Sterling Heights Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Sexual abuse is a serious problem across the state of Michigan and in Sterling Heights. The impact of a sex crime on a victim can last for the rest of their life, and the emotional consequences are often difficult to overcome. A Sterling Heights sexual abuse lawyer can help you get compensation to help with your healing journey. 

Fortunately, survivors of sexual abuse and assault have a way to hold their abusers accountable and pursue compensation for legal damages. To win a child molestation case, you need a legal team well versed in the legal system. Sterling Heights residents need an experienced attorney who knows what it takes to make sure large institutions are found guilty.

When you need help filing a legal action against the perpetrator in your case, Injury Lawyer Team has the experience required to succeed. Our team will help you pursue justice under state law and secure fair compensation for your suffering. We have a deep understanding of your legal rights and the emotional pain you’re going through, ensuring a compassionate yet effective attorney. 

Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team as Your MI Sex Crimes Lawyer

At Injury Lawyer Team, our experienced lawyers are dedicated to helping survivors of sexual abuse in Sterling Heights through civil claims. These Sterling Heights, Michigan claims can result in compensation for the victim to help cover their economic and non-economic losses.

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. Our lawyers who are serving Sterling Heights prioritize your well-being throughout the claims process. That means protecting your rights, outlining all your legal options, and assessing potential damages to maximize compensation.

What is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse occurs when someone forces or pressures another into sexual contact without their permission. Assault is similar but also involves penetration or oral sex.

In both cases, there is no consent from the sex crime victim, and a power imbalance likely exists between the parties. Last year, the rape rate in Sterling Heights was 0.31 per 1,000 population.

What are the Common Types of Criminal Sexual Conduct?

Sexual misconduct can take many forms, and understanding these can help sex crime 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.
• Child pornography – 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 and a sex crime.
• 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.

Where Do Most Sex Crimes Happen in Macomb County?

Based on the cases our attorneys handle, sex crimes can happen in various institutions, such as:

• Workplaces – Every workplace serving Sterling Heights, Michigan has a hierarchy of power, and individuals with authority often take advantage of employees with less power to sexually abuse them. An attorney can help prove you were served an injustice. 
• Medical clinics – Patients in overnight medical clinics are especially vulnerable to abuse from staff or other individuals in the same building.
• Prisons and jails – In prisons serving Sterling Heights, guards and inmates are often in close proximity, and those who are sexually abused are too afraid to report it. Our attorneys will help you fight for justice. 
• Foster homes– 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.
• Schools – Academic facilities often exhibit power imbalances among administrative staff, teachers, and students that can lead to inappropriate behavior. Attorneys can help you hold them accountable. 
• 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 – 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.
• Short term 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.

What Should You Do if You’re Sexually Abused?

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. Attorneys at our law firm can use this in your case. Finally, you should contact an attorney at Injury Lawyer Team for a free consultation about your case.

If you are experiencing emotional distress, support services in Sterling Heights could be beneficial. For example, manysexual 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.

What Damages Can Attorneys Recover Through the Court System?

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.

Who’s Liable in Sexual Abuse Cases in Sterling Heights?

Liability in a sexual abuse case can be connected to an individual or an institution. An institution may be liable for damages if it conducted insufficient background checks, provided inadequate supervision, failed to prevent abuse, or responded to complaints inadequately. An attorney can help you determine if an institution is at fault. 

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 Can Personal Injury Lawyers Prove Liability?

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. The first step is contacting an attorney to discuss the situation. 

How Can Our Sterling Heights Sexual Abuse Lawyers Help?

Injury Lawyer Team has a team of attorneys with extensive experience in 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 sexual assault 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

What’s the Time Limit for Filing a Claim According to Michigan Law?

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 sexual assault 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. Legislation gives you ten years in this situation. It’s crucial to work with a law office within these timeframes to ensure your right to seek justice and compensation is preserved.

What’s the Average Sexual Assault Settlement in Sterling Heights, MI?

The average settlement for sexual assault, including internet sex crimes, depends on various factors. Some internet sex crime cases with amazing law offices have resulted in settlements worth millions. However, some sexual offense lawsuits have resulted in settlements worth $100,000. A few of the factors that will impact your Sterling Heights, MI settlement include: 

• The strategy your sexual assault lawyer uses 
• The type of crime, such as whether it involved only child pornography or statutory rape that involved penetration
• Whether an institution was negligent, such as hiring a sex offender who was registered on the sex offender registry, because they didn’t do a background check
• How many times the sexual act happened, such as whether there were repeated acts of statutory rape in Sterling Heights, MI
• The civil court looks at whether it was attempted rape or rape
• A civil suit can depend on whether physical injuries were present and caused lasting harm
• Economic damages, such as lost wages, medical bills, etc. 
• Whether punitive damages are considered necessary

Working with an experienced law firm is crucial. Sexual abuse can impact you for the rest of your life. However, working with an attorney serving Sterling Heights, Michigan, can help you or family members hold the perpetrator accountable thanks to the legal process. 

Example Cases in Macomb County

A plaintiff was awarded $240,000 after allegations of sexual abuse of an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s at a nursing home. The sexual assault left the victim in pain, with bruises and emotional harm. The nursing home was accused of negligence, but it denied that the incident occurred. A professional lawyer proved that it did. 

Another plaintiff sued Outback Steakhouse after multiple cases of sexual harassment. The Sterling Heights, MI, victim was training to be a kitchen manager and was constantly harassed by other employees. She was subjected to vulgar language, inappropriate remarks, sexual comments, and more. Then, when she complained, nothing was done. She suffered an accident when another employee began humping her while she was working, was transferred, and then demoted. An experienced MI sex crime lawyer helped her win a settlement of $128,000. 

Tile in Style was listed as the defendant in a criminal sexual conduct lawsuit. A couple owned the small business, and their son often worked with them. He hired teenage boys to work on the weekend when he would sexually abuse them. When allegations were raised, his parents, the business owners, said they had no knowledge. The man, Scott, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to prison. The settlement was for $75,000. 

Contact Us for a Free Consultation About Your Legal Options

Injury Lawyer Team 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 with an experienced Sterling Heights, MI law office by completing our contact form.

Related Practice Areas

Ann Arbor Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Detroit Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Warren Sexual Abuse Lawyer

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.