Sterling Heights Clergy Abuse Lawyer

Law Firms Helping Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims

Clergy sexual abuse is a harrowing violation that affects individuals’ lives and communities profoundly, leaving lasting emotional and psychological scars. At Injury Lawyer Team, we are committed to helping those impacted by this tragic issue navigate their path toward justice and recovery. As a Sterling Heights clergy abuse attorney, we’re committed to helping victims of the Catholic church get justice.

Settlements Recovered by Our Sterling Heights Clergy Abuse Lawyers

$14,200,000 Recovery for six young men who were groomed and fondled by a priest at a religious school. The preist was hired at the school despite a known record of abuse at other parishes.
$3,000,000 Settlement for man who was abused as a child. This case was settled during litigation despite repeated attempts by the church to dismiss the case based on an expired statute of limitations theory.
$2,500,000 Settlement involving a defrocked priest
$2,750,000 Settlement for a woman who was raped by counselor at a Church operated summer camp.

Why Hire Injury Lawyer Team

At Injury Lawyer Team, we are dedicated to securing justice for victims of sexual abuse in Sterling Heights. With a history of obtaining substantial settlements and verdicts in sexual abuse claims, we ensure each case is handled with the utmost care and sensitivity.

From start to finish, our law firm offers compassionate and transparent support, keeping you informed, protected, and empowered throughout the entire legal process.

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The Consequences of Clergy Sexual Abuse

Clergy sexual abuse victims can come from diverse backgrounds and age groups. However, certain patterns often emerge. Typically, most victims are minors or adolescents under the care of a religious institution. Vulnerable adults may also experience sexual misconduct.

The long-term implications of sexual abuse also extend into personal relationships, affecting intimacy and trust. Vulnerable to a range of psychological consequences, clergy abuse survivors may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

What are the Signs that Clergy Members Have Abused a Child?

Common signs of clergy abuse among children may include sudden changes in behavior or mood, such as increased withdrawal, anxiety, or aggression that isn’t typical for the child.

Sexual abuse victims might exhibit unexplained physical symptoms like bruising or injuries in sensitive areas. Academic decline could occur due to emotional distress disrupting focus and learning ability. After sexual assault, you may see:

Symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder
Pain when sitting down or going to the bathroom
Withdrawal is common after sexual assault
Bed wetting
Nightmares

These are also common symptoms adults may experience. For example, vulnerable adults may withdraw from things they once enjoyed after being sexually assaulted.

Eligibility to File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim According to Michigan Law

Several groups of individuals can file a clergy sexual abuse claim, depending on their relationship to the victim and the timing of the abuse.

Minor victims of clergy sexual abuse can pursue claims. However, parents or guardians must file on their behalf due to legal restrictions around minors’ capacity to take legal action.

Adults who have experienced sexual abuse or assault as part of their involvement with a religious figure can file civil lawsuits seeking compensation for damages resulting from that experience.

Individuals who were sexually abused in childhood but are now adults also possess standing to bring forth claims with a sexual abuse attorney, depending on when it occurred.

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Liability in Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases

Clergy members can face several types of legal repercussions, including criminal charges such as sexual assault or abuse. Individuals can also be held civilly liable for damages caused by their actions, allowing victims to seek monetary compensation for harm suffered.

Religious institutions themselves, such as the church, may bear responsibility under various theories of liability. This includes negligent hiring or supervision, failure to report abuse, and vicarious liability.

Victims must demonstrate that institutional negligence directly contributed to facilitating abusive behavior or allowed it to persist.

The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit in Sterling Heights, Michigan

Minors who are victims of sexual abuse typically have until their 42nd birthday to file a civil lawsuit, according to the statute of limitations.

There is also a seven-year discovery rule in Michigan legislation, which allows survivors of sexual abuse to file a lawsuit within seven years after they discover or should have reasonably discovered the connection between their injury and the abusive conduct.

This rule is particularly significant for victims who may not realize the impact of their trauma until much later in life, giving them additional time to seek justice when emotional or psychological barriers hinder immediate action.

Victims who were sexually assaulted by clergy members may be able to take legal action and receive compensation for things like pain and emotional suffering, medical bills, the cost of prescribed medication, and punitive damages.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Sterling Heights Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers

At Injury Lawyer Team, every sexual abuse attorney has experience handling a variety of cases related to abuse perpetrated by clergy members, such as priests, pastors, and other religious leaders. We represent victims of sexual abuse occurring in various religious institutions, including the Catholic Church and Protestant churches.

We focus on specific instances involving local dioceses or faith-based organizations, such as the Archdiocese of Detroit or other prominent institutions within Michigan. Our sexual abuse lawyer team has extensive experience and is dedicated to ensuring justice for survivors while holding accountable those responsible for these abuses within their communities.

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Steps to Take if You Are a Victim

If you are a victim of clergy sexual abuse in Sterling Heights, follow these immediate steps:

Ensure Your Safety

Prioritize your safety and well-being by removing yourself from the situation if you’re still in contact with the abuser.

Document Abuse and Medical Expenses

Keep detailed notes about the incidents, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of what occurred.

Seek Legal Help

Contact a sexual abuse lawyer experienced in clergy sexual abuse cases who can guide you through your options regarding civil suits or criminal prosecution while providing emotional support throughout the process.

Access Local Resources

Utilize community resources such as Michigan’s Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests (SNAP) to connect with support groups that offer guidance and counseling for survivors in need of help.

How Our Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

At Injury Lawyer Team, we are dedicated to supporting survivors through every phase of the legal process. We start with an initial consultation and case evaluation with a sexual abuse attorney to understand your situation and outline your options. Next, we conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence to strengthen your claim.

If you decide to move forward, we will file the necessary lawsuit on your behalf, guiding you through possible outcomes while advocating for fair compensation during settlement negotiations. If the case proceeds to trial, our knowledgeable attorneys will represent you in court to ensure that your voice is heard and justice is served.

The Cost of Hiring Our Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Our Sterling Heights clergy sexual abuse attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to pay any legal fees upfront. Instead, our payment is contingent upon successfully securing compensation for you.

If we win your case or reach a settlement, our fees come as a percentage of that award. This arrangement ensures that you can access quality legal representation with an experienced sexual abuse lawyer without the burden of immediate costs.

Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims in Sterling Heights

Clergy sexual abuse victims may be eligible for various types of compensation, including medical expenses for therapy or treatment, emotional distress damages, and punitive damages aimed at holding the abusive parties accountable.

The amount of compensation awarded can depend on several factors, such as the severity of trauma experienced, past and future medical bills associated with recovery, lost wages due to inability to work, punitive damages and other impacts on quality of life.

If you or a loved one has experienced clergy sexual abuse in Sterling Heights, do not hesitate to seek help from a law firm. Injury Lawyer Team are here to provide compassionate support and expert legal guidance through this challenging time. Let us assist you in pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.

We offer a no obligation consultation to help you learn more.

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All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.