University of Michigan Settles Sexual Abuse Lawsuit for $490 Million
It was just announced that the University of Michigan has agreed to pay $490 million in damages to more than 1,000 former students who said they were sexually assaulted by Dr. Robert E. Anderson dating as far back as the 1960s. This is one of the country’s biggest sex abuse scandals, but unfortunately, it’s far from isolated. Studies show that the number of reported sexual abuse cases in educational institutions increased by at least 50 percent from 2015-2016 to 2017-2018. If you have been the subject of sexual abuse in New Jersey, contact Drazin and Warshaw today.
What Happened at the University of Michigan?
The first public allegation against Anderson was brought forward by Tad DeLuca, a former wrestler, back in 2018, however, he first wrote a 9-page letter to his coach back in 1975, detailing Anderson’s actions, stating that “Regardless of what you go in there for, he always makes you drop your drawers.” Robert Julian Stone, another student, helped bring national attention to this story after he found out that University of Michigan police were investigating claims made by other men. Stone, who feared that the school would bury the investigation, shared his story with the Detroit News in February 2020.
Robert E. Anderson worked for the University of Michigan up until his retirement in 2003, where he served as the director of the University Health Service. He is accused of sexually abusing at least 1,050 people (mostly men) between 1966 and 2003 during routine medical examinations. Victims included male medical students, music majors, student-athletes, pilots, and several women. During his tenure, Anderson also served as the top doctor for Michigan football teams led by Lloyd Carr and Bo Schembechler.
Schembechler’s son, Matt, claimed that he was sexually assaulted by Doctor Anderson back in 1969, but that his allegations were dismissed by his father. While Matt’s mother tried to get Mr. Anderson fired, his father had him reinstated. According to a 240-page report that was published in May 2020, more than two dozen employees dismissed claims of Anderson’s actions dating as far back as 1975.
How the Settlement Will Work
The $460 million settlement will be split amongst the 1,050 plaintiffs, roughly coming out to about $438,000 per claimant. The University of Michigan has stated that they will not have a role in deciding how the money is allocated. The settlement also stipulates that $30 million be set aside for future claimants, should they come forward before July 31, 2023.
According to DeLucas “…no amount of monetary compensation would undo the trauma he experienced at the hands of Anderson.”
Plans for Moving Forward
According to the school’s interim President, Mary Sue Coleman, the settlement was the right thing to do. Per Coleman, the “…agreement is a critical step among many the university has taken to improve support for survivors and more effectively present and address misconduct.”
The school’s Board of Regents has plans to accelerate efforts to create a safer culture on campus.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Near You to Discuss Your Sexual Abuse Case in New Jersey
Were you or a loved one injured as a result of institutional sexual abuse in New Jersey? Remember, that you’re not alone in this fight. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Drazin and Warshaw, P.C. represent those who have suffered at the hands of sexual abuse in Hazlet, Freehold Township, Westfield, Red Bank, and throughout Monmouth County, Ocean County, Union County, and Middlesex County, NJ. Call (732) 576-8860 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3315 Route 35, Hazlet, NJ 07730 as well as offices in Red Bank, Brick, and Westfield.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
