Michigan Sexual Assault Lawyers

At Buckfire Law, our Michigan sexual assault lawyers understand the profound impact that abuse can have on survivors and their families. Many survivors endure years of silence, grappling with fear, shame, and the belief that justice is out of reach. We know that stepping forward is often incredibly difficult, and we’re here to stand by you with compassion and strength.

Sexual assault, abuse, and mistreatment are traumatic experiences no one should have to endure. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing a supportive environment while fiercely advocating for your rights. With decades of experience, we have successfully held abusers and enabling institutions accountable, securing meaningful settlements that allow survivors to reclaim their lives.

• Sexual assault and sexual abuse statistics
• Common types of sexual assault cases
• Sexual assault’s physical and emotional effects
• How to file a Michigan sexual assault lawsuit
• Sexual abuse resources and advocacy groups

What is Sexual Abuse?

Michigan has specific criminal sexual misconduct laws. These laws list the types of unlawful conduct, including the ages of victims and positions of abusers. The laws also set for the particular acts and types of sex abuse conduct for all scenarios.

Sex abuse generally involves unwanted sexual contact. It not only covers fondling and touching of a sexual nature but also acts of oral sex and penetration. In many situations, like those involving minors, a perpetrator cannot argue consent as a defense to sex abuse or criminal sexual conduct.

Many times, sexual assault is more subtle. An example would be a doctor going outside the boundaries of a typical exam. Or, it might be a massage therapist using fingers and hands outside the massage zone. Many victims often feel uncomfortable at the time but are too afraid to object or say anything. It is only at a later time they feel empowered to tell what happened to them.

Sexual Assault Statistics

Unfortunately, it is common that many individuals will experience some form of sexual misconduct, violence, or assault in their lives. In fact, for children alone, The Crimes Against Children Research Center reports the following sexual assault statistics:

• More than 50 percent of youth have experienced some form of physical assault
• One in 12 children have been sexually victimized
• One-seventh of the child population has been maltreated

However, while the past cannot be erased, you have legal options and can benefit from consulting a compassionate Michigan sexual assault lawyer if you or a loved one was a victim of sex abuse. Before pursuing compensation, it is important to understand the state-specific laws that govern how and when civil action can be taken.

A knowledgeable attorney at Buckfire Law Firm can answer your questions, explain your rights, and work tirelessly to request the compensation you deserve.

Common Types of Michigan Sexual Abuse Cases

Sexual abuse lawsuits are filed against both the abuser and any entity that employed them or knowingly enabled their conduct. Many times, complaints made by victims are minimized or just swept under the rug. As a result, sex abusers remain free and have access to more potential sexual assault victims.

Many sex abusers are serial abusers. They assault victims over and over again and are never held accountable for their actions. Many sex abusers are in positions of power over their victims. They use that power to force or coerce their sickening behavior on others.

Sexual assaults can occur from family members, strangers, and other people. However, many abusers are professionals or others in trusted positions.

Below are some of the types of sexual abuse cases we handle, organized by the different environments and relationships involved. Understanding these distinctions helps us hold both abusers and any enabling institutions accountable.

Institutional Abuse

• Coaches
  • Example: Farmington Hills Coach Jeremy Thompkins
• Police Officers & Security Guards
  • Example: Illegal strip searches
• Members of the clergy
• Teachers
• Students in relation to peers or mentors
• Boy Scout leaders (No longer accepting cases)

Professional Misconduct

• Doctors
  • Example: Michigan hockey physician Zvi Levran and Indiana gynecologist Dr. David Moore
• Uber & Lyft Drivers
• Massage therapists
• Professionals using hidden cameras

Our sexual assault lawyers have sued physicians, hospitals, coaches, massage therapists, and others who sexually abuse innocent victims in Michigan. We have won substantial settlements for our Michigan sexual abuse clients and will do the same for you. We are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help you.

Victims of University Doctor Sex Assaults

The Buckfire Law Firm represented many sex assault victims in recently publicized doctor lawsuits, including:

• Dr. Larry Nassar (Michigan State University)
• Dr. Robert Anderson (University of Michigan)
• Dr. Richard Strauss (Ohio State University)

The record-breaking settlements brought justice and compensation to victims.  The lawsuits will hopefully motivate universities to better monitor physicians and medical providers and to take prompt action when complaints are made by students of abuse or deviant behavior is suspected.

The Physical and Emotional Effects of Sex Abuse

The damage caused by a sexual assault is both physical and emotional. The damage affects the victim for a lifetime and often becomes more severe as a person grows older.

Many victims have difficulty having sustained relations and never fully trust anyone. It impacts sexual relationships, job performance, and causes destructive behaviors. Victims often never feel comfortable in their own skin and keep their abuse silent for fear of how they will be perceived by others.

Children who are sexually assaulted often have more noticeable effects. These include:

• Changes in their behavior, such as being less social, more introverted, and performing poorly on their schoolwork.
• Anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
• Engaging in sexually deviant behavior themselves on other victims.

Many parents notice these changes in their child but are unaware of the reason for the change. Doctors and medical professionals are trained to detect signs of sexual abuse in children. They have a professional and legal duty to report those behaviors to police authorities to protect the child.

Filing a Sex Assault Lawsuit in Michigan

Because unwanted sexual contact could result in both civil and criminal cases, it is vital that anyone looking to pursue compensation for sexual abuse understands the difference between each.

Under Michigan law, a survivor of sexual abuse can pursue criminal charges up to fifteen years after an incident. Furthermore, if DNA evidence is available, this time restriction might be waived. A criminal case focuses on punishing the assailant through potential jail time or other penalties. While criminal charges can provide some sense of justice, they do not directly address your personal losses.

In contrast, a civil lawsuit focuses on you—the survivor. Civil claims are designed to provide financial compensation for the pain, suffering, medical expenses, therapy costs, and other damages resulting from the abuse. A successful civil case can offer the resources needed for ongoing care and support, empowering you to regain control of your life.

Cases are also filed against the entities and institutions that employed the abuser and failed to prevent the abuse. Many times, institutions ignore or fail to act on warning signs and evidence that would have prevented harm from occurring. In those cases, you can also the institution that should have prevented the abuse.

A conviction during a criminal case can help to bolster a civil lawsuit. Police investigations and witness statements can be used to prove civil lawsuits. However, under Michigan Compiled Law §600.5805(6), a criminal charge does not need to be brought forward in order for a claimant to file a civil case.

Settlements and Compensation for Abuse and Harassment Victims

Michigan sexual assault victims can claim several types of recoverable damages under Michigan law. The first type is a civil claim for non-economic damages. These include compensation for pain and suffering, physical injury, emotional distress, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The second type of civil claim damages is for economic losses. Many victims require intensive mental health care, including counseling and treatment. Lawsuits demand payment for both past care and to pay for future needed treatment.

Additionally, many victims have difficulty completing their education or keeping gainful employment due to the emotional harm suffered by the abuse. Claims can be made for loss of income and future earnings caused by the trauma.

Examples of Michigan Sexual Assault Jury Verdicts & Settlements

• $12,500,000 jury verdict in a sex assault lawsuit for a teenager against an EMS driver.
• $3,000,000 sexual assault settlement for a patient of a physician at a large hospital.
• $1,000,000 settlement for two children sexually assaulted by a daycare employee.
• $600,000 settlement against a Michigan Adult Foster Care Home for a mentally disabled resident.
• $400,000 settlement for a nursing home resident raped by a staff member.
• $105,000 settlement against a Michigan police officer accused of sexually assaulting a victim after pulling her over for a traffic stop.

How Much Time is There to File a Michigan Sex Abuse Lawsuit?

Anyone looking to file a civil lawsuit based on sexual abuse or misconduct should be aware of the state’s statute of limitations. Michigan law was changed in 2018 to expand the time deadlines for filing civil lawsuits for cases involving sexual assault as well as for criminal prosecution for victims under the age of eighteen.

The new law expanded the statute of limitations from three to 10 years for crimes of criminal sexual assault and 10 years to file a civil suit to claim damages. Childhood sexual assault victims could file civil suits until they are 28 years old depending on their age at the time of the abuse. This law gives victims substantially more time to pursue their legal rights and compensation than previously allowed.

Anyone looking to file a sexual abuse civil claim should contact an experienced Michigan attorney immediately to avoid missing the opportunity to file a legal action.

Call Our Michigan Sexual Assault Lawyers

Taking legal action after experiencing sexual abuse can feel overwhelming. At Buckfire Law, our Michigan sexual abuse lawyers provide compassionate guidance through every step. We investigate the incident, gather key evidence, and build a strong case to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation—no fees unless we win for you.

Sex Abuse Resources and Advocacy Efforts

If you have experienced sexual violence, it is important to find help or call the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) at 800-656-HOPE (4673). For more information and additional resources, click here.

Furthermore, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) provides online links to state advocacy groups that work for the betterment of child welfare. Many create dialogues with lawmakers when they deem a need for adjustments to the law.

Michigan Sexual Abuse & Sexual Assault Victim Resources

• Michigan Legislature (The Michigan Penal Code)
• Sexual Assault Prevention & Awareness Center (University of Michigan)
• Michigan Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention & Treatment Board (Teen Dating Violence)
• Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
• Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering & Tracking (SMART)
• The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

Legally reviewed by:

Lawrence J. Buckfire, J.D., Lead Trial Attorney at Buckfire Law
Lawrence J. Buckfire, J.D. has over 30 years of experience specializing in personal injury and wrongful death cases. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and attended Wayne State University School of Law. Lawrence has been named a Super Lawyer, U.S. News Best Lawyer, and in The National Trial Lawyers-Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
Date of Review: Nov., 2024