No one should suffer the consequences of sex abuse. If you are a victim, it may be best to notify the police and connect with a Flint sexual abuse lawyer. When you are represented by a Flint personal injury lawyer or another attorney, you may be well equipped to hold an at-fault party responsible for their actions.
At White Law PLLC, our priority is to fight for our clients. We have helped our clients secure more than $1.4 billion in damages and are here to help you with your case in any way we can. To learn more, reach out to us.
Sexual Abuse Definition
Abuse occurs when one person harms or manipulates another or acts cruelly towards them. Sexual abuse happens in person or online. With this type of abuse, an individual forces another person to commit sexual activities.
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), 81% of women and 43% of men have been sexually harassed or assaulted at some point in their lives. You may not change the fact that someone was sexually abusive toward you. However, a sexual abuse lawyer in Flint, MI may help you take legal action against a perpetrator.
If you want legal help with your sex abuse case, the team at White Law PLLC may be able to assist you. We have years of experience handling difficult and highly sensitive cases, including abuse by therapists, teachers, and clergy members. If you have suffered abuse at the hands of a clergy member, our compassionate Flint clergy sexual abuse lawyer can aid you in your pursuit of justice.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
How to Report Sex Abuse
It may be challenging to notify authorities about sex abuse, due to concerns about what may happen if you do. By reporting to law enforcement, you may put an end to the abuse. In addition, you may prevent the perpetrator from abusing others.
You can call 911 or the Police Department of Flint to report abuse. Next, you may want to consult with a sexual abuse attorney in Flint, MI. You and your lawyer can discuss your legal options.
If you have suffered injuries, you may be able to hold your abuser accountable for them. Your Flint sexual abuse lawyer may help you calculate your losses. They may work with you to file a claim in accordance with Michigan’s statute of limitations.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Child Sex Abuse
An adult may engage with a child in a sexual manner. This may be considered sex abuse, and it may have long-lasting effects on the victim and their family. Fortunately, there are options for filing a sexual abuse lawsuit in Michigan.
Family members, friends, clergy members, and others may be responsible for sexually abusing a child or adult. There are also mandated reporters who are legally required to tell the police if they suspect abuse. These and other parties may be considered liable if they allow someone to get abused.
A Flint sexual abuse lawyer is empathetic to the victims of sexual abuse. They want to support a victim and their family as best as they can. As part of their efforts, they can help a victim file a civil claim against an at-fault party.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
How Much Time You Have to File a Claim
In terms of how long you have to file a civil lawsuit in Michigan, you may have up to 10 years to submit your sex abuse claim. In a child sex abuse case, the victim may have until they reach the age of 28 to sue. A Flint sexual abuse attorney may help you submit your claim and pursue the maximum amount of damages.
You may request economic and non-economic damages. Economic compensation may be provided based on your medical bills and other losses that you are able to quantify. Non-economic damages may be provided based on your emotional trauma, pain, and suffering.
The legal system does not offer any guarantees, even in a sex abuse case. You are responsible for the burden of proof. If you can provide a sufficient amount of evidence to support your claim, a judge or jury may award you damages.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Sex Abuse Case Evidence
There are many legal options for survivors of sexual abuse in Michigan, including filing a lawsuit against an at-fault party. To receive damages, you may have to provide proof to show that you are the victim of abuse. A sexual abuse lawyer in Flint can help you gather evidence and build your argument.
Physical proof may be used. Examples of physical evidence include DNA, blood, and clothing samples. These and other forms of proof may help you show the severity of the abuse that you have suffered.
You may also use digital proof. This may include emails, text messages, and any other information stored on an electronic device. Your digital evidence may help you illustrate that a perpetrator threatened you or did other things to try to prevent you from reporting the abuse.
Sex Abuse Case Settlement
You want the best case results, and you may not have to go through the trial process to achieve them. The defendant in your case may propose a settlement that gives you adequate compensation. In this scenario, you may approve the offer, get compensation, and close your case.
Before you accept a settlement, it may be a good idea to discuss it with your lawyer. This gives you the opportunity to share any concerns or questions you have about the proposal. Your attorney can help you weigh the pros and cons of any decision you make regarding the offer.
You make the final decision on a settlement, and you should not accept one unless it lines up with your best interests. If you are not satisfied with a settlement proposal, you can notify your attorney, and they can let the defendant know that you have declined the offer. You and your Flint sexual abuse attorney can then continue to work together to find ways to strengthen your case.
Request Legal Help
If you want help with your sex abuse case, the legal team at White Law PLLC is here for you. We offer legal services and support to sexual abuse victims. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today.
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We Exceed Client Expectations.