Multiple former University of Michigan students have come forward with claims that Robert Anderson, a former athletic team doctor at the school, sexually assaulted them between 1968 and 2003.

University of Michigan Sexual Assault Lawsuit Overview

According to a sexual assault lawsuit filed against the University of Michigan by an anonymous male plaintiff, referred to as John Doe, the university covered up multiple complaints made against the doctor over more than three decades. The plaintiff claims that nearly 20 years before Anderson assaulted him, the university had been aware of complaints regarding Anderson’s behavior, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Plaintiff John Doe was a wrestler at the university on an athletic scholarship in the 1980s. During this time, Anderson was employed by the university as physician in the athletic department. According to John Doe, Anderson used his position to inappropriately touch and assault him and other athletes. John Doe claims that the doctor repeatedly sexually assaulted him during the course of his time on the wrestling team by nonconsensual fondling and penetration during “exams.” According to the plaintiff, Anderson sexually assaulted him on at least 35 occasions when the plaintiff was between the ages 17 and 22.

John Doe claims that Anderson was the only physician he was allowed to see due to his status as a scholarship athlete. He claims he saw the doctor approximately 10 times per year, both for scheduled physicals and for injuries, including a fractured nose and injuries to his ankles and knees. Although he and other athletes felt uncomfortable with Anderson, they continued to see him in order to remain on their teams, the lawsuit states.

According to John Doe, the university had been made aware of allegations against Anderson as far back as the 1960s. However, instead of investigating these complaints, the administration allegedly removed Anderson from his position as director of University Health Services and reassigned him to the athletic department. The new role gave Anderson access to thousands of scholarship athletes, many of whom may have been victimized by him.

How Many Sexual Assault Lawsuits Have Been Filed?

In addition to John Doe’s lawsuit, 11 other suits have been filed against the University of Michigan by former students claiming that the doctor used his position to sexually assault them, and at least nine more suits are forthcoming, according to clickondetroit.com.

Although Anderson died in 2008, the victims are still seeking to hold the university accountable and to recover compensation, claiming that the school allowed the abuse to occur and failed to intervene even after complaints had been filed against the doctor.

What Kind of Compensation Are Victims Seeking?

The alleged victims in the University of Michigan sexual assault lawsuit are seeking damages for their experiences, including compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, emotional distress, anxiety, humiliation, and embarrassment. While an appropriate and fair settlement amount has not been quoted, the victims are also seeking punitive damages against the university, as well as reimbursement for attorney fees.

In addition to financial compensation, John Doe’s lawsuit also states that he wants to see changes to the university’s policies to ensure the safety of future athletes, as well as policies instituted to hold abusers and universities accountable.

Is There a Deadline to File?

According to Michigan’s statute of limitations, victims of sexual abuse may pursue litigation for up to 15 years after the abuse if it occured while they were underage, or until the victim is 28. Additionally, a 2018 update to the law allows victims who were assaulted after Dec. 31, 1996, to file civil charges if the abuser engaged in unethical medical treatment, or was in a position of authority over the victim, according to local ABC affiliate WZZM.

Should You Join a University of Michigan Sexual Assault Lawsuit?

If you were abused by Dr. Robert Anderson at the University of Michigan, you may be eligible to join or file a sexual assault lawsuit against the university for failing to prevent your exploitation and abuse. Although the doctor is deceased, victims may still be able to obtain compensation for their experiences. Previous sexual abuse lawsuits filed by students were abused by their athletic physicians have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.