Over 20 years ago, middle school teacher James Christians abused one of his students. At the time of the abuse, the victim did not report what happened.
Times are changing, and society is now more ready to listen when children and adults come forward with their experiences of sexual abuse. Finally, abusers are being held accountable and exposed to the public, and victims are getting their day in court.
Still, disclosing experiences with abuse can be terrifying. Victims are understandably afraid of being ignored or accused of lying or fear retaliation. If you are a sexual abuse victim, do not be afraid to reach out to White Law PLLC.
A Michigan school sexual abuse lawyer is ready to listen to what you have to say. Our firm provides exceptional and personalized legal representation to victims throughout Michigan, and with our diverse legal backgrounds, we find strategic solutions to complicated cases.
Reasons to Pursue a Sexual Abuse Claim in Civil Court
Stories of abuse have stayed hidden for too long. It is time to stop these predators, denying them the power of secrecy that allows their predatory behavior to thrive. And it is time for victims to get the justice they deserve with the help of a Michigan sexual abuse lawyer.
James Christians is facing criminal penalties for his crimes. While the criminal courts make offenders pay their debt to society and punish them for their wrongdoing, victims often continue to suffer. Working to heal from suffering, among others, is one reason why sexual abuse victims should pursue personal injury claims.
If you or your child is a victim of sexual abuse–whether it happened yesterday or years ago–a Michigan sexual abuse attorney from White Law PLLC is here to help you fight for your recovery. By pursuing a personal injury claim, you create the opportunity to:
- Collect compensation for the losses you have sustained from the abuse
- Help other potential victims by exposing abusers
- Hold abusers accountable for their appalling actions
- Empower yourself by telling your story and show other victims they are not alone
- Send a message to would-be abusers, possibly deterring them from victimizing others
Your Fight Is Our Fight
James Christians’ Crimes
James Christians, now 50, sexually abused one of his 13-year-old students from 1998 to 2003 during his tenure at Crossroads Middle School in the Northview Public Schools District.
The now-adult survivor came forward after having a conversation with her own daughter about the importance of speaking out if she (the daughter) ever experienced sexual abuse. According to Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young, who is quoted in new accounts, this conversation prompted the victim to tell her own story.
Christians was arrested in February of 2024 and had been teaching in the North Public School District until the time of the accusations and his subsequent suspension. Christians faced two counts of criminal sexual conduct, first degree. In May 2024, he pled guilty to one count of criminal sexual assault in the third degree.
According to news reports, the victim was in 8th grade when she began to meet up with Christians, and the abuse started. The abuse occurred on school property and at the home of the victim’s father. Court documents referenced by news sources indicate Christians penetrated the victim with his finger and performed a sex act on her.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
The Effects of Sexual Abuse on Victims
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) shows how deeply victims are affected by sexual abuse. Abuse is traumatic when it occurs, but for many–likely most–victims, the pain and suffering remain long after the abuse itself ends. Victims may experience:
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Physical injury, especially to genital areas
- Psychological trauma, including panic attacks, depression, sleep disorders, suicidal ideation, and episodes of self-harm
- Substance abuse, as a way of self-medicating and easing their emotional pain
These consequences reach into all parts of a victim’s life. They may require medical care and extensive counseling, both of which are costly. They may be unable to work or form healthy relationships and may battle the demons of addiction.
As a victim, you deserve compensation for these losses–you deserve justice. A White Law PLLC sexual abuse lawyer in Michigan will fight with you and for you to get that justice. We recognize your trauma, respect your courage in coming forward, and will stand by your side as powerful legal advocates throughout your case.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims
Your attorney will review your case with great care and calculate a settlement amount that recovers your losses and acknowledges your suffering. No two sexual abuse cases are exactly alike, so presenting an average amount is not possible. However, damages that can be collected in sex abuse cases include:
- Costs for medical care required to treat diseases or injuries resulting from the abuse
- Costs for counseling.
- Lost earnings if you had to leave work to recover, and recovery of lost potential wages or opportunities if the abuse prevented you from seeking and/or securing gainful employment
- Emotional and psychological suffering
- Diminished enjoyment and quality of life
Some cases warrant punitive damages. These damages are not meant to compensate you so much as to punish the offender and deter potential offenders. Your sexual abuse attorney in Michigan will fight for punitive damages if your case is eligible.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Compensation Through a Settlement or Verdict
Many personal injury cases settle without victims ever entering the courtroom. Your attorney may negotiate a fair settlement deal with the offender’s representative to resolve your case.
The team at White Law PLLC comprises fierce negotiators who know the law, negotiating strategy, and the value of your case and will not be intimidated into settling for less.
However, we are also a team of powerful trial lawyers. If the other side will not make a fair offer, it may be in your best interests to take your case to court. You can depend on us for superior representation and loyal support throughout your case proceedings.
We Are on Your Side and Ready to Fight
There is hope, healing, and legal options for survivors of sexual abuse in Michigan. A Michigan sexual abuse lawyer is here to help understand those options, move toward that hope, and experience that healing by fighting for justice.
James Christians and predators like him need to pay their debt to society and be accountable to their victims. White Law PLLC stands up for victims and stands up to abusers. We are on your side and ready to fight.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
