Sexual Assault Lawyer

If you or a loved one have been the victim of a sexual assault it is important to know that you are not alone. Local professionals are available to help you recover physically, psychologically and financially. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone or text at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit www.rainn.org (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) for live chat support and other important information. It is critical to your recovery that you receive support from loving friends and family, medical professionals, and criminal and civil legal experts.

If you have been sexually assaulted or suffered sexual abuse of any kind, you have been the victim of a serious crime. The criminal justice system is in place to punish the sex offender and protect you and society at large from further sexual assaults. Many sexual assault victims find that filing criminal charges and having the perpetrator arrested and convicted does little to help them recover personally from the extreme emotional distress, financial burden, and physical trauma that the sexual assault caused. Many sexual sexual assault victims are not aware that in addition to seeking justice through the criminal justice system, they can also take legal action through a civil lawsuit.

The sexual assault lawyers at Mike Morse Law Firm have the legal specialization to help you recover financially by filing a sexual assault claim in civil court. Filing a civil lawsuit can be accomplished in addition to criminal charges and a civil case is not dependent on a guilty verdict in a criminal case in order to be successful. Damages awarded to you through a civil court can help relieve the financial burden that a sexual assault can bring. Time missed from work, medical bills, and other expenses can add to the trauma that you have already suffered and a successful sexual assault personal injury claim can ease the burden.

 Sexual Assault Statistics

According to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN) an individual is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds in America. It is also reported that 1 out of every 6 woman in this country has experienced a rape, or attempted rape during their lifetime. Men are also victims of sexual abuse and assault, with a reported 2.78 million men reporting a rape or attempted rape since 1998. These shocking statistics are evidence of a serious cultural and societal problem that exists today in the United States and other parts of the world. 

Tragically, children are not immune to sexually violence. Child Protective Services estimates that from the years 2009-2013, 63,000 children every year have been victimized. 34% of child sexual abuse victims are under the age of 12 and 66% are between the ages of 12 and 17. Abuse to children can come from a family member, friend, stranger or even another minor child.

Sexual harassment includes; requests for sexual favors, unwanted sexual proposals or advances, verbal taunting of a sexual nature and offensive comments about a person’s sex. Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination that and happens all too frequently. Some studies estimate that 8 in 10 woman have experienced sexually harassment in their lifetime. Men are also victims of sexual harassment but for both genders, it is estimated that only a fraction of victims ever make a report. As awareness of sexual harassment in the workplace increases and preventative measures by employers put in place, it is hoped that the high incidence will decrease.

Sexual abuse in all it’s forms should not be tolerated. Victims of sexual assault deserve justice. Perpetrators of sexual abuse should be punished in the criminal system and victims, if they feel it is in their best interest, have every right to seek damages in civil court.

If you have been subject to unwanted sexual contact of any kind, the sexual assault lawyers at Mike Morse Law Firm are here to help. We offer a free case evaluation to personal injury victims and you pay nothing unless we win your case. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 855-MIKE-WINS or visit www.855mikewins.com. You are not alone.

What Is Sexual Assault?

Victims of sexual abuse may feel confused about what happened and often doubt whether what they experienced was actual assault. The NSVRC (National Sexual Violence Resource Center) defines sexual assault as “any type of unwanted sexual contact.” Sexual assault may also be referred to as sexual abuse. Anyone, regardless of age or gender can become a victim of sexual abuse. Sexual predators may be someone that the victim knows or a complete stranger and can be of any age or gender. Sexual assault cases may involve “force, threats, manipulation, or coercion” or may not. Regardless, any unwanted contact of a sexual nature is considered assault and is a crime.

Sexual offenses or sexual misconduct includes:

Rape

Attempted rape

Indecent exposure

Sexual harassment

Aggravated sexual assault

Child sexual assault

Incest

Spouse or partner sexual assault

Sexual exploitation

Trafficking

Sharing sexual images without consent

Molestation

Any other non-consensual sexual conduct

If you have suffered a sexual assault or sexual abuse, you have the right to pursue justice through the criminal law system and the personal injury system. To discuss your legal options, contact the law offices of the Mike Morse Law Firm at 855-MIKE-WINS, or visit www.855-mikewins.com to schedule a confidential consultation. An experienced attorney will be able to discuss your case and help you pursue legal action if it is in your best interest to do so.

How Can A Personal Injury Sexual Assault Attorney Help Me?

Victim’s of sexual assault often feel powerless during a criminal prosecution. There is often some relief when the assailant is held accountable for the sexual crime, but sexual assault victims may be left with serious emotional distress and an overwhelming financial burden that the criminal court system fails to adequately address. Sexual assault lawyers can help victims of sexual assault be providing access to justice through a civil claim.

A personal injury attorney can help abuse victims by filing a civil action to seek monetary damages and compensation for injuries and losses suffered by the victim of sexual assault.

Your attorney can:

• Collect evidence and present proof of the physical and emotional harm you have suffered as the result of the trauma you endured.
• Prove the severity and losses you have suffered and may likely suffer in the future due to sex abuse.
• Represent you and your best interests in court as a sexual abuse victim
• Manage interactions and negotiations with any insurance company that may be involved in your sexual abuse case.
• Ensure that your civil suit is conducted following all rules and legal guidelines.
• Fight to ensure you receive a just settlement for your losses.
  Having a personal injury attorney by your side can give you the support and expertise that is needed to win a successful settlement on your behalf. At the Mike Morse Law Firm, we offer a no risk, free consultation and if you decide to move forward with your case, you pay nothing unless we win. While you can file a claim on your own, your best chance of success is with an experienced team of attorneys working on your behalf, while you focus on your recovery.

Who Is Liable For Sexual Assault or Sexual Abuse?

In some cases of sexual abuse, the sexual assault victim may be able to file a suit against other parties in addition to the perpetrator if they had a legal duty to protect or report sexual abuse and failed to do so. A law enforcement officer, teacher, church leader, nursing home worker, could all be found guilty of negligent care in instances where they failed to protect or report illegal contact of a sexual nature.

If you or a family member have questions about who can be held liable in a sexual assault civil claim, contact the sexual abuse lawyers at Mike Morse Law Firm at 855-MIKE-WINS for help. During your free consultation you can ask questions and get clear answers about your case and what steps you should take going forward.

Sexual Assault And Its Aftermath

Victims of unwanted sexual acts often endure tremendous physical, emotional and mental suffering. Physical injuries sustained during an attack can have long-lasting and sometimes life-altering implications. Injuries from a sexual assault may include:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Severe bruising
• Damage to internal organs
• Spinal injuries
• Sexually transmitted infections and diseases
• Pregnancy
• Sprains and strains

In addition to the physical impact, sex abuse may also have an overwhelming negative impact on the mental and emotional state of the victim. Depression, anxiety, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) self-medicating with drugs or alcohol and insomnia and other symptoms have all been reported by victims.
Some sexual assaults may leave the victim without physical trauma. Lack of physical injury does not mean you were not assaulted and that your attack wasn’t serious. Any unwanted sexual contact is a crime and all sexual assaults should be reported and taken seriously.

What Damages Can I Recover In My Sexual Abuse Claim?

No amount of financial compensation can even begin to repair the damage done by a sexual assault. What financial compensation can do, is hold the perpetrator accountable in an additional way and provide help for the financial damage that the assault caused. A successful civil claim against the person responsible for your injuries can provide financial peace of mind and help and your family members move forward into recovery.

Damages recovered in a sexual assault personal injury case may include:

• All medical bills related to the assault
• Future medical expenses the occur as a result of the attack
• Recovery of lost wages and other work-related benefits
• Compensation for lost earning potential
• Current and ongoing mental health treatment and support
• Pain and suffering compensation

Laws Governing Sexual Assault Claims

The laws regulating personal injury sexual assault claims are set by each individual state. The most common rules for filing are regarding time limits, referred to as the statute of limitations. Failure to file your claim within the statute of limitations may mean you forfeit your right to seek fair compensation.

The statute of limitations also varies depending on whether the victim of sexual assault is a child or an adult. For instance, in Florida a law was just passed that removes the statute of limitations for sexual battery on a minor. Donna’s law, as it’s called in Florida, makes it possible for child victims to press charges against their assailant at any time during their life. Texas law is similar to Florida in that there is no time limit for sexual assault or indecency with a child.

Depending on the state, an adult victim of an unwanted sexual act is subject to filing time limits ranging from 2 to 10 or more years. The laws regarding sexual assault civil action cases are constantly evolving. It is critical that victims of sexual abuse contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible in order to avoid missing these critical deadlines.

To find out more about the laws governing sexual assault personal injury cases call Mike Morse Law Firm at 855-MIKE-WINS or visit www.855mikewins.com

Mike Morse Law Firm Helps Victims

Sexual assault of any type is a heinous crime and victims deserve justice and rightful compensation for what they have suffered. Mike Morse Law Firm is the largest personal injury law firm in Michigan, with over 15o employees and a long track record of successful cases. To date, Mike Morse Law Firm has won over $1.5 billion in compensation for victims of personal injury. Mike Morse has the resources, expertise and experience necessary to win your case. You don’t have to fight for justice alone. We are here to help. Call or visit 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 855-MIKE-WINS or www.855mikewins.com