Institutional Sexual Abuse

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Institutional Sexual Abuse Claims in Grand Rapids, MI

Hold Abusers Accountable with Grewal Law

Institutional sexual abuse is a form of sexual abuse that occurs in a setting where young people are under the care of an adult. This can include schools, parochial schools, nursing homes, children's hospitals, juvenile detention centers, youth camps, and mental health facilities. When a minor is under the care of an adult and is sexually abused, the law recognizes that the victim is incapable of consenting to sexual acts. Thus, any sexual contact between an adult and a minor is considered a criminal act.

If you were abused by an authority figure in a school, church, or other institution, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the trauma you have suffered. Our team at Grewal Law is ready to help you hold the institution accountable for its actions and seek the justice you deserve.

We can help you if you were sexually abused by:

Female teachers
Male teachers
Special needs teachers
Paraprofessionals
School staff members
Coaches or sports instructors
Clergy members
Family members or relatives
Any other person in a position of authority

To learn more about your legal options after being sexually abused in an institution, contact us online or call (616) 202-5391 today.

What is Institutional Sexual Abuse?

Institutional sexual abuse is a form of child sexual abuse that occurs when a person with authority over a child, such as a teacher or clergy member, engages in sexual activity with the child. The sexual activity may be non-violent or involve physical force, threats, or bribes. In addition to sexual intercourse, the perpetrator may also engage in fondling, oral sex, or other forms of sexual activity.

Institutional sexual abuse may also be called:

Educator sexual misconduct: Sexual misconduct by a teacher or professor with a student
Ministerial sexual misconduct: Sexual misconduct by a clergy member with a parishioner
School employee sexual misconduct: Sexual misconduct by a teacher, professor, or other school employee with a student
Teacher sexual misconduct: Sexual misconduct by a teacher or professor with a student

Proving an Institutional Sexual Abuse Case in MI

Here are several steps to take to prove your institutional sexual abuse case in Michigan:

Gather evidence: Documentation and evidence play a crucial role in proving an institutional sexual abuse claim. Collect any relevant documents, photographs, emails, messages, or other evidence that can support your case. If there were any witnesses to the abuse, try to gather their statements as well.
Seek legal representation: Consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in sexual abuse cases or civil litigation in Michigan. They will guide you through the process, advise you on your rights, and help build a strong case.
File a complaint: Your attorney will assist you in filing a formal complaint against the institution or the individual responsible for the abuse. This could involve filing a lawsuit against the abuser or the institution they were affiliated with.
Statute of limitations: In Michigan, there is a statute of limitations for filing sexual abuse claims. It's crucial to understand the timeframe within which you can bring a claim forward, as it varies depending on the circumstances of the case. An attorney can advise you on this matter.
Investigation and discovery: Once the complaint is filed, an investigation will take place to gather more evidence, depose witnesses, and exchange information with the defendant (institution or abuser) through the process of discovery.
Settlement negotiations or trial: Depending on the strength of the evidence and the willingness of the defendant to settle, your case may proceed to trial or get settled out of court through negotiations.
Proving the claim: To succeed in an institutional sexual abuse claim, you and your attorney will need to demonstrate that the abuse occurred, that the institution was negligent or liable in some way, and that you have suffered damages as a result of the abuse.
Expert witnesses: In some cases, expert witnesses such as therapists, medical professionals, or specialists may be called upon to provide testimony or evaluations to strengthen your case.

Our Grand Rapids sexual abuse attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help you seek justice for the abuse you suffered. We can help you file a claim against the institution and the perpetrator, who may be a teacher, clergy member, or other employee. We can also help you file a claim against the institution's insurance company, which is responsible for paying damages to the victim of a teacher's or clergy member's sexual misconduct.

How We Can Help

Our firm is ready to help you if you were the victim of institutional sexual abuse. We can help you seek compensation for the physical and emotional trauma you have suffered.

Contact our Grand Rapids sexual abuse lawyers today at (616) 202-5391 to schedule a free consultation.

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A History Representing Victims of Sexual Abuse Grewal Law, PLLC represented one-third of the survivors in the MSU and Larry Nassar lawsuits, resulting in a $500 million settlement. We are also part of a legal team currently representing over 100 survivors of Robert Anderson at University of Michigan. We are pleased to announce a $490 million settlement in principle.

OVER A CENTURY OF COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE

Recovered over a billion dollars On Behalf Of Our Clients

Sexual Abuse

We represented 111 of the 333 survivors in the lawsuits against Michigan State University for sexual abuse involving the former MSU doctor, Larry Nassar.

Grewal Law has been amazingly empathetic and forward-thinking through this very emotional and trying time.
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