For those who are dealing with sexual abuse, you have legal options. If you partner with a Southfield personal injury lawyer, you can take legal action against your perpetrator. Most importantly, your Southfield sexual abuse lawyer can help you stop this individual from committing malicious acts against you and others.
At White Law PLLC, we have secured over $1.4 billion in damages in personal injury cases. Our team is available to help you with your sex abuse case. To learn more, reach out to us.
Sex Abuse Definition
An individual is sexually abusive if they commit a sex act against someone else’s will. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 50% of women and one in three men have been the victim of sexual violence in their lifetime. Sex abuse is generally divided into three categories.
Sexual Abuse Can Be More than Physical
While predominately thought of as a physical violation, sexual abuse can occur in various forms, including:
- Physical: Occurs when one individual fondles, kisses, or engages in other physical activities with another person without their consent.
- Verbal: Consists of sexting and other sexually explicit content that is spoken or written.
- Visual: Occurs when one person exposes someone else to sexually explicit images without their consent.
Types of Sexual Abuse
At White Law, PLLC, we have helped numerous individuals and families through the emotional turmoil of civil litigation. Some types of sexual abuse cases we have represented include:
- Child sexual abuse
- Therapist sexual abuse
- Intimate partner sexual abuseMilitary sexual abuse
- Clergy sexual abuse
- Sexual abuse by multiple people
- Sexual abuse of people with disabilities
- Prisoner sexual abuse and rape
- Sexual abuse by medical professionals
- Drug-related sexual abuse
- Incest
- Exploitation
- Elder abuse
A sexual abuse lawyer in Southfield, MI can help you file a civil claim against someone who commits these or other actions. At White Law PLLC, we can help you pursue damages from anyone who has harmed you. For more information, get in touch with us.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
How to Report Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse can impact a person physically and emotionally. If you have been dealing with sexual abuse, you may be worried about the consequences of reporting it to authorities. However, once you report this issue, you will get plenty of support as you take action against your perpetrator.
To report sexual abuse, you can call 911 or the Southfield Police Department. Your perpetrator may be charged with a crime. Also, you may be able to seek damages from this individual.
A sexual abuse attorney in Southfield, MI can explain your legal options to you. Your lawyer wants to support you in any way they can. If you decide to submit a civil claim against your perpetrator, your attorney will help you pursue the most damages possible.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
How Much Time You Have to Submit a Claim
Among the legal options for survivors of sexual abuse in Michigan, you can request damages within 10 years of when you were harmed. In a child sex abuse case, the victim may request compensation until the age of 28. You may ask for damages from a clergy member, friend, family member, or anyone else responsible for the abuse.
There are mandated reporters who may be liable for your abuse. These individuals are responsible for reporting sex abuse. If they know or believe you may be the victim of sexual abuse but do nothing to try to stop it, you may be able to pursue compensation from them.
Your Southfield sexual abuse attorney will review your case carefully. They will use the information you give them to determine who may be liable. It may be difficult to talk about your case, but your lawyer is empathetic and will do everything they can to assist you.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Sex Abuse Case Damages
The damages that can be collected in sex abuse cases can be significant. You may be able to get economic and non-economic compensation. Reasons why a judge or jury may award you damages include:
- Emotional trauma
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
A sexual abuse lawyer in Southfield can help you calculate your damages. They may encourage you to request economic and non-economic compensation. Your attorney can work with you to build an argument that shows you deserve damages.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Sexual Abuse Case Evidence
Saying you are the victim of abuse is not enough to secure compensation. You are responsible for the burden of proof. If you provide a wealth of evidence, you may be well-equipped to achieve the best possible case results.
You may use digital and physical evidence in your case. Digital proof may include emails, texts, social media posts, and other documentation stored on electronic devices. Physical evidence may consist of blood, hair, and clothing samples.
A Southfield sexual abuse lawyer can help you gather evidence. They will explore ways to present this proof to a judge or jury. Your lawyer will also look for opportunities to dispute any claims that the defendant in your case may make against you.
What to Expect After You File a Sex Abuse Claim
Your attorney can answer frequently asked questions and others about the legal process. After your claim is submitted, you and your lawyer will work together to craft your argument. Together, you and your attorney can collect evidence and search for witnesses who may be able to testify on your behalf.
Medical providers, family members, friends, and others may be able to serve as witnesses. These individuals may provide insights into the severity of the abuse or your relationship with the perpetrator. They may help a judge or jury understand how the abuse is affecting you.
The defendant in your case may have concerns about the strength of your argument. If so, they may propose a settlement. In a situation where no settlement is reached, you will bring your case to trial.
Sex Abuse Case Settlement
If you choose an attorney who has received many positive client testimonials, you are in good hands. Your lawyer understands your case and helps you get damages. On top of that, they may be able to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Accepting a settlement allows you to resolve your claim without a trial. If the defendant in your case proposes a settlement, you do not have to do anything with it. Yet, you may want to discuss it with your lawyer, since they can help you weigh an offer’s pros and cons.
If you are not satisfied with a settlement, you do not have to approve it. Your lawyer can notify the defendant that you are declining their offer. At this point, you and your Southfield sexual abuse lawyer will continue to refine your argument.
Request Legal Help
The legal team at White Law PLLC may be able to help you with your abuse case. We can discuss your case with you. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
