WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED IN A MICHIGAN JUVENILE DETENTION OR YOUTH RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CENTER?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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LAKESIDE ACADEMY SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
Fighting For Survivors Sexually Abused at Lakeside Academy in Michigan
Lakeside Academy closed in 2020 following the tragic death of 16-year-old Cornelius Fredericks after being restrained by staff, sparking outrage and calls for accountability. Allegations of abuse, including sexual abuse, and neglect at Lakeside Academy have also surfaced, shedding light on systemic failures in the care and supervision of vulnerable youth at the facility.
If you or someone you love was a resident of Lakeside Academy and experienced sexual abuse, Levy Konigsberg can help you in your fight for justice. We can help you find out what your compensation options are, and get you everything you deserve.
Were you sexually abused?
History of Sexual Abuse at Lakeside Academy in Michigan
Examples of alleged abuse, and of conditions likely to lead to abuse, include the following:
- In May 2020, Cornelius Fredericks, a 16-year-old, was killed at the facility due to staff-induced asphyxia. After his death, a lawsuit was filed alleging widespread negligence and abuse within the facility. According to the lawsuit, in the half-year leading up to Fredericks’s death, there were reportedly six separate instances of staff misusing de-escalation techniques, including improper restraints. It was reported that tear gas had been used in at least one incident. Michigan’s child welfare licensing agency reportedly received nearly a dozen substantiated claims of staff neglect and abuse at Lakeside Academy over a two year period.
- In May 2009, Kimeon Tyrone Bolden, a former youth counselor at Lakeside Academy, was charged with the sexual assault of a 14-year-old resident. According to law enforcement, Bolden allegedly engaged in three sexual assaults of the child involving sexual penetration from March 13 to March 15, 2009 at Lakeside Academy.
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
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Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
Do I Have a Case?
You may have grounds to file a civil legal action if:
- You were sexually abused by a guard, counselor, nurse, or other youth residential treatment or juvenile detention center staff member.
- The abuse occurred at any youth residential treatment or juvenile detention facility.
Levy Konigsberg represents survivors in civil lawsuits that aim to hold youth residential treatment facilities, juvenile detention centers, private healthcare companies, and other facility operators accountable for their failures to stop abusive staff members and protect young residents.
As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:
- Your abuser is no longer alive.
- Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.
Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims
In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:
- Past medical and mental health expenses
- Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and psychological harm
- Lost income
- Other economic and non-economic damages
Michigan Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Under Michigan law, a person who was the victim of a sex crime may be entitled to file a civil lawsuit for financial compensation. A sexual abuse case must be filed within the statute of limitations, which is the timeframe within which a survivor can file a civil lawsuit. Under Michigan law, survivors sexually assaulted under the age of 18 may have until age 28 to file a lawsuit. To understand the statute of limitations for your case, it's essential to consult with an experienced lawyer. At Levy Konigsberg, our attorneys specialize in handling both childhood sexual abuse cases and adult sexual abuse cases. We can assess the merits of your potential case and determine how the Michigan statute of limitations specifically applies to the facts of your case.
Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating allegations of sexual abuse at Michigan youth residential treatment facilities and juvenile detention centers.
We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and seeking justice for survivors of sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers and youth residential treatment facilities. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing legal representation and support to survivors, and we are actively investigating allegations of abuse. We are working tirelessly to ensure that survivors have access to justice and that future generations of young people are safe from harm within these institutions.
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.