In the aftermath of sexual abuse, it can be difficult to figure out what your next steps should be. You may be consumed by the emotional distress and physical injuries you endured. Thankfully, with the guidance and support of a compassionate Muskegon sexual abuse lawyer, you can make your abuser pay.
White Law PLLC has recovered nearly $1.5 billion in compensation for our clients. When you need a top-rated Muskegon personal injury lawyer, you can depend on to bring your abuser and other parties to justice. Our firm is here for you. Demand the perpetrator be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law when you contact our office to schedule a confidential and free consultation today.
Sexual Abuse Survivors in Muskegon Can Demand Justice
After suffering sexual abuse, a Muskegon sexual abuse lawyer from White Law PLLC can help you bring the liable party to justice. Your abuser and anyone else who allowed the abuse to occur should be held accountable for their reckless and reprehensible act.
Here are some of the most common ways survivors of sexual abuse are breaking the silence and have ensured their abusers are held accountable.
Compensation Through Your Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
One of the most common ways to ensure abusers are held responsible for their conduct is by filing a civil lawsuit against them. You have all the control in a personal injury claim. With help from a Muskegon sexual abuse attorney from our firm, you can do everything in your power to ensure your abuser pays.
The burden of proof in personal injury lawsuits is based on a preponderance of the evidence according to the Michigan Rules of Evidence. The evidence we present at trial must convince the jury that the defendant is likely at fault for the trauma you suffered. If we convince the jury of the defendant’s liability, the jury can order the defendant to compensate you for every single way your life has been affected by the abuse you suffered.
This in no way makes up for what you have been through. However, the only way to prevent future instances of abuse is to punish those who abuse and take advantage of others. This could be an opportunity for you to not only demand justice but also protect others who could be subject to similar heinous acts in the future.
Perpetrators Could Also Face Criminal Charges
Not only can perpetrators be held accountable, but so can those who failed to prevent the abuse from occurring or directly allowed the abuse to occur. The state will determine which parties should face criminal charges. There are multiple types of sex crimes that sexual abuse perpetrators could be charged with.
If the defendant is found guilty at trial, they can be subject to severe penalties. Many people convicted of sex crimes will be ordered to register on the Michigan sex offender registry once they complete their sentence. This is in addition to the time they spend in jail or prison and the fines or restitution they will be ordered to pay as part of their sentence.
However, in criminal court, the burden of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt, according to the Committee on Model Criminal Jury Instructions. This means the prosecutor must convince the jury that there is no doubt of the defendant’s guilt. It should be noted that if the defendant is found not guilty in criminal court or the prosecutor does not bring forward criminal charges, you can still be successful in your civil sexual abuse lawsuit.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
How Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Work
Although you may be feeling overwhelmed at the thought of seeing your abuser in court, once you understand how the claims process unfolds, you may feel empowered. Every survivor’s case is different, but many involve the same components, and there is support for victims of sexual assault available. Here is a general overview of sexual abuse lawsuits in Michigan:
We Investigate and Establish Liability
Once you report your complaint to White Law PLLC, we will begin an intensive investigation. We will hire the necessary experts and specialists to help us gather the evidence we need to prove your abuser is responsible for your emotional trauma, financial losses, and physical injuries.
Once liability is established, we will have a better idea as to how we should approach your insurance and civil claims.
We Quantify Your Damages
Next, we need to carefully evaluate the various ways your life has been affected by the abuse you endured. You have the right to be compensated for both economic and non-economic damages, which include both financial and emotional losses. In addition to compensation for your loss of income and medical expenses, you may also be entitled to compensation for relocation, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and other compensatory losses.
We Consider Every Legal Opportunity for Justice
Then, we analyze how to approach your case. If your abuser or other liable parties have some type of insurance coverage in place, we may be able to file a claim against their policy and recoup a portion of your damages. However, if the defendant is uninsured or your insurance settlement is insufficient, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Turn To a Trusted Sexual Abuse Attorney in Muskegon, MI, for Help Today
It is not up to us to decide whether to pursue criminal charges against your abuser or others who may have allowed the abuse to occur. However, we can demand justice and fight to ensure those responsible are held to account for their reprehensible conduct by taking legal action against them in civil court.
Your dedicated sexual abuse lawyer in Muskegon, MI, from White Law PLLC, will fight tirelessly to get you and your family the justice you deserve. During this difficult time in your life, you may be overwhelmed, intimidated, and worried about how the claims process might unfold.
However, our highly experienced legal advocates will be by your side every step of the way, working diligently to build the strongest case possible against your abuser. When you are ready to pick up the pieces of your life, contact our office by phone or through our secured contact form to request a no-cost, risk-free consultation.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.