Article features commentary from Lieff Cabraser partner Annika K. Martin, who represents the plaintiffs in the case
As reported by The Detroit News, on June 24, 2020, U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts of the Eastern District of Michigan ordered University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel to appear at the next virtual status conference regarding multiple lawsuits against the university relating to the conduct of the late Dr. Robert E. Anderson, a former UM doctor and athletics program physician accused of sexually assaulting hundreds of former student-patients.
The judge also barred the university from contacting any more potential victims of Dr. Anderson— as attorneys representing the alleged victims expressed concern that it would be a conflict of interest for UM to reach out to possible victims in the middle of litigation against the university. The attorneys were also concerned that the university was not notifying potential victims of the proposed class action lawsuit already filed and of their rights thereunder.
Last year, UM was able to successfully appeal a judge’s order requiring that Schlissel appear in federal court and publicly discuss a separate case involving student-on-student sexual misconduct at the school.
Lieff Cabraser partner Annika K. Martin, who represents the plaintiffs’ in the proposed class action lawsuit against UM, said she appreciated the court’s order, which “will help ensure that all of Dr. Anderson’s victims are treated fairly and respectfully without interference from the University of Michigan — the very entity that harbored and protected their abuser for decades.”
“We have said from day one that only a transparent process overseen by the court will truly hold UM accountable and ensure victims are treated compassionately and compensated fairly,” said Martin.
“UM’s plans to conduct its program in secret, and collect information from victims who are in active litigation against it, would only serve to help UM sweep this under the rug, preventing the truth from coming to light,” she said. “We will fight so that every survivor has an opportunity to obtain justice and create lasting change at UM to prevent this type of abuse from ever occurring again.”
Read the full article on the Detroit News site.
Learn more about the U of M / Dr. Robert Anderson sexual abuse lawsuit.
If You Are A Victim of Sexual Abuse
Lieff Cabraser represents individuals nationwide in sexual abuse lawsuits against their physicians, teachers, clergy, and other abusers, including the USC sexual abuse litigation filed on behalf of nearly 18,000 women abused by University gynecologist George Tyndall, where Lieff Cabraser partner Annika K. Martin serves as co-lead class counsel whose efforts led to a historic settlement for victims of $215 million and sweeping institutional reforms at USC.
If you were sexually abused by Dr. Robert Anderson, we urge you to contact Annika or Lieff Cabraser attorney Patrick Andrews today about your legal rights and potential recovery at 800 541-7358 or by using the secure form on this page. There is no charge or obligation for our review of your case, and all information will be held in the strictest confidence.
Contact us
Use the form below to contact a lawyer at Lieff Cabraser.
