Sexual abuse and assault can have a devastating impact on victims. That impact is felt physically and emotionally, often for many years. Holding abusers accountable for their actions in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is crucial if we want to prevent future instances of abuse and assault.
If you are a survivor of sex abuse who has suffered legal damages because of your abuser, then you have the right to seek justice through a civil claim. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can increase your chances of winning compensation.
WE ARE ONLY ACCEPTING SEXUAL ABUSE CASES INVOLVING INSTITUTIONS.
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IF YOU HAVE A MATTER INVOLVING A RELATIVE OR ACQUAINTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BAR ASSOCIATION
| $21 Million Hotel sexual assault case | $15 Million Coach grooming and abuse | $6.5 Million Cruise ship rape settlement |
| $6.3 Million Negligent security assault | $6 Million Child sexual abuse lawsuit | $5 Million Therapist sexual abuse settlement |
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
A sexual abuse lawyer from our law firm will make a massive difference in the outcome of your case. You are far more likely to walk away with a fair settlement if you have an experienced attorney working on your case. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we know how to build a solid case while still demonstrating compassion to survivors of sex abuse.
As you seek compensation, we will ensure all damages are accurately assessed, and your rights under state law are upheld. By offloading the heavy lifting of your case to us, you can focus more on healing physically and emotionally.
Understanding Sexual Abuse and Assault
Unfortunately, sex abuse is a common occurrence in Ann Arbor. To determine the best course of action and hold the perpetrator responsible, you must know the definitions of sex abuse and sexual assault.
Sex abuse is defined as any unwanted or forced sexual contact without the permission of the victim. Assault has a similar definition but with the additional factor of penetration. The lack of consent and a power imbalance are usually present in both instances.
In 2018, Ann Arbor experienced a rape rate of 44.87 per 100,000 population [1], which demonstrates the worrying number of cases that occur each year.
Common Forms of Sexual Abuse
Sex abuse takes many forms, and it is essential to recognize it when it happens to you to hold abusers responsible for their actions.
- Unwanted physical contact – A person sexually touches someone else with either a body part or object without permission
- Sexual exposure – Exposing someone to sexual imagery without their permission is a form of abuse and can include lewd images or flashing
- Sexual exploitation – Using power, trust, or vulnerability to achieve sexual ends with a person who is unable to give permission
- Child sexual abuse – A child is far more vulnerable to potential abuse because they may not recognize the signs or speak up
- Sexual intercourse – Sexual intercourse that involves penetration, even orally, is considered assault
- Clergy abuse – Sexual abuse committed by religious leaders who exploit their position of trust and authority
- Statutory Rape – Sexual activity with a minor below the legal age of consent who is unable to give legal permission
Institutions Where Sexual Abuse Is Most Likely to Occur
In the cases we handle, sexual violence often occurs in the following institutions:
- Workplaces – A workplace may include numerous power imbalances that can lead to inappropriate behaviors between employers and employees.
- Correctional facilities – In prisons, there are significant power dynamics among guards, staff, and inmates that frequently lead to assault.
- Inpatient treatment facilities – Medical patients who stay overnight are more vulnerable to sexual harassment because they trust in staff.
- Foster care – A child in a foster home may learn to trust their foster parents, even if those individuals are abusers.
- Daycare facilities – A child may experience harm at a daycare center because of abusive staff or other adults taking advantage of their authority
- Educational institutions – Schools and other academic facilities create power dynamics between students, teachers, and administrators that are sometimes exploited.
- Religious institutions – Religious organizations have built-in trust among leaders, so it is easy for abusive individuals to take advantage of members or participants.
- Nursing homes – Elderly individuals may be unable to advocate for themselves when sexual violence occurs.
- Sports clubs – Coaches and trainers have some authority over athletes, especially in youth sports programs, and may use their position to exploit minors.
- Military institutions – The power hierarchies within the military make it harder for victims to share their stories and hold authoritative figures accountable.
- Hotels and short-term rentals – Short-term accommodations can be dangerous if the wrong person has access to your room.
- Shelters – Shelters often lack supervision and security, making it easy for abusers to take advantage of those in vulnerable positions.
Steps to Take If You Are a Victim of Sexual Assault
Although you can pursue compensation after being abused or assaulted, your top priority is to ensure your safety and well-being. After the incident occurs, seek medical attention immediately to treat physical injuries.
You should also report your abuse or assault to the Ann Arbor Police Department or the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-4673). Document everything you can think of about the incident. This information will be helpful if you choose to file a civil claim with the help of your Ann Arbor sexual abuse lawyer.
For emotional support, you can lean on local resources, such as Ann Arbor sexual abuse therapists. You can also connect with other survivors and support services through the SafeHouse Center.
Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims
A sex act can result in legal damages due to injuries or emotional impact. Your Ann Arbor sexual abuse lawyer will assess these damages to seek maximum compensation from the perpetrator.
Compensation can include lost wages, medical expenses, therapy bills, physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and loss of enjoyment of life. Your settlement amount will also be affected by the extent of your injuries, the total damages, and the available evidence in the case.
Liability in Sexual Abuse Cases in Ann Arbor
An individual or institution can be held liable for your legal damages. An institution may be at fault if it fails to report incidents, prevent abuse, respond to complaints, or maintain adequate supervision. They could also be at fault if they conducted insufficient background checks on employees.
Other legal principles could affect your claim’s liability. Vicarious liability, for example, refers to one entity being held responsible for the actions of a related entity. If the sexual misconduct takes place at an educational institution, then Title IX could play a role regarding the treatment of the sexes.
Lastly, abuse at a religious institution may be governed by precedents involving unique power dynamics.
How to Prove a Sexual Abuse Case
Proving liability requires evidence that the defendant had a duty of care toward the plaintiff, that they breached that duty, that there is causation involving the harm, and that legal damages resulted from the incident.
Your sexual abuse lawyer and investigators will help gather evidence to support these assertions in your claim, so the sooner you pursue your legal options, the easier it will be to build a solid case.
How Our Ann Arbor Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help
Our law firm can play an essential role in claiming compensation. First, we will uphold your legal rights throughout the process. We offer a free case review so you can ask questions about your legal options.
If you hire an attorney from our firm, we will investigate your claim, assess all damages, gather evidence, negotiate for a maximum settlement, and even represent you in a trial if necessary.
Our legal representatives work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs for our services, and we only receive payment if we win.
The Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Ann Arbor, Michigan
If you are the victim of a non-consensual sexual act, then you have the right to pursue a claim in Michigan. However, you must do so within the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits. For most personal injury cases, the deadline is three years from the incident date.
However, there are specific circumstances under which this period may be extended, particularly if the abuse occurred during childhood. It’s crucial to act within these timeframes to ensure your right to seek justice and compensation is preserved.
By hiring a skilled lawyer, you can ensure that your rights are fully protected and that you have the best chance of securing the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact an Ann Arbor Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today!
If you want to pursue economic or non-economic damages after experiencing sex abuse, you need the right attorney on your side. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can ensure your abuser is held accountable for their actions through a civil lawsuit. Whatever harm you suffered, it’s important to explore your options quickly to determine if you have a case and begin gathering evidence.
Call us today at 888-424-5757 or fill out our contact form.
Related Practice Areas
- Detroit Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- Grand Rapids Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- Sterling Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- Warren Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Resources: [1] Macro Trends
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.
