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Dr. Anderson University of Michigan Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

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Jonathan Rosenfeld - J.D

November 19, 2024

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If you or a loved one has been impacted by the Dr. Anderson University of Michigan lawsuit, know that legal support is available to help you navigate this difficult time. 

As dedicated attorneys specializing in handling such sensitive cases, we understand how essential it is to approach every aspect with compassion and competence when seeking justice for a victim.

Our primary goal is to offer a protective space where your voice can be heard and your experience acknowledged. When you take that first difficult but brave step to reach out, rest assured that Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers will provide empathetic guidance and rigorous legal advocacy. 

Keep reading to learn more about the Anderson lawsuit, who may be eligible to file a claim for compensation, and how a University of Michigan sexual abuse lawyer from our team can help you fight back against those who took advantage of you.

What Is the University of Michigan Lawsuit About?

The University of Michigan lawsuit is centered around allegations against Former U-M employee, Dr. Robert Anderson, who served in various capacities at the university and has been accused of sexually assaulting an unfathomable number of students.

Students have come forward, stating that during routine appointments, he engaged in sexual abuse under the guise of necessary medical procedures, including unnecessary genital and rectal examinations. 

The allegations continued unchecked by university officials for years due to inadequate oversight by the University, with many questioning how such abuse could occur so extensively and for so long without intervention from school officials.

What Is the Status of the University of Michigan Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

The legal proceedings surrounding the University of Michigan sex abuse case and Dr. Anderson’s actions have entered a decisive phase with substantial settlement funds allocated for sex abuse survivors. 

While the deadline for joining the case involving settlement funds against the University has passed, any victim of Dr. Anderson who wasn’t part of that agreement can still take legal action. 

These individuals may have the opportunity to file their own sex abuse claims against the University regarding Dr. Anderson. 

Dr. Robert Anderson UM Lawsuit

Is There a Class Action Against Dr. Robert Anderson and the University of Michigan?

Yes, there was a class action lawsuit against Dr. Anderson and the University of Michigan due to allegations of widespread sexual abuse. Currently, it has resulted in a significant settlement agreement; survivors who didn’t participate may still pursue individual claims going forward. 

If you believe you’ve suffered such abuse from the doctor and may be entitled to a settlement, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a consultation on potential legal action.

Dr. Robert Anderson Lawsuit Updates

The University of Michigan sex abuse lawsuit has reached a significant settlement. In January 2022, the university agreed to a $490 million settlement in response to claims from over 1,000 former students who Dr. Anderson abused. [1]

Under this agreement, $430 million has been earmarked for direct compensation to the plaintiffs involved in that initial lawsuit. Another $30 million will go towards future claimants who file claims through October 2023. Board of Regents Chair Paul Brown “hopes this settlement helps the healing process for survivors.” [2]

Who Is Eligible to File a Robert Anderson Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

Eligibility for filing a sex abuse lawsuit against the University of Michigan pertaining to the Dr. Anderson sexual abuse allegations extends to individuals who were victimized between 1967 and 2003 but did not partake in the $490 million settlement already reached. 

How to File a Lawsuit Against Dr. Robert Anderson and the University of Michigan

To initiate a lawsuit against Anderson and the University of Michigan, you must demonstrate that you underwent treatment by Dr. Anderson and were subjected to sexual abuse. You can gather support from evidence like your medical records and personal testimony detailing the abuse.

Ultimately, the best way to get started is to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is recognized for offering compassionate legal assistance and assisting victims in these unconscionable matters. 

How a University of Michigan Sexual Abuse Attorney Can Help

Jonathan Rosenfeld Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we believe that survivors of sexual abuse by Dr. Anderson at the University of Michigan deserve dedicated and comprehensive legal support. If you need help, let a doctor sexual abuse lawyer from our team provide the expert guidance, unyielding advocacy, and compassionate service essential for navigating your case. 

Case Evaluation

Our attorneys rigorously assess your case, examining all aspects to determine a strong approach for achieving justice on your behalf.

Representation in Mediation and Settlement Negotiations

We are unwavering advocates in settlement negotiations related to these sensitive cases, engaging with university representatives or their counsel. We push for compensation that truly reflects the harm you have suffered. 

Litigation

If a settlement cannot be reached, we represent you throughout the trial process, doing everything we can to get you a favorable outcome. 

Access to Resources

We connect survivors with essential services beyond legal aid for holistic recovery and support, like counseling services, support groups, and other resources that address psychological well-being.

The Statute of Limitations for This Case

The statute of limitations for sex abuse cases such as those involving Dr. Anderson can be complex and hinge on specific details like when the incident(s) occurred and how old you were at the time. 

To understand your eligibility, it’s important to consult with a lawyer promptly.

There is also dialogue about introducing “look-back windows,” similar to what was enacted in the Larry Nassar abuse case, which could permit abused survivors who have previously been barred by time restrictions to file a civil lawsuit, no matter how long ago the abuse happened and no matter how old they are currently.

If you were a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of Dr. Anderson, now is the time to take action. As more people come forward having been abused and with potential changes in legal time constraints, securing representation is critical. 

How Much You Can Recover in a University of Michigan Sexual Misconduct Settlement

There isn’t a predetermined settlement amount in sex abuse cases like the one involving Dr. Anderson. Compensation recovered from these cases often varies due to elements such as the severity and duration of abuse, emotional distress caused, and any mental health treatment needed as a result. 

In sexual misconduct cases like those involving the University of Michigan and Dr. Anderson, we can help you recover several types of damage.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to the financial costs associated with an injury that can be calculated and proven. These usually include costs associated with medical treatment, therapy for psychological trauma, and lost wages due to being unable to work.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages encompass the intangible losses a survivor endures, which cannot be easily quantified monetarily. This often includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium. 

Punitive Damages

Although rarer, these are occasionally awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious—as they clearly were in this case. The goal is to punish the defendant and prevent this type of behavior from occurring in the future.

Ultimately, the Dr. Anderson settlement mirrors Michigan State University’s $500 million agreement for gymnasts abused by Larry Nassar. However, with around double the number of plaintiffs in the Anderson case, individual payments to survivors are about half as much on average. [3]

The Defendants in This Sex Abuse Case

In the Dr. Anderson sexual misconduct lawsuit, The University of Michigan is the primary defendant as a result of findings from an external investigation conducted by Guidepost Solutions. [4]

The investigation stated that Dr. Anderson had committed instances of blatant sexual misconduct against students revealing systematic breaches of trust affecting countless individuals over decades of his tenure.   

Dr. Robert Anderson

Dr. Robert Anderson served in numerous roles at the University of Michigan, acting as a university health services physician from 1967 up until his retirement in 2003. During this period, he was substantially involved with student-athletes while serving as a team doctor.

In that capacity, he had extensive access to students across various sports. Anderson exploited his position of power and trust, sexually abusing students and calling it “medical care.” He died in 2008. 

The University of Michigan

In the context of the Dr. Anderson case, the University of Michigan has been confronted with grave allegations regarding the sexual abuse at the hands of Dr. Anderson over decades while under their employment. 

Concerns were raised about institutional failure to protect students from Dr. Anderson once accusations surfaced. Investigations into these incidents found that university officials received several reports concerning his misconduct but failed to take effective action.

Following the witnesses’ courageous accounts, the university agreed to a significant settlement in the hope of adequately compensating survivors.

While we know that no amount of money can undo the pain experienced by those who were abused, it’s also about seeking justice. For many, holding the responsible parties accountable is a crucial part of the healing process. 

Contact Our Sexual Assault Lawyers Today!

Jonathan Rosenfeld, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

Seeking justice after sexual abuse can be an intimidating and emotionally taxing journey. If you’ve been led through the hard times that too many have faced, it’s important to remember that you don’t need to confront this process alone.

Our team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers holds a profound respect for your courage in confronting such personal violations and is committed to providing compassionate support. We don’t want anyone to suffer in silence anymore. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our sexual abuse attorneys.

Related Practice Areas

Resources: [1] CNN, [2] The University Record, [3] M Live, [4] Doe v. The University of Michigan 

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