Sexual Abuse by University of Michigan Physician Robert E. Anderson

Compassionate Yet Aggressive Michigan Sexual Assault Attorneys Dedicated to Securing Compensation for Survivors

Dr. Robert E. Anderson, who worked as a physician for the University of Michigan from 1968 through 2003, is at the center of numerous allegations of sexual assault. The University is now the subject of a federal lawsuit, brought by a survivor of his abuse, alleging the school had knowledge of the doctor’s predilections, and rather than protecting the vulnerable students, U-M protected him. The university allowed him to continue his pattern of assaults for several decades.

Neumann Law Group is currently accepting new clients who were sexually assaulted by Dr. Robert E. Anderson, as well as those assaulted by other healthcare providers. Our firm successfully sued Michigan State University on behalf of survivors of the shockingly similar predator, Dr. Larry Nassar. Our lawyers are committed to advancing the rights of individuals who suffered because two of the most vaunted educational institutions in America failed to protect the students charged with their care.

The Abuse Committed by Dr. Anderson

It was during the Vietnam War’s draft era that Anderson’s behavior came to light. At the time, undergoing a physical was the initial step in the draft process. Anderson provided students with letters claiming they were homosexual, a status that would prevent them from being drafted. However, he sought sexual favors in exchange for these letters—a fact widely acknowledged within the Ann Arbor gay community of that era.

One survivor accused Dr. Anderson of inappropriate behavior during a medical examination that was required for his employment at General Motors. The incident involved unsolicited touching and an unnecessary rectal examination. Many student-athletes have recounted comparable experiences during Anderson’s tenure at U-M. Currently, several survivors are suing the University for its continuous defense of the doctor, while hundreds have lodged complaints with the institution.

The claims paint a disturbing picture of prolonged abuse. The University received multiple complaints about the misconduct, spanning from 1968 to 2003. Despite the distressing allegations, U-M shielded Anderson, enabling his ongoing misconduct. Even after his dismissal from the university’s health services leadership, U-M permitted him to conduct athlete exams and allegedly pressured athletes into silence, hinting at potential scholarship repercussions.

Many of the survivors were former wrestling and hockey players, although at least two football players have made complaints, including one football player who was on a national title-winning squad. The university now appears to be coming to terms with the situation, issuing a statement apologizing for the harm caused by Anderson. The school is presently encouraging anyone who was a victim of the doctor’s assaultive tenure to come forward with their stories, offering third-party support services and promising a full accounting of any failings on behalf of the university.

Michigan’s Efforts to Extend the Statute of Limitations for Abuse Victims to Make a Claim

Victims advocates in Michigan have been engaged in a determined effort to extend the statute of limitations governing civil sexual assault claims. The current law restricts such claims to be filed only until the survivor reaches their 28th birthday. The Access to Justice Plan, a recent legislative proposal, seeks to address this limitation by acknowledging that the average survivor of child sexual abuse might not feel empowered to come forward until the age of 52. If passed by the legislature and signed into law, this Act holds the potential to significantly elongate the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims in Michigan civil courts, elevating the age limit from the existing 28 to 52. Moreover, the Act introduces a two-year revival window for the statute of limitations on sexual assault, providing survivors who missed their chance under previous limitations an opportunity to step forward and pursue legal recourse.

Notably, filing claims against government agencies or organizations for negligence, especially in the context of sexual abuse, has historically been challenging due to governmental immunity. The prospective Michigan Act, if passed, would eliminate this immunity for governmental defendants, including the University of Michigan, in criminal sexual conduct cases if there was knowledge or should have been knowledge about the sexual abuse but no action was taken. If you have questions about your ability to make a legal claim against your abuser, the compassionate lawyers at Neumann Law Group can help you find answers.

Did You Endure Sexual Abuse as a Minor and Are Now Ready to Come Forward?

If you or a loved one was subjected to sexual assault at the hands of Dr. Anderson, or any other doctor, call the experienced attorneys at Neumann Law Group. Our attorneys have handled cases filed against Michigan State University for the abuse of Dr. Larry Nassar’s infamous sexual assaults and are prepared to fight for the victims of Dr. Anderson with the same ferocity. We are passionate about advocating on behalf of sexual assault survivors and other injury victims and ensure that we cater our representation to your individual needs. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, give the sexual assault lawyers at the Neumann Law Group a call at 800-525-6386. You can also connect with us through our online contact form. We represent clients in Michigan, Massachusetts, California and New York. Calling is free, and your consultation is entirely confidential. If you decide to proceed with your case, we will not bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.