conduct.
Sexual misconduct may not always be considered a criminal offense, but a civil case can usually be filed due to the violations shown against school policy against sexual behaviors with students. If you are unsure what to do regarding your experiences and how to pursue justice, connect with a school sexual abuse attorney in Michigan who can help you determine the best next step.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Recognizing the Warning Signs of School Sexual Abuse
It is important to know common signs of child sexual abuse and learn how to spot it. Depending on the developmental age of the child, the frequency of the abuse, what kind of abuse is occurring, and who is inflicting it, the abuse signs can differ. However, these are some signs that you may want to talk to your child about sexual misconduct and investigate whether it is occurring with your child:
- Unexplained injuries
- Complaints of discomfort or pain around the genitals
- Bleeding or discharge
- Pain with urination or bowel movements
- Sexually transmitted infections or diseases
- Pregnancy
- Knowledge of sexual activities that is more advanced for the child’s age
- Sexual behaviors more advanced and inappropriate for the child’s age
- Withdrawal or personality changes where the child is quieter or more distant
- Sudden fears or reluctance to attend school
In situations of school sexual abuse, parents, other educators, and mandated reporters have a responsibility to take suspicions of abuse seriously. You can report signs of sexual abuse to authorities, such as the police, or child protective services.
As a parent, you can also speak with your child’s pediatrician, who may be able to help recognize whether any of the above issues are warning signs or connected with another condition, as well as a Michigan personal injury lawyer.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Pursuing a Settlement for Your School Sexual Abuse
Nothing can fully resolve the trauma that you experienced due to sexual abuse at school, but there are some ways to pursue justice and regain a sense of control over your life. Survivors of school sexual abuse can work with a teacher sexual abuse lawyer to pursue a verdict and settlement against their abuser. Pursuing this can help bring back a sense of control and as well as satisfaction in revealing an abuser to other potential victims.
Pursuing a civil lawsuit with a school sexual abuse lawyer in Michigan can provide a sense of closure, as well as provide financial support for survivors who may be dealing with bills from physical, mental, and emotional recovery through therapies and other medical treatments.
It can also help provide for any medical costs for physical injuries, sexually transmitted infections or diseases, and any other losses that you sustained through this sexual abuse and trauma. It can also provide you monetary compensation for other abuse-incurred expenses as well as any lost wages or lost opportunities that were a consequence of your abuse.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Sexual Abuse at Michigan Colleges and Schools
Sexual abuse occurs in schools no matter what age the student is. White Law PLLC has successfully settled cases worth billions of dollars against higher education schools and their employees. It is important to expose school leaders who are abusing their students and what Michigan colleges are doing to end sexual assault.
While college students can study campus sexual assault safety tips and learn how to best prepare themselves to be safe at universities, it is important to remember those who are unable to fight for themselves. Minors who survive school sexual abuse are often unable to put their trauma into words, and it can take years or decades to come to terms with what has happened.
Getting help from a school sexual abuse attorney in Michigan can help a survivor of school sexual abuse learn how they can best move on from their trauma.
Michigan’s laws regarding sexual abuse have undergone quite a few changes in the past few years to better support victims and allow them more time to file their claim.
State lawmakers extended the statute of limitations, and a survivor now typically has a time period of ten years to file a civil case against their abuser under MCL §600.5805. There are exceptions to this, including criminal cases and persons who were minors at the time of the abuse, so make sure you speak with a school sexual abuse lawyer in Michigan to see if you are eligible.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Let White Law PLLC Fight for You
We stand with survivors of school sexual abuse and will fight for the justice you deserve and to hold your abuser accountable. When you work with a Michigan school sexual abuse attorney from White Law PLLC, you can depend on the aggressive strategy and compassionate care that we will provide while representing you.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and get your questions answered.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
