Sexual abuse can have a lasting impact on a person. The physical consequences of assault or abuse may heal quickly, but the emotional damage often takes much longer. Some victims deal with the emotional ramifications for the rest of their lives.
It is essential to take legal action against the perpetrator to ensure they are held accountable for their actions.
As a victim of abuse or assault in Grand Rapids, MI, you have the right to pursue compensation. When you need help with your civil case, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has the expertise to secure compensation for legal damages.
WE ARE ONLY ACCEPTING SEXUAL ABUSE CASES INVOLVING INSTITUTIONS.
IF YOU HAVE A MATTER INVOLVING A RELATIVE OR ACQUAINTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BAR ASSOCIATION
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
When you work with Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we prioritize securing the highest possible settlement on your behalf. We will assess economic and non-economic damages to determine a fair compensation amount.
Hotel sexual assault case
Coach grooming and abuse
Cruise ship rape settlement
Negligent security assault
Child sexual abuse lawsuit
Therapist sexual abuse settlement
We have a deep understanding of sex abuse cases and know the importance of being compassionate with every victim. We will investigate your claim and gather evidence to build a solid case. Throughout the entire process, we make sure that your rights under state law are protected.
Understanding Sexual Abuse and Assault in Grand Rapids
Sexual assault and abuse are very similar under Michigan law, but some minor distinctions could impact the outcome of your claim. Sexual abuse is when a person forces or pressures another person into unwanted sexual contact. Sexual assault is a similar scenario but often features penetration or sexual oral contact.
In both circumstances, there is a lack of consent from the victim and a power imbalance between the two parties. Last year alone, there were 190 reported rapes in the city of Grand Rapids [1].
Common Forms of Sexual Abuse
- Sexual intercourse – Penetrative sex or sexual oral contact is typically considered criminal sexual conduct under state law.
- Sexual exploitation – If a person uses power, trust, or vulnerability to accomplish sexual ends with someone else, they are likely abusing them.
- Sexual exposure – Exposing someone to sexual imagery, such as lewd photos or flashing, without their consent is abusive behavior.
- Child sexual abuse – The standards for sex abuse are lower for a child since they are unable to give legal consent and often don’t understand what is happening.
- Unwanted physical contact – Touching someone with either a body part or object sexually without their permission is abuse.
- Clergy Sexual Abuse: Abuse committed by religious leaders or clergy members, exploiting their position of trust and authority to manipulate or harm both adults and minors.
Institutions Where Sexual Abuse Is Most Likely to Occur
In the cases we handle, sexual abuse is most likely to occur in the following institutions:
- Workplaces – Workplace dynamics often create opportunities for those with authority to abuse those beneath them and threaten action if the behavior is reported.
- Inpatient treatment facilities – Clinics that provide medical services for overnight patients may be dangerous if abusive individuals are present, especially since patients are often vulnerable.
- Correctional facilities – Prison power dynamics and poor security practices can result in sexual assault cases.
- Foster care – Even with lengthy vetting processes, a child could still end up in a foster home with an abusive parent or other family member.
- Daycare facilities – Daycare centers place adults in caretaker positions with many children, so the wrong hire by the daycare could lead to child abuse.
- Educational institutions – Schools often face allegations of abuse or assault, often because of the power imbalances between administrators, teachers, and students.
- Religious institutions – Clergy abuse has been a big problem in churches and ministry organizations because people automatically trust religious leaders.
- Nursing homes – Elderly individuals often need consistent medical care, which puts them in vulnerable positions if nursing home staff or residents decide to take advantage.
- Sports clubs – Youth sports programs, in particular, are rampant with these issues because coaches and trainers are in positions of authority over young people.
- Military institutions – The military has strict hierarchies that sometimes cause incidents to be swept under the rug to protect perpetrators.
- Hotels and short-term rentals – Staying in an overnight accommodation puts you at risk of becoming a victim if the wrong individual has a room key.
- Shelters – Designed to be safe refuges, shelters can turn dangerous because of poor supervision and lack of security.
Steps to Take If You Are a Victim of Sexual Assault in Grand Rapids
Survivors of sexual assault or abuse can take the following steps to prioritize their well-being and financial future.
First, get somewhere safe. Once you’re secure, seek immediate medical attention and have your injuries treated, especially if you suffered from forcible rape. Next, you should report the incident to the Grand Rapids Police Department or the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-4673).
Your next course of action should be documenting the incident. The more information you record about the build-up, the event itself, and the aftermath, the more you can seek justice with your civil claim or even a crime investigation. Next, reach out to Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for help getting the compensation you deserve for legal damages. Finally, dealing with emotional trauma may require that you rely on support services. If you want to speak to psychological experts, you can connect with Grand Rapids sexual abuse therapists. If you want support from other survivors or resources, Support Within Reach is a great organization.
Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims
Survivors of sexual assault and abuse can seek compensation for legal damages with the help of an attorney from our law firm.
Potential damages include lost wages, medical expenses, therapy bills, emotional distress, physical pain and suffering, post-traumatic stress disorder, and loss of enjoyment of life. Other factors that will impact your settlement include the severity of your injuries, the extent of the damages, and the evidence available for the case.
Liability in Sexual Abuse Cases in Grand Rapids
Liability is the key to victory in your claim. The perpetrator can only be held accountable if you prove they were responsible for damages. The defendant could either be an individual or an institution. For an institution to be liable, it could fail to prevent abuse, fail to report incidents, or perform inadequate background checks on employees.
One legal principle that could influence your claim is vicarious liability, which occurs when one entity is responsible for the actions of another related entity. Title IX may play a role in the lawsuit if the sex abuse occurred within an educational facility. In a religious institution, there are also legal precedents regarding power dynamics.
How to Prove a Sexual Abuse Case
A successful Grand Rapids sexual abuse claim must establish that the defendant had a duty of care toward the plaintiff, breached that duty, and that this breach directly caused the incident, resulting in legal damages from negligence or intentional misconduct. Your legal representation will be vital in gathering evidence to support these claims.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers will gather and present evidence while investigators uncover additional proof and interview witnesses. We will prove duty of care, breach, causation, and damages, ensuring you have the strongest case possible for securing justice and compensation.
How a Grand Rapids Sexual Assault Lawyer Can Help
When you have legal representation from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, you level the playing field against the defendant.
First, we offer a free, confidential consultation to answer all your questions before proceeding. Then, we conduct a thorough investigation of your case to determine your legal options.
Our team will gather evidence, assess damages, and negotiate for maximum compensation on your behalf. We are committed to winning settlements for survivors and work on a contingency fee basis so you face no upfront costs for legal services.
The Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Grand Rapids, Michigan
The statute of limitations for personal injury in Michigan is three years. That means you must file your civil claim three years from the incident date. If you wait too long, it may be impossible to seek compensation.
An attorney who specializes in sexual abuse cases will understand the nuances of the law and can help you navigate any exceptions that might apply, especially in situations involving delayed reporting or childhood abuse.
Contact a Grand Rapids Sexual Assault Lawyer Today!
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping survivors of sexual abuse in Grand Rapids seek justice and the compensation they deserve. Our experienced legal team provides compassionate and transparent support, ensuring you feel informed, empowered, and confident in your pursuit of justice.
Call us at 888-424-5757 or complete our online form.
Related Practice Areas
- Ann Arbor Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- Detroit Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- Sterling Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- Warren Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Resources: [1] Neighborhood Scout – Grand Rapids Crime Rates,