Hundreds of men and women were sexually abused by former MSU sports doctor Larry Nassar. Over 300 have already settled their claims. But for other Larry Nassar sexual assault victims, the deadline to file is September 10, 2018. Act now to protect your claim.
Hundreds of Larry Nassar Sexual Assault Victims Speak Out in Criminal Court
In 2017, scandal rocked Michigan State University (MSU) and the U.S. Gymnastic program. The prominent and long-time sports physician at the organizations, Dr. Larry Nassar, had been accused of sexual assault. Over the next several months, hundreds of former high school and college student athletes would come forward, resulting in two separate criminal cases and massive civil litigation.
More than 150 women and girls testified before Criminal Circuit Court Judge Rosemarie Aquilina in Ingham County, Michigan. In January 2018, Nassar was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison. Judge Aquilina famously said she had “just signed your death warrant,” finding Nassar “remain[ed] a danger” and did not understand the harm he had caused.
MSU Sets Aside Funds for Larry Nassar Sexual Assault Victims
Even more of Larry Nassar’s sexual assault victims turned to the civil system to receive compensation for their losses. Over 300 personal injury plaintiffs came together in a mass tort action against Nassar and his employers, including Michigan State University. Their lawsuit said that the university knew of Nassar’s conduct and covered up or dismissed investigations of sexual assault on campus.
That mass tort action settled in Mid-May. MSU agreed to pay $425 million to the 333 identified Larry Nassar sexual assault victims involved in the suit. It also earmarked an additional $75 million for cases filed later.
Michigan Law Creates September 10 Deadline for Larry Nassar Sexual Assault Victims
Michigan law normally limits the time to file civil sexual assault claims to three years after the event happened. But in light of the Larry Nassar scandal, the Michigan Legislature created an exception for childhood victims of sexual assault. Public Act 182, which became law on June 12, 2018, extended the deadline.
Laws don’t usually apply to things that happen before they are passed, but the Michigan Legislature made an exception for the Larry Nassar Sexual Assault Victims. They gave childhood victims of sexual assault by a now-convicted physician between 1996 and 2016 a 90-day window to file their claims. That deadline expires September 10, 2018.
What to Do if You are a Victim of Larry Nassar’s Sexual Assault
If you are one of the hundreds of men and women victimized by Larry Nassar, you only have a few days left to file your complaint. You may be entitled to part of the $75 million dollars set aside by MSU, as well as damages from other defendants, but only if your complaint is filed in time. Any personal injury lawsuit not filed by September 10, 2018 will be completely barred unless it fits within the normal 3-year statute of limitations. If you or someone you love was affected by this scandal, you need to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney right away.
At the Macomb Law Group, we have decades of experience representing personal injury victims in Michigan courts. We are already handling claims in the Larry Nassar scandal and we want to help you and your family, too. But you have to act fast if you want to beat the deadline. Contact the Macomb Law Group, or call (586) 225-7200 today. We will take your call, even over the Labor Day weekend to make sure your case is filed on time.
