School Sexual Abuse Over 100 Years of Collective Experience

MICHIGAN SCHOOL SEXUAL ABUSE ATTORNEY

Aggressively Representing Victims of School Sexual Abuse Throughout Michigan

At Grewal Law, we understand the profound impact that institutional school sexual abuse can have on survivors, their families, and their communities. Our experienced team of Michigan school sexual abuse lawyers is dedicated to providing compassionate and unwavering support to survivors seeking justice. If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual abuse within an educational institution in Michigan, we are here to help you navigate the legal process, pursue accountability, and secure the compensation you deserve.

Who is Liable for Sexual Abuse in Schools?

In cases of school sexual abuse, several parties can potentially be held liable depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the specific legal framework in place. Here’s an overview of who might be held accountable:

Individual Perpetrator: The person who directly committed the abuse, whether a teacher, coach, staff member, or even a fellow student, can be held criminally and civilly liable for their actions.
Teachers and Staff: If other school employees were aware of the abuse or had reason to suspect it and failed to report it or take appropriate action, they could be held liable for negligence.
School Administrators: School principals, superintendents, or other administrators might be held liable if they knew about the abuse or should have known about it and did nothing to prevent it or address it adequately.
Public Schools: In public schools, liability may extend to the school district or the government entity that oversees the school. However, suing a public school can involve complex issues of governmental immunity, which can limit the ability to hold the school liable in certain cases.
Private Schools: Private schools can be held liable in a civil lawsuit if it is proven that the school failed in its duty to protect students from harm, such as through inadequate hiring practices, lack of supervision, or failing to respond to reports of abuse.
School District: The school district could be liable if it is found that they were negligent in hiring or supervising employees, particularly if they failed to conduct proper background checks or ignored red flags about a staff member’s behavior.
Third Parties: If the abuse was committed by someone not directly employed by the school, such as a contractor or volunteer, the company or organization that employed the abuser might also be held liable, especially if they failed to conduct adequate background checks.
Mandated Reporters: In many jurisdictions, teachers and other school employees are "mandated reporters," meaning they are legally required to report any suspicions of child abuse. If they fail to report suspected abuse, they may be held liable for any harm that occurs as a result.
The Government: In some cases, the government entity that funds or oversees the school district may be held liable, especially in cases involving public schools, where systemic issues contributed to the abuse.
Board of Education: Members of a school board could potentially be held liable if it can be shown that their policies or lack of oversight contributed to an environment where abuse could occur.

At Grewal Law, we understand the complexities and emotional challenges involved in cases of school sexual abuse. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the abuse, identify all responsible parties, and build a strong case to ensure that justice is served. Let us stand by your side, advocating for your rights and working tirelessly to hold those accountable for their actions.

If you were sexually abused as a child, please contact our Michigan school sexual abuse lawyer at (888) 211-5798 today. A member of our team can review your case during a free consultation and help you understand your legal options.

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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.

Our Settlements & Verdicts

$500 Million Larry Nassar Lawsuit - 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.
$490 Million Robert Anderson Lawsuit - Sexual Abuse
Grewal Law is part of a legal team currently representing over 200 survivors of Robert Anderson at University of Michigan. The case has settled with a $490 million settlement.
$380 Million USA Gymnastics Settlement - Sexual Abuse
USAG/USOPC Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Settle for $380 million. We represent 112 of the approximately 500 survivors who will share in the settlement.
$144 Million FBI Settlement - Sexual Abuse
We represented 44 of the 144 clients for approx. $144 million settlement. The FBI failed to timely and adequately investigate credible claims of abuse levied against Larry Nassar beginning no later than June or July of 2015, resulting in hundreds of additional incidents of sexual abuse until Nassar was finally arrested in November 2016.

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Client Testimonials

"Thank you so much for all of your dedication and assistance!"
Grewal Law has been amazingly empathetic and forward-thinking through this very emotional and trying time.

- Anonymous
"The service from this company is fantastic. It is a team that will represent you well."
Grewal Law offers a service to its clients, that is professional and the entire staff makes a personal effort to help each individual.

- M.L.O

What is School Sexual Abuse?

School sexual abuse refers to any sexually inappropriate or non-consensual behavior that occurs within the context of an educational institution involving students, staff, or other individuals associated with the school. It is a serious and illegal violation of trust and boundaries that can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and psychological effects on the victims.

Common forms of school sexual abuse include:

Physical Sexual Abuse: This involves any non-consensual physical contact of a sexual nature. Examples include inappropriate touching, groping, or forced sexual acts.
Verbal Sexual Abuse: Verbal abuse can involve sexually explicit comments, requests, or threats made by teachers, staff, or peers. This form of abuse can create a hostile and intimidating environment for victims.
Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual advances, comments, or behavior that create a hostile or uncomfortable learning environment. It can be perpetrated by teachers, staff, or fellow students.
Child Grooming: Grooming is a process in which an adult develops a trusting relationship with a child for the purpose of sexual exploitation. This can involve manipulating the child emotionally, providing gifts or special attention, and gradually escalating to sexual abuse.
Sexual Assault: Sexual assault refers to any non-consensual sexual activity, which can range from unwanted touching to rape. This can occur within a school setting and may involve both students and school staff.
Child Pornography: The creation, distribution, or possession of explicit sexual images or videos involving minors is illegal and can occur within a school context, particularly with the use of technology.
Online Sexual Exploitation: With the prevalence of technology, sexual abuse can occur online, such as through cyberbullying, sexting, or online grooming by adults who target students.
Exhibitionism: Some abusers may expose themselves or engage in inappropriate sexual behavior in front of students, creating a traumatizing experience for the victims.
Institutional Cover-up: In some cases, school officials may fail to address or cover up reports of sexual abuse, allowing the abuse to continue and harming victims further.
Peer-to-Peer Abuse: Sexual abuse can also occur between students. This includes instances where one student sexually harasses, bullies, or assaults another student.

How to File a School Sexual Abuse Claim in Michigan

Here are some general steps to consider:

Seek Legal Counsel: Before taking any action, consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in sexual abuse cases, especially those involving schools. Our firm can provide you with the necessary guidance and legal advice.
Document Everything: Collect and organize all documents, records, and evidence related to the abuse. This may include emails, text messages, medical records, school records, and any other relevant documents.
Identify the Perpetrator and Responsible Parties: Determine who the alleged perpetrator(s) is/are and who might be held responsible, such as the school district, teachers, administrators, or other individuals.
Statute of Limitations: In many cases, survivors have until the age of 28 to file a lawsuit. However, specific circumstances may affect this deadline, so it's crucial to consult with an attorney promptly.
File a Police Report: If you haven't already, consider reporting the abuse to the local law enforcement agency. A criminal investigation may be conducted, and charges could be filed against the perpetrator.
Notify the School District: Inform the school district about the abuse. This may involve speaking with school administrators, principals, or the school board. Document all communication with the school district.
File a Civil Lawsuit: Your attorney will help you draft a civil lawsuit against the responsible parties, seeking compensation for damages resulting from the abuse. This may include medical expenses, therapy costs, pain and suffering, and more.
Evidence Preservation: Your lawyer will work to preserve evidence related to the case, such as surveillance footage, school records, and witness testimonies.
Negotiations and Settlement: In some cases, a settlement may be reached before going to trial. Your attorney will represent your interests during negotiations with the opposing party.
Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial. Your lawyer will present your case before a judge and jury.
Support and Counseling: Throughout this process, it's essential to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being. Seek therapy or counseling to help you cope with the trauma and emotional distress caused by the abuse.
Follow Legal Procedures: Ensure you adhere to all legal procedures and deadlines outlined by your attorney. Michigan's legal process can be complex, and your attorney will guide you through each step.

If you were sexually abused as a child, you deserve to be heard. You deserve to be heard by someone who cares and who can help you seek justice.

At Grewal Law, we are here to listen and to help. You can contact us today and speak with one of our Michigan school sexual abuse attorneys. We will do everything we can to help you seek justice and your entitled compensation.

Call us at (888) 211-5798 or submit an online contact form to get started with a free consultation.

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