Followers of Catholicism attend church services held by priests and bishops to pray and worship God. Tragically, many members of the Catholic clergy have used their positions of power to sexually abuse vulnerable parishoners.
If you’ve been a victim of sexual abuse perpetrated by a clergy member, a Warren clergy sexual abuse lawyer from White Law PLLC can help you take legal action. Our attorneys are committed to holding members of the clergy responsible for their heinous actions. We can offer compassionate advocacy and work hard to bring your abuser to justice.
Sexual Abuse Allegations in Diocese of Warren, MI
In 2018, a priest who served in Warren, MI, was barred from ministry after allegations of sexual abuse. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the only instance of sexual misconduct in Warren. In 2011, another clergy member was accused of engaging in sexual acts with a minor.
Due to Michigan’s statute of limitations, the 66-year-old priest wasn’t charged or sentenced to the jail time he deserved. However, this could change, as Michigan has proposed a bill to extend the amount of time that sexual assault survivors have to file a lawsuit.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Extended Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse in Michigan
Michigan’s proposed bill aims to make it easier for victims of sexual abuse and molestation to hold their abusers liable for their actions. If passed, the legislation will allow many to come forward to get the closure and reparations they’re owed.
If a member of the Catholic church abused you, a Warren clergy sexual abuse attorney can help you understand the statute of limitations that applies to your claim. If you cannot file under the current statute, our attorneys can help you take action once the new bill has passed.
The Proposed Legislation
If you were abused as a child, the state’s amended statute of limitations would allow you to file a suit until your 48th birthday. It would also allow you to take legal action seven years from the date you discovered your abuse.
If your abuser has already been convicted, there would be no time limit for you to file. The new bill would also give survivors who were denied compensation due to the old statute of limitations another chance to file. If your claim was denied prior to this new legislation, you’d have a two-year timeframe for the day it’s passed to file a lawsuit.
A clergy sexual abuse attorney in Warren, MI, can answer any questions you have about your filing deadline. If you choose to work with us, we can offer the compassionate counsel you need to feel comfortable about coming forward.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
How a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Warren, MI, Can Assist You
If a member of the clergy abused you, a sexual abuse lawyer from White Law PLLC can offer a number of helpful services. First, an attorney from our firm can provide you with a free consultation. During your meeting, they’ll ask you about your experiences and determine if you have a claim.
If they agree to take on your case, they will:
- Investigate your case: To hold your abuser responsible, you’ll need evidence to prove that they assaulted you. Our clergy sexual abuse lawyers in Warren, MI, can collect testimony, physical evidence, DNA evidence, and other forms of proof to show that your claim is valid.
- Determine the grounds for your suit: Your lawyer can also determine which legal theory should be used as grounds for your lawsuit. Depending on the specifics of your case, they may use assault, battery, or infliction of emotional distress as grounds for your suit.
- Represent you in court: Once your lawsuit has been filed, your attorney must convince the court that the defendant abused you. Our attorneys have over six decades of combined experience litigating sexual assault cases. They have the skill and legal knowledge necessary to deliver a favorable verdict.
- Recommend support options: In addition to offering advocacy and counsel, our firm can also connect you with the counseling and support you need to deal with the emotional effects of your abuse.
- Offer compassionate counsel: Our attorneys understand that it can be difficult to speak about traumatic experiences. When we work with you, we’ll never push you to talk about something that you feel uncomfortable discussing. We’ll take a highly empathetic approach to your case and give you the respect you deserve.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Compensation Available to Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
If your lawsuit is successful, your compensation can give you the financial support to seek counseling and cover losses related to your abuse. A clergy sexual abuse attorney from our team in Warren can help you determine which damages you’re eligible to receive.
Damages available to sexual assault victims include:
- Medical bills
- Cost of therapy and counseling
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Depending on your case, you may also receive punitive damages. These damages can be used to punish the clergy member who assaulted you. If another member of the church or otherwise related individual helped cover up your abuse, they might also be ordered to pay punitive damages.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Contact a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer from Warren Today
With the proposal of Michigan’s new statute of limitations for sexual assault cases, many victims of abuse will be able to speak up about the crimes they’ve endured. If you’re ready to make your voice heard and hold your abuser responsible for their despicable actions, White Law PLLC is here to help you.
To get started on your case, contact us today. We’ll meet with you via a free consultation to see if you’re eligible to pursue legal action. If we believe you have a legitimate claim, a Warren clergy sexual abuse lawyer from our firm will begin constructing your claim.
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