Michigan Sexual Assault & Abuse Lawsuit FAQs

Our sexual assault and sexual abuse lawyers recognize that sexual assault, abuse, mistreatment, and molestation are devastating and traumatic events that no person should endure. Many victims of sexual assault fear that no one will believe them, and suffer in silence for years. Buckfire Law Firm will work with you to obtain the justice you deserve, and help you get your life back. By filing a sexual abuse lawsuit, we will hold the abuser and those that enabled the conduct accountable. Sexual assault can leave people confused and distressed with how they can proceed legally. Whether you are looking to sue an institution or individual, don’t be intimidated, we will answer any questions you have about a sexual assault lawsuit.

Of course, you may have a question or concern about your legal rights. For your convenience we have attempt to answer many of these frequently asked sexual assault questions to help guide you through the legal process. For questions not answered in our FAQ section below, reach out to one of our experienced sexual assault claim attorneys today to learn more about your rights, how to protect them, and bring your abuser to justice.

Whether it was unwanted sexual contact from a family member, a stranger, or someone you trusted, our attorneys will work hard to obtain a substantial settlement for you. Many abusers are in positions of power and are not held accountable for their actions as the claims made by victims have been minimized or ignored.

Sometimes, sexual assault is more subtle, like a doctor going outside the boundaries of a typical exam, or a massage therapist touching outside the massage zone. Many victims often feel uncomfortable at the time but are too afraid to object or say anything. It is only later they feel empowered to tell what happened to them. At Buckfire Law Firm we will make sure your complaints are not swept under the rug, but are heard and acknowledged. We will help amplify your voice by collecting the evidence needed to prove your case and win a settlement.

Get Answers to Your Sex Abuse Lawsuit Questions

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for someone to experience sexual misconduct, violence, or assault at some point in their life. If you or a loved one has been abused, consult one of our compassionate and experienced lawyers.

If you have additional questions specific to your situation, feel free to call us for a free, no-obligation case review to tell us your story. An attorney at Buckfire Law Firm can answer all your questions, explain your rights, and outline what your options are going forward. We are up to date and knowledgeable on all Michigan-specific laws when it comes to sexual assault cases.

Call us now. We are waiting to help you.

How long do I have to file a sexual assault lawsuit?

Michigan has a statute of limitations specifically for sexual assault lawsuits. A victim has 10 years from the date of the sex abuse to file a civil suit to claim damages. Childhood victims can file civil suits until they are 28 years old depending on their age at the time of the abuse.

Who can I sue in a sex abuse case?

If you were the victim of sex abuse, you can see the person that abused you. Many times, this is a family member or former acquaintance. In those cases, it can be difficult to get a money recovery because there is typically no insurance money to pay your settlement. In other cases, you may be able to sue an institution or employer of the person that committed the sex assault. For example, if you were assaulted by an on-duty police officer you could sue the department. Other examples would include schools, religious institutions, and other organizations.

How much are sexual assault case settlements?

There is no “average” sex assault case settlement. Every case is judged separately on its own merits and the harm suffered by the victim. Other factors include whether an organization or institution can be held liable for failing to supervise the abuser or failing to prevent the abuse.

Settlements provide compensation payouts for physical pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and other psychological trauma. In addition, settlements include money damages for financial losses, including medical bills, psychiatry bills, lost income, and other economic harm.

Can I file a lawsuit if no criminal sex assault charges filed?

Yes. In a large number of cases, the victim did not report the incident to the police. There are many reasons, including fear of retribution, isolation, and even threats by the abuser. Other times, the victim is a minor and afraid to tell anyone about the assault. Many victims often repress their memories for years and then remember the details.

The law does not require a police report or investigation be filed to pursue a case. Nor does the abuser have to be prosecuted or charged with a crime. These are not necessary to file a civil lawsuit for a sexual assault.

Do most sexual assault lawsuits go to trial?

Like most civil lawsuits, the majority of sexual assault lawsuits settle before ever going to court. It is rare for one of these cases to actually go to a jury trial, often because the evidence is so strong in favor of the victim. The defendants do not want to face judgment day with a jury.

How do I find the best lawyer for a sex assault case?

You should research attorneys to find one best qualified to handle your case. You will want an experienced, top-rated lawyer who has a history of success in sex abuse cases.

Our lawyers have been involved both in many high-profile lawsuits, including those against universities and their doctors. We also have handled many cases against hospitals, nursing homes, sport coaches, and organizations like the Boy Scouts of America.