Sexual abuse is a serious problem across the state of Michigan and in Sterling Heights. Its impact on a victim can be felt for the rest of their life, with the emotional consequences being challenging to overcome.
Fortunately, survivors of sexual abuse and assault have a way to hold their abusers accountable and pursue compensation for legal damages.
When you need help filing a legal action against the perpetrator in your case, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has the experience required to succeed. Our team will help you fight for justice under state law and earn fair compensation for your suffering.
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
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping survivors of sexual abuse in Sterling Heights through civil claims. These claims can result in compensation for the victim to help cover their economic and non-economic losses.
Hotel sexual assault case
Coach grooming and abuse
Cruise ship rape settlement
Negligent security assault
Child sexual abuse lawsuit
Therapist sexual abuse settlement
We are also aware that victims are going through a difficult time emotionally, so we will demonstrate compassion as we work closely with you to file a claim. We prioritize your well-being throughout the claims process. That means protecting your rights, describing all your legal options, and assessing all damages for maximum compensation.
Understanding Sexual Abuse and Assault
Sexual abuse occurs when someone forces or pressures another into sexual contact without their permission. Assault is similar but also involves penetration or sexual oral contact.
In both cases, there is no consent from the victim, and there is likely a power imbalance between the parties. Last year, the rape rate in Sterling Heights was 0.31 per 1,000 population [1].
Common Forms of Sexual Abuse
Sexual misconduct can take many forms, and understanding these can help survivors recognize and seek justice for the wrongs they’ve endured.
- Unwanted sexual contact – Touching someone else with a body part or object sexually without their permission is a type of sexual abuse.
- Child sexual abuse – The bar for child sexual abuse is much lower because of their innocence and not being of age to give legal consent.
- Sexual exposure – Exposing someone to sexual imagery without their consent, such as photos or flashing, is also considered sexual abuse.
- Sexual exploitation – Using power, trust, or vulnerability to commit sexual behaviors without a person’s consent is abusive behavior.
- Sexual intercourse – Penetrative sex or sexual oral contact without permission is typically categorized as rape.
- Clergy abuse – Sexual misconduct by religious leaders, often involving an abuse of power and trust.
Institutions Where Sexual Abuse Is Most Likely to Occur
Based on the cases our attorneys handle, sexual harassment can happen in various institutions, such as:
- Workplaces – Every workplace has a hierarchy of power, and individuals with authority often take advantage of employees with less power to sexually abuse them.
- Inpatient treatment facilities – Patients in overnight medical clinics are especially vulnerable to abuse from staff or other individuals in the same building.
- Correctional facilities – In prisons, guards and inmates are often in close proximity, and those who are sexually abused are too afraid to report it.
- Foster care – Children are placed in homes with foster families all the time, but sometimes, members of those families are abusive and take advantage of the children.
- Daycare centers – Many parents drop their kids off at daycare during the week, but if the center hires the wrong person, those kids could be in danger of being abused.
- Educational institutions – Academic facilities feature numerous power imbalances between administrative staff, teachers, and students that can lead to inappropriate behaviors.
- Religious institutions – The power dynamics in religious communities are unique and often result in clergy abuse.
- Nursing homes – Nursing homes are supposed to be safe spaces for seniors with medical needs, but they can turn into nightmares if staff or other residents commit sexual abuse.
- Sports clubs – Coaches and trainers can easily abuse athletes under their authority in youth sports programs.
- Military institutions – In the military, instances of sexual harassment and abuse can be swept under the rug to protect those with authority, causing survivors to avoid reporting incidents.
- Hotels and rentals – Hotels and other accommodations in Sterling Heights can pose risks for visitors, as you never know who may have access to a room key.
- Shelters – Refuges for those who are struggling often lack security and supervision, making it easier for predators to commit sexual violence.
Steps to Take If You Are a Victim of Sexual Assault
If you experience sexual abuse in Sterling Heights, you should take the following steps to prioritize your well-being and secure a successful claim for compensation.
First, get examined by medical professionals to treat any injuries from the incident. After ensuring your well-being, report the sexual abuse to the Sterling Heights Police Department or by calling 800-656-4673 (National Sexual Assault Hotline).
Begin documenting everything you can think of about the incident to prepare evidence for a potential lawsuit. Finally, you should contact an attorney at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a free consultation about your case.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, support services in Sterling Heights could be beneficial. For example, many sexual abuse therapists in the area could provide one-on-one counseling and help you navigate the healing process.
For other resources and support groups, Turning Point Macomb in nearby Mt. Clemens is an excellent organization for sexual abuse survivors.
Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims
You may be eligible for compensation for legal damages if you have experienced sexual abuse. These damages may include lost wages, medical expenses, therapy bills, emotional trauma, physical pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Factors that may influence your settlement include the severity of your injuries, the extent of your losses, the strength of the defense, and the evidence available for your claim.
Liability in Sexual Abuse Cases in Sterling Heights
Liability in a sexual abuse case can be connected to an individual or institution. An institution may be responsible for damages if it performed insufficient background checks, provided poor supervision, failed to prevent abuse, or responded to complaints inadequately.
Several other legal principles may also affect your case. Vicarious liability refers to one entity being held responsible for the actions of another. Title IX regulations govern the treatment of different sexes in educational institutions.
Lastly, specific legal precedents will play a role in a sexual abuse claim involving a religious institution. A Sterling Heights sexual abuse lawyer from our team is here to answer any questions you have about liability under state law.
How to Prove a Sexual Abuse Case
Proving liability in sexual abuse cases requires four elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and legal damages. The data in your case must prove that negligence or misconduct occurred and that there is a link between the sexual abuse and the harm you’ve suffered.
Your Sterling Heights sexual abuse lawyer will play a vital role in gathering evidence to prove these points and build a solid case.
How Our Sterling Heights Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has extensive experience with sexual abuse cases. As a result, we can assist you with the following aspects of your Sterling Heights claim:
- Discussing your options during a free consultation
- Assessing all damages to ensure fair compensation
- Gathering enough data to back your claim
- Negotiating with the defendant, their lawyers, or their insurance for maximum settlement
- Representing you in a trial if necessary and preparing your defense
The Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Sterling Heights, Michigan
Michigan has specific laws regarding the statute of limitations for sexual abuse. In a civil lawsuit, which usually falls under the personal injury umbrella, you must file your claim three years from the incident date. If you wait until after this deadline, the law makes it difficult to pursue justice and earn compensation for damages.
Still, 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.
Contact a Sterling Heights Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today!
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to handle all the heavy lifting in your case so you can focus on healing. With our deep expertise in Michigan law and sexual abuse claims, we navigate the legal complexities effectively and fight tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Book a confidential consultation by calling us at 888-424-5757 or completing our online form.
Related Practice Areas
- Ann Arbor Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- Detroit Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- Grand Rapids Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- Warren Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Resources: [1] Neighborhood Scout