University of Michigan Announces $490 Million Settlement with Dr. Anderson Victims
ANN ARBOR, MI: On January 19, 2022, University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman announced that the University had reached a tentative agreement of $490 million to settle claims brought by 1,050 survivors of Dr. Robert Anderson’s sexual abuse. Dr. Anderson worked for the University of Michigan from 1966 until 2003.
During that time, he sexually abused hundreds of students and student-athletes while he was conducting what was supposed to be routine physicals.
Details of the Announcement
In announcing the settlement, President Coleman noted that the “most solemn responsibility to our university and community members is to support healing and restoration of trust in an environment where safety is paramount.” The University acknowledged that while the settlement may bring a resolution to past abuses and help the healing process for those survivors, the work is not done. The University is going to continue to accelerate its efforts toward making its culture positive, safe, and free from abuse and sexual misconduct.
The settlement agreement will still need formal approval by the Board of Regents, at least 98 percent of claimants, and the Court.
If approved, a $490 million fund will be established, $30 million of which will be reserved for future claimants who choose to participate in the fund before July 31, 2023.
Get in Touch With Our Team Today
Our office represents victims of sexual assault. If you were a victim of sexual assault or misconduct at the University of Michigan or anywhere else, we know that it can be very hard to come forward and talk about it. However, given that there are certain deadlines that can bar your claim if it is not brought timely, we encourage you to reach out and contact our office today for a free confidential consultation with our dedicated and compassionate sexual assault lawyers to see how we can help you.
