Michigan Sexual Abuse Lawyer Representing Victims

Regardless of when sexual abuse began and ended, getting enough evidence to prove liability in a lawsuit is challenging. Let our lawyers handle the investigation and collection of evidence, including correspondence, photographs, medical records, reports, and more.

We can then organize this evidence into a compelling case that we file before the statute of limitations runs out. You likely have 10 years to file a lawsuit, though the statute of limitations will not start until you turn 18 if you were abused as a child. Some sexual abuse lawsuits go to trial in Michigan, and others settle so victims can avoid court. Settling can still give you the justice you need, and we will advocate for your interests throughout all stages of your lawsuit.

Call The Law Office of Andrew Shubin for a free case review from our sexual abuse lawyers representing victims at (814) 826-3586.

What Evidence Can My Michigan Sexual Abuse Lawyer Use?

Our attorneys can use convincing evidence to prove liability in sexual assault lawsuits, such as witness statements, medical records, and previous reports of abuse.

Correspondence

Give us any saved correspondence between you and the person who sexually abused you. This may include texts, phone calls, emails, letters, and anything else you can think of.

Correspondence from defendants to plaintiffs may contain descriptions of sexual abuse and other crucial information that our lawyers may use to prove liability.

You may not have correspondence with the abuser, and do not let that stop you from contacting us about your case.

Photos

Sexual abuse can cause physical injuries. Lacerations, contusions, and fractures often happen throughout abuse, and victims sometimes photograph these injuries. Tell us if you have pictures of bruises, cuts, scrapes, or other evidence of the abuse, and we may use them in your lawsuit.

Medical Records

Not all victims get medical attention for sexual abuse. This is understandable, and we may still prove abuse occurred without substantial medical records. However, if you did go to the hospital or get specific care related to the sexual abuse from your primary care physician, tell us.

We can get and utilize those records to prove injuries and medical damages due to the sexual abuse you endured.

Reports

Some victims report sexual abuse to the police, others do not. Tell us if you filed a police report and law enforcement is investigating or has investigated the abuse. Also, tell our lawyers if you reported the abuse to the school, nursing home, church, mental health facilities, or other institution you were abused at.

When we file the lawsuit, we can use the discovery phase to obtain information from the defendant, such as internal investigatory reports that a school completed after receiving reports of abuse.

Such reports may indicate whether or not an institution took reports seriously and if it enabled or allowed sexual abuse to continue.

Witness Testimony

Others may witness sexual abuse, especially if it happens over many years. Please let us know about anyone you confided in and if anyone witnessed the behavior toward you firsthand.

These witnesses may testify during sexual abuse lawsuits that go to trial in Michigan, so do not underestimate their value.

Victim Testimony

Your testimony is especially strong evidence. Our sexual abuse lawyers representing victims can prepare your testimony over time so you feel confident when speaking on the stand. When you testify, you can state that the defendant sexually abused you and describe the abuse you experienced.

You can also describe the pain, suffering, and other damages you have incurred because of what you endured.

What is the Filing Deadline for Sexual Abuse Lawsuits?

The statute of limitations to file sexual abuse lawsuits in Michigan is 10 years from the last instance of abuse. Those abused as minors have until they turn 28 or three years from discovering the sexual abuse to sue, whichever comes later.

That is not very long, especially compared to other states that give child victims several decades to sue. Even for adults, 10 years is not much time to feel comfortable discussing sexual abuse and bringing a claim.

To learn your filing deadline, call our lawyers in Michigan. We can determine how much more time you have to bring a case and help you do so before the statute of limitations runs out. If that happens, victims may no longer bring lawsuits for sexual abuse.

Recently, legislation was proposed in Michigan that would extend the statute of limitations for survivors of child sexual abuse, so keep in mind that current rules may change.

Can I Settle a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Michigan?

Some plaintiffs in sexual abuse lawsuits want to go to trial from the get-go, while others prefer to settle out of court to avoid additional distress. Settling a sexual abuse lawsuit is not a negative thing and may give victims the sense of peace and justice they were searching for.

Before you settle a sexual abuse lawsuit, our lawyers will confirm the settlement favors you. We will not advise you to settle too quickly. If you do, the defendant may avoid covering certain damages, so let us review all offers before you accept.

You do not have to settle a sexual abuse lawsuit and may go to trial. You can even change your mind about settling right up until you sign the agreement.

While going to court is re-traumatizing for some victims, it is what others want from a lawsuit, as it allows them to hold defendants accountable publicly. We will keep you informed throughout your case, explain what settling versus going to trial would entail, and help you make the best decision for your emotional and financial recovery.

To Discuss Your Case for Free, Call Us in Michigan

Call The Law Office of Andrew Shubin at (814) 826-3586 for a confidential and free case review from our sexual abuse lawyers representing victims.