Victims of sexual abuse can experience physical and emotional suffering for the rest of their lives. If you’ve been sexually assaulted by a member of your parish’s clergy, you deserve to hold them responsible for the pain they’ve caused. That being said, pursuing a sexual abuse lawsuit on your own probably won’t turn out well.
To give yourself the advantage you need to bring your abuser to justice, hire a Sterling Heights clergy sexual abuse lawyer from White Law PLLC. Our sexual abuse attorneys have over 60 years of combined experience litigating cases just like yours. We’ll leverage our expertise to give you an excellent chance of receiving a favorable verdict.
Sexual Abuse Allegations in Michigan
In recent years, a number of misconduct allegations have been brought up against clergy members in Michigan. Many of the priests involved have faced sexual abuse charges and have been ordered to pay damages to their victims. As awareness of sexual misconduct within the Catholic church increases, more victims feel empowered to share their stories.
Join those Who’ve Come Forward About Clergy Sexual Abuse
If you’re considering filing a lawsuit against the clergy member who assaulted you, there’s never been a better time to do so. Judges, prosecutors, and the American public are quickly catching on to the fact that religious authorities have been abusing their power to harm children and vulnerable adults for decades.
If you’re ready to come forward about the abuse you experienced, a Sterling Heights clergy sexual abuse attorney from our firm can help you. If they agree to take on your case, they’ll work hard to hold your abuser liable for the suffering and financial losses you’ve been burdened with. They’ll also point you towards resources and support for survivors of abuse.
Sterling Heights Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me (517) 316-1195
A Sexual Abuse Attorney Can Help You Pursue Compensation
The compensation awarded to sexual abuse victims is meant to help them cope with their mental distress, get access to counseling services, and make up for any financial losses they incurred due to their abuse.
To find out how much compensation you’re owed, a clergy sexual abuse lawyer in Sterling Heights, MI, will ask you about the mental health struggles caused by your experiences. They’ll also calculate any monetary losses you took on due to abuse-related medical treatment.
Damages You Might Receive from a Lawsuit in Sterling Heights, MI
Once your lawyer comes to fully understand the impact that sexual abuse has had on your life, they’ll be able to request the correct amount of compensation. If your suit is successful, you may receive the following damages:
Medical Expenses
If you sustained an injury or sexually transmitted infection (STI) from your sexual abuse, these damages can make up for the cost of the medical treatment you received. Your attorney can review your medical bills and records in order to get the correct amount of compensation.
Cost of Mental Health Counseling
Sexual assault survivors are often diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Fortunately, going to counseling sessions with a therapist or psychiatrist can help you manage your mental health disorder. These damages can cover the cost of your counseling.
Prescription Medication Costs
If you were prescribed medication for a physical condition or mental health disorder caused by your abuse, a sexual abuse lawyer from our team in Sterling Heights can request compensation for your medication costs.
Mental Distress
Sexual abuse victims can experience emotional and mental health issues for years after their assault. These damages can help you cope with and manage the psychological effects you’ve endured due to your abuse.
Diminished Quality of Life
In some cases, victims of sexual assault may experience a loss of enjoyment of life. If you’ve noticed that you have a hard time finding joy in the things that once fulfilled you, a Sterling Heights attorney can add these damages to your sexual abuse claim.
Punitive Damages
Depending on your case, you may also receive punitive damages, which are used to punish the defendant for unforgivable and egregious acts. The clergy member who abused you and any parties who covered up your abuse can be ordered to pay punitive damages.
For a free legal consultation with a clergy sexual abuse lawyer serving Sterling Heights, call (517) 316-1195
Lawmakers Aim to Make Filing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Easier
Unfortunately, the current statute of limitations for sexual assault claims has prevented a number of credible victims from holding their abusers accountable. Currently, victims of clergy abuse in Michigan only have until their 28th birthday to file a lawsuit.
Since the average age that sexual abuse victims come forward is approximately 52, House Democrats have proposed a new bill that would extend the time that survivors have to take legal action. If the Survivors Empowered Bill is signed into law, you’ll have until your 48th birthday to file a lawsuit.
The law would also give those whose claims have been denied in the past a two-year timeline to re-file. If you’ve yet to turn 28 or are waiting for the new bill to pass, our sexual abuse lawyers located in Sterling Heights can help you submit your suit before the relevant due date.
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Reach Out to a Sexual Abuse Attorney in Sterling Heights Today
If you were molested or sexually assaulted by a priest at your church, you have the right to take legal action against them. At White Law PLLC, we dedicate our lives to helping sexual abuse victims pursue lawsuits and personal injury claims against their abusers. To find out if we’re able to help you, contact us today.
We’ll schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about your experiences and determine if you have a valid claim. If we believe we can hold your abuser liable for the suffering and losses they’ve inflicted, a Sterling Heights clergy sexual abuse lawyer from our firm will fight for the justice you deserve.
Call or text (517) 316-1195 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form