In recent years, Catholic parishes in Michigan have been the target of countless sexual assault and molestation allegations. If you’re a victim of abuse committed by a priest or bishop, a Canton clergy sexual abuse lawyer can help you file a lawsuit.
The sexual abuse attorneys at White Law PLLC dedicate their lives to representing victims of sexual misconduct in Michigan. We truly care about the well-being of our clients, and it shows in the case results we deliver.
Clergy Sexual Misconduct in Diocese of Canton, MI
In 2019, a catholic priest who served in Westland and Canton was charged with sexually assaulting a vulnerable adult. This is just one of many cases of clergy misconduct reported throughout the state of Michigan.
If you were assaulted by a priest or another individual in a position of power, you have the right to hold them responsible. Doing so can give you the closure you deserve and the compensation you need to afford counseling, medical care, and other helpful services.
Speaking out against your abuser will benefit yourself and others. It’s likely that when others hear your story, they’ll feel empowered to come forward and take action against their abusers. When you feel that it’s time to make your voice heard, reach out to a Canton clergy sexual abuse attorney from our firm. They’ll offer compassionate counsel and effective advocacy.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
How a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Canton, MI, Can Help You
An attorney will meet with you via a free consultation to find out if you’re eligible to file a sexual assault lawsuit. They’ll ask you about the misconduct you experienced and the degree of sexual assault you endured. If they find that you have a legitimate claim, they’ll perform the following services for you:
Collect Evidence
To win your case, you’ll need to meet the burden of proof for sexual assault lawsuits. A clergy sexual abuse attorney in Canton, MI, must collect evidence of your abuse. They’ll gather physical evidence, DNA evidence, witness statements, your testimony, and other evidence to prove that you deserve compensation and that the court should sentence your abuser.
Build Your Case
Once your attorney has gathered important evidence and testimony, they’ll have to decide on what grounds you should sue the defendant. They may decide to sue them for assault, battery, or intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Advocate on Your Behalf
A clergy sexual abuse lawyer from our team in Canton will represent your best interests in court. They’ll present evidence in a compelling manner and make a convincing argument on your behalf. Once your case has concluded, you’ll likely receive a positive verdict.
Connect You With Helpful Resources
Victims of sexual assault can begin to lift the burden of their trauma and gain peace of mind by seeking support from others. Not only can our attorneys represent you in court, but they’ll also connect you with the resources and support you need to work through your trauma.
We can put you in touch with therapists, support groups, and organizations like the National Sexual Assault Hotline. These resources have made a profound difference in the lives of our clients, and we think they can assist you as well.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Damages You Might Receive From a Clergy Sexual Assault Lawsuit in Canton
You might receive several damages with the help of a clergy sexual abuse attorney from Canton. Before an attorney files your lawsuit, they’ll sit down with you to discuss the monetary losses and emotional hardships you’ve experienced due to your abuse.
They’ll use that information to determine which damages you’re eligible for and how much compensation you’re owed. If your suit yields a settlement, you may receive money for the following losses:
- Medical bills from injuries or sexually transmitted infections
- Cost of medication for mental health disorders caused by your abuse
- Cost of therapy and professional counseling
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages are often awarded in sexual assault cases. These damages are meant to punish the defendant for their egregious wrongdoing. A judge may also award punitive damages if another clergy member aided the defendant in covering up your abuse.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Filing Deadline for Sexual Assault Lawsuits in Michigan
If you need to file a sexual abuse lawsuit, you must do so before the deadline imposed by Michigan’s statute of limitations. You have until your 28th birthday or three years after the date that you discover your abuse to file a lawsuit.
A sexual abuse lawyer located in Canton can help you understand how the statute of limitations applies to your unique case. They’ll advise you on how much time you have to file and help you prepare and file a suit before it’s too late.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
New Legislation Could Make It Easier for You to File a Sexual Abuse Claim
Since many victims of sexual misconduct have been barred from seeking financial reparations due to Michigan’s strict statute of limitations, lawmakers are looking to extend the timeframe that survivors have to file a lawsuit.
If the proposed bill is passed, you’ll have until your 48th birthday to file a claim against the individual who abused or molested you. The statute also provides a seven-year deadline for those who discover their abuse later in life.
Although the new statute has yet to be officially voted into law, it seems that congress is on the side of abuse victims like yourself. If the bill comes to fruition, our clergy sexual abuse attorneys from Canton can help you take advantage of it.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
With Michigan’s statute of limitations for sexual abuse lawsuits opening up and increased awareness regarding clergy members’ misconduct, there’s never been a better time to come forward about your abuse. If you’re ready to hold your abuser responsible, contact White Law PLLC today.
We’ll schedule a free consultation to discuss your experiences and determine if you’re entitled to pursue legal action. If a Canton clergy sexual abuse lawyer agrees to take on your case, you’ll get the counsel and representation of an experienced attorney who’s committed to bringing abusers to justice.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
