Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Grand Rapids
Pursing compensation for sexual abuse in civil court can help to provide closure to survivors and their families while holding those responsible accountable for their actions. At Barrix Law Firm, we offer compassionate, person-centered legal representation to clients in Grand Rapids and West Michigan.
Contact us to discuss your case in a confidential setting at no cost to you.
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Legal Representation for Sexual Assault Survivors
Sexual abuse inflicts deep, lasting trauma on vulnerable community members in Grand Rapids and West Michigan. Whether the abuse occurs during a single incident or over the course of years, the effects can have a profound physical, emotional, and psychological toll.
While a criminal conviction can help to provide some closure to survivors and their families, sexual abuse can also result in civil penalties against the perpetrator and related individuals or entities. A Grand Rapids sexual abuse lawyer at Barrix Law Firm can help you pursue justice and closure through the criminal and civil legal systems. We’re prepared to help you recover compensation in civil court. We also defend those who have been charged with crimes while attempting to defend themselves from would-be assailants.
Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights while respecting your personal wishes.
What’s On This Page
Understanding Sexual Abuse Claims
Sexual abuse is a growing problem across the nation. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), someone is sexually assaulted in the United States every 74 seconds. Children and women, especially those between 12 and 34, are the most frequent victims, but sexual abuse and assault can affect anyone, at any time, and at any age. While incidents sometimes occur at parties, on college campuses, and in public areas, over 68% of incidents occur at home or near a familiar residence.
What Is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is a broad legal term that encompasses all types of unwanted or non-consensual sexual acts or behavior. While we often think of violent physical attacks like aggravated rape, sexual abuse may also involve emotional abuse, such as manipulation, coercion, threats, or intimidation. Here are a few examples of sexual assault under Michigan law.
- Unwanted touching or fondling
- Sexual contact without consent
- Rape with or without aggravating force
- Lewd or indecent behavior
- Molestation, including touching or photography
- Sexual harassment, including unwanted comments
- Sexual exploitation or human trafficking
Types of Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle
At Barrix Law Firm, our lawyers in Grand Rapids represent sexual abuse survivors in a wide range of civil cases. We can help you pursue justice by holding the assailant liable for monetary damages. Even if the perpetrator doesn’t have the funds needed to pay a settlement, employers, businesses, and other entities may be responsible for failing to report the abuse or for failing to conduct pre-employment background checks, for example. Here are a few examples of sexual abuse cases that we handle.
- Workplace harassment perpetrated by supervisors, coworkers, and clients is a prevalent yet underreported problem.
- Institutional sexual abuse occurs in schools, foster care, detention centers, and healthcare facilities.
- School and university sexual abuse may be perpetrated by teachers, coaches, support staff, and fellow students.
- Businesses can be held accountable for sexual abuse by authority figures ranging from clergy to police officers, doctors, and others in positions of power or trust.
- Survivors of childhood sexual trauma have a right to recover compensation from relatives or other adults who allowed the abuse to occur.
Your Rights as a Sexual Abuse Survivor in Michigan
Survivors of sexual abuse or sexual assault have rights under Michigan law. As a lawyer for sexual assault victims, our goal is to help you understand how these laws apply to your case and how these statutes can work in your favor as we strive to hold the perpetrator accountable for their reprehensible actions.
Civil vs. Criminal Cases
Sexual assault can result in both criminal and civil charges. Here’s what you should know about the difference:
- Criminal cases are filed by state prosecutors and may result in the assailant facing jail time, electronic monitoring, and other penalties. However, once the sentence is over, the perpetrator may be free to commit similar acts in the future.
- Civil lawsuits can be filed by the survivor or the victim’s family. The goal of filing a claim is to recover financial compensation for the emotional harm and personal injuries caused by the wrongful acts. This can help to provide closure and fund helpful services, such as mental health care, for the survivor.
Statute of Limitations
Michigan law gives survivors a specific window of time to take legal action. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations.
- Time limits vary for criminal charges depending on the age of the victim and severity of the offense. First-degree criminal sexual conduct (aggravated rape) does not have a statute of limitations. Prosecutors can bring charges at any time in the future as long as there is sufficient evidence.
- For civil cases, victims of criminal sexual conduct typically have 10 years from the date of the incident to file a civil lawsuit. If the victim was a minor, the lawsuit can be filed any time until the person’s 28th birthday. Due to recent changes in the law, this applies to instances of sexual abuse occurring after June 12, 2018.
Compensation for Sexual Abuse
If your civil lawsuit is successful, you may be able to recover several types of damages from the at-fault party:
- Medical expenses, including therapy or psychiatric care
- Non-economic damages for pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Lost wages or decreased earning capacity resulting from the assault
- Punitive damages that punish the wrongdoer for harmful conduct
- Loss of consortium for effects on close personal relationships
- Funeral and burial expenses in the event of a fatal assault or wrongful death
Why Choose Barrix Law Firm for Your Sexual Abuse Case
At Barrix Law Firm, we understand that no 2 stories are the same. That’s why we tailor our legal services to you. We use a trauma-informed approach to ensure that your voice is heard and you're fully supported every step of the way, not just as a survivor but as a person. With over 32 years of legal experience, attorney Jason Barrix handles every case with the utmost confidentiality and compassion while offering aggressive representation to help you achieve justice. Here’s what we offer:
- Trauma-informed legal approach that prioritizes your well-being
- Confidentiality, compassion, and aggressive representation in every case
- Deep commitment to helping survivors find justice and healing
- Proven track record of settlements and courtroom victories
- Years of experience handling criminal and civil claims
- Supportive legal team with dedicated victim advocates
- In-depth understanding of Michigan’s sexual abuse laws and local courts
Our Approach
Each case begins with a confidential, no-obligation consultation with our Grand Rapids sexual abuse attorney to help you understand your rights and legal options.
- We’ll carefully review all evidence, including medical records and criminal proceedings, to determine what documentation is needed.
- Our team works with expert witnesses and victim advocates to assess the impact of the abuse and support you while building a stronger case.
- We’ll handle all communications and settlement negotiations so that you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.
Grand Rapids Sexual Abuse FAQs
Is My Sexual Assault Case Confidential?
Attorney consultations are 100% confidential. Even if you don’t hire us, anything you say during a consultation is protected by attorney-client privilege. If you decide to move forward with a civil lawsuit, certain information may become public record. However, in many cases, it’s possible to use pseudonyms, such as Jane Doe, to protect your privacy.
Will I Have to Go to Court?
Not always. Many civil lawsuits filed by sexual assault victims are resolved through confidential settlements without the need for a formal trial, which can help to protect your privacy. If a settlement can’t be reached, we are prepared to present your case to a judge or jury.
What if the Abuse Happened Years Ago?
Michigan law gives survivors of criminal sexual conduct up to 10 years to file a claim for damages in civil court per MCL § 600.5805(6). Minor children have 3 years from the date of discovery or until age 28 to file a civil lawsuit for criminal sexual assault, whichever is later. Proposed laws may extend these deadlines further. Don’t assume that your right to sue has expired. Speak to a sexual abuse lawyer at Barrix Law Firm to understand your rights.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Sexual Abuse Lawyer?
Our sexual abuse lawyers in Grand Rapids work on a contingency basis when filing civil claims. This means that there’s no upfront cost, and you only pay for our services if we recover compensation for you. This takes the financial risk out of filing a civil lawsuit and helps to ensure that justice is more accessible to survivors and their families.
Get a Confidential Consultation
Sexual abuse isn’t something that you have to face alone. Reach out today to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We’re here to help you understand your rights and take the first step toward justice, healing, and empowerment. Contact a Grand Rapids sexual abuse lawyer today to get started. We’re ready to listen and support you as you move forward.
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