Sexual Assault Lawyer Michigan

Sexual misconduct and abuse is an insidious crime that can stay with the victim for a lifetime. The crimes are especially nefarious if the abuser holds a position of power or authority over the victims. If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, there are steps you can take. The personal injury lawyers at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., are some of the most experienced attorneys in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and greater Michigan. Our Sexual Abuse & Assault Injury Lawyers can give you legal advice on what to do next in the case of criminal sexual abuse or assault.

• Michigan Sexual Abuse & Assault Injury Lawyers
• Recent Cases
• Types of Abuse
• Types of Cases
• Contact Us

Recent Cases

In breaking news, the University of Michigan’s president apologized on Thursday to anybody who was harmed by the actions of late University doctor, Robert E. Anderson.

Anderson was the director of the University Health Service and the physician for the University’s football team for decades. As of Wednesday, the doctor has been accused of multiple instances of sexual misconduct and abuse.

This case reminds Michigan residents of the fall-out from Michigan State’s gymnastics coach, Larry Nassar, who was sentenced to 175 years in prison and an extraordinary fine for his sexual misconduct with the student-athletes he was training at the time.

Types of Abuse

There are some important distinctions to be aware of when you are considering legal action for criminal sexual abuse or assault.

There are different definitions of unwanted sexual acts in Michigan – first- through fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, sodomy, and statutory rape. Within these definitions, the law states explicitly the criminality of those in positions of authority over the victims, which applies to the recent case involving the lawsuit brought against the University of Michigan by the alleged victims of Dr. Anderson.

Unlike many states, Michigan does not have a specific statute of limitations for criminal sexual abuse cases, so the statute of limitations falls under those that govern personal injury cases.

If the sexual abuse case is in the second, third, or fourth degree, then the statute of limitations is 10 years or when the victim turns 21, whichever comes later. Victims under the age of 18 have 15 years or until their 28th birthday, whichever is later.

Most personal injury cases have a three-year statute of limitations. However, there may be special circumstances of discovery, and a judge may extend that limit. In cases where there may have been a coverup or negligence in pursuing a complaint by an institution, the law of discovery may apply which extends the time limit.

The statute of limitations for a civil criminal sexual abuse case in Michigan is around two years, but the statute of limitations falls under the same one that governs personal injury.

Types of Cases

There are also civil or criminal lawsuits for sexual abuse cases. In civil cases, the victim seeks damages and reparations for the pain and suffering they’ve experienced at the hands of the abuser. In criminal cases, it is the state of Michigan that brings the lawsuit against the abuser.

Contact Us

Sexual abuse or assault and criminal sexual misconduct are emotionally draining. The first step to healing for victims of sex crimes is by bringing the abuser to justice.

The Sexual Abuse & Assault Injury Lawyers in Michigan at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., can help you distinguish between the different types of sexual abuse and the statutes of limitations for each. Contact us online or via phone for a free consultation for civil claims involving sexual abuse and assault in Michigan.