Numerous investigations and accusations have uncovered a disturbing pattern of sexual abuse in Michigan churches. If you were inappropriately touched, sexually assaulted, or molested by a clergy member from your parish, a Georgetown Township clergy sexual abuse lawyer can help you seek compensation for the pain and trauma you’ve endured.
The sexual abuse attorneys at White Law PLLC have helped hundreds of sexual abuse victims get the resources, support, and financial compensation they’re owed. Our team has even made headlines after securing a settlement offer for plaintiffs in the Larry Nassar abuse case.
Clergy Sexual Assault Conviction in Michigan
In 2022, a priest was convicted of sexually assaulting a minor in a Detroit, MI, church. Sadly, they were one of over 400 clergy members accused of sexually abusing underage and vulnerable parishioners.
To make matters worse, this heinous clergy abuse isn’t contained in the major city center of Detroit. In fact, accusations have targeted priests serving in Dearborn, Marion County, Jackson County, Shelby Township, and a number of other municipalities throughout the state.
If you are a victim of sexual abuse perpetrated by a priest serving in Georgetown Township, our clergy sexual abuse attorneys can help you take legal action. Our team will provide several invaluable services and resources, so you can get the assistance and peace of mind you deserve.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
How a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Georgetown Township, MI, Can Help You
If a clergy sexual abuse lawyer from our firm agrees to take on your case, they’ll do everything they can to hold your abuser responsible for their crimes. They’ll work hard to obtain compensation to help you afford mental health counseling and cover losses associated with your abuse.
Here’s how our clergy sexual abuse attorneys can assist you:
Determine What Degree of Abuse You Experienced
Incidents of sexual abuse are categorized in degrees of severity. To make sure you get the proper compensation for the egregious mistreatment you experienced, your attorney must identify the degree of sexual assault you endured. They’ll ask you questions about your experiences to determine which degree of assault your abuser should be held liable for.
Build Your Case
To convince the court that the defendant owes you damages, your attorney must collect evidence of your abuse and build a compelling case for your compensation. They’ll use the following forms of evidence to construct a winning claim:
- Your testimony
- Witness testimony
- Mandatory reporter testimony
- Abuse report
- DNA evidence
- Physical evidence
- Relevant medical records
Represent You in Court
Once our clergy sexual abuse lawyers in Georgetown Township have collected evidence and constructed a solid case on your behalf, they’ll file a lawsuit against the priest or bishop who abused you. Sexual abuse court cases often take a considerable amount of time and effort to resolve, but our team will work hard to deliver a favorable result as soon as possible.
Offer Compassionate Counsel Throughout Your Case
At White Law PLLC, our clergy sexual abuse lawyers have worked with clients who’ve suffered from a number of different types of assault and misconduct. We understand how difficult it can be to share your story and revisit the feelings that have caused you so much pain.
That’s why we’ll never pressure you to speak or give testimony about an event that makes you feel uncomfortable. We’ll show you the empathy you deserve and give you the time you need to talk about your abuse.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Compensation You Could Receive from a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Before your sexual abuse attorney takes your case to court, they’ll sit down with you and discuss how abuse has affected your life. They’ll ask you about the impacts it’s had on your mental health, physical health, finances, and relationships.
Once our clergy sexual abuse attorneys from Georgetown Township, MI, have identified and calculated all the losses you’ve taken on, they’ll know how much compensation you ought to receive from a court case. Depending on the losses you’ve suffered, a successful lawsuit may yield any of the following damages:
- Medical expenses: If you receive medical treatment for an abuse-related injury or a sexually transmitted infection caused by the assault, these damages can cover the bills.
- Cost of counseling: Many sexual abuse victims seek counseling from a licensed therapist or psychiatrist. Your attorney can demand compensation to cover the cost of your therapy sessions and any medication you’re prescribed.
- Pain and suffering: Sexual abuse cause victims to experience chronic pain for years. These damages can help you cope with the physical suffering you’re experiencing.
- Mental distress: Sexual assault and molestation can leave victims with lasting mental scars and various mental health disorders. If the abuse you experienced had a significant impact on your mental health and emotional well-being, a sexual abuse lawyer from Georgetown Township can add these damages to your claim.
- Diminished quality of life: Abuse can affect the victim’s relationships, ability to enjoy hobbies and passions, and overall quality of life. If the trauma of your abuse has stopped you from enjoying your life to the fullest extent, you deserve compensation.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Filing Deadline for Clergy Sexual Abuse Claims in Georgetown Township, MI
Currently, Michigan’s statute of limitations gives you until your 28th birthday to file a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit. If you fail to submit your suit before the state’s filing deadline, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain the financial support you need.
That being said, there is a new bill that is currently moving through congress that could change the statute. If passed, the Survivors Empowered bill would allow victims of sexual assault and molestation to file a civil suit until their 48th birthday. It would also give you seven years from the day you discover your abuse to take legal action.
A clergy sexual abuse attorney from our team in Georgetown Township can answer any questions you have about the state’s filing deadline and explain how it applies to your unique case. If you’re eligible to file a suit under the current statute or if you’re waiting for the new bill to be signed into law, our lawyers can make sure your suit is filed on time.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Reach Out to Our Firm Today
At White Law PLLC, we’re committed to representing victims of sexual assault and connecting them with the emotional and financial support they need to overcome the trauma they’ve been burdened with. If you’re ready to come forward regarding the abuse you experienced at your parish, we’re here to help.
To see if we can take on your case, contact us and schedule a free consultation. During your no-obligation consultation, a compassionate attorney from our firm will ask you about the abuse you experienced. If they think you have the right to hold your abuser liable for your pain and losses, they’ll work tirelessly to do so.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
