Therapist abuse is a deeply traumatic experience for many victims and can have devastating consequences. While it cannot undo the wrongs committed against you, you have a right to seek financial and emotional compensation, which can significantly help in your journey toward recovery. A Michigan personal injury lawyer can skillfully guide you through the legal process to get the compensation and resources you need.
At White Law PLLC, our nationally recognized team strives to exceed the expectations of all of our clients and provide them with high-quality service. When you contact a Michigan therapist abuse lawyer, you can be confident that you will get the best legal advice and representation for your case. We fight for you to get the compensation you need.
Overview and Signs of Therapist Abuse
Therapist abuse occurs when a therapist abuses the power they have over their clients and exploits them for personal gain. Therapist abuse can be emotional, physical, verbal, psychological, financial, or sexual in nature, and it can have devastating effects regardless of the type. Some common signs of therapist abuse include:
- Sexual advances, jokes, or inappropriate touching
- Emotional manipulation and gaslighting
- Breaking confidentiality by releasing or threatening to release private information and records
- Controlling behaviors
Abuse by a therapist can be very traumatic and overwhelming and leave you reeling. If you have experienced therapist abuse of any kind, you can report these inappropriate behaviors to the therapist’s licensing board. You can also hire a Michigan sexual abuse lawyer to fight for you, protect your rights, and help guard against any backlash attempted by the therapist.
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Legal Options After Therapist Abuse
After experiencing abuse by a therapist, it is important to know how to report therapist abuse in Michigan and what legal options are open to you. To begin with, it is recommended to file a report with the police so they can thoroughly investigate the situation, create an official record of the event, and protect you from further harm to the best extent possible. You may also request that your information be kept confidential as much as possible.
You can also file a report with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). They will also conduct an investigation into the therapist’s abuse and examine all reported violations. Taking this step can help prevent a therapist from continuing a pattern of abusive behavior with other clients.
Additionally, according to the Mental Health Code, patients who have suffered abuse have the right to file a civil case and also seek an injunction against the person abusing them. Filing a lawsuit is best handled with the guidance of a lawyer who can provide knowledgeable guidance and skillful strategies to get you justice. They will ensure all required paperwork is filed properly and that you have the documentation you need for a strong case.
How to Legally Establish that Therapist Abuse Occurred in Michigan
When seeking financial and emotional compensation after therapist abuse, it is important to know how to go about proving therapist abuse during a lawsuit. To help establish your claim regarding the treatment you suffered by a therapist, you will need to provide documentation of what transpired as evidence to support the events, which can include handwritten notes or formal complaints. If physical or sexual abuse was a factor, pictures or medical examination records can support your case as well.
Testimonies of witnesses can also go a long way in supporting your case. Those closest to you can speak to any signs of abuse they may have noticed while you were in therapy, and experts can speak to breaches of the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Talk to your lawyer about witness options for your case.
A strong case against a therapist can help you get the resources you need. It can also establish a therapist’s culpability and hold them responsible for their actions. Together, both steps can help you get closure for your experience.
Statute of Limitations for a Therapist Abuse Lawsuit in Michigan
Under Michigan Statute §600.5805, there is a limited amount of time a victim has to make a claim. The statute of limitations for therapist abuse is two years from the time the malpractice occurred. After this amount of time has passed, a victim no longer has any claims to seek financial and emotional compensation for therapist abuse that was committed against them.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Compensation for Therapist Abuse
Financial compensation for therapist abuse can help you cover many of the expenses you may incur while trying to heal. You can be compensated for medical expenses for services you may need as a result of the abuse, as well as any lost income if you were not able to work. Keeping records of all expenses and income related to the abuse is important to supporting your claim and receiving compensation.
Emotional compensation provides for the intangible results of being subjected to abuse by a therapist. You can be compensated for the pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment you may experience following the abuse.
Emotional compensation often helps victims receive compensation for the psychological effects of abuse and the services needed to support their emotional recovery.
Additionally, Michigan offers crime victim compensation to individuals who have been victims of a crime. Qualifying individuals may receive compensation for medical bills, counseling, loss of income, and funeral expenses. Crime victim compensation is available to individuals who need help paying for costs beyond what their insurance or other funds cover.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Michigan Today
Therapist abuse has a profound impact on victims and can affect them for years to come. If you have experienced abuse at the hands of a therapist, you have the right to file a lawsuit against them and seek the financial and emotional compensation you need for your recovery.
Contact White Law PLLC today to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers and learn how we can get you justice.
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