Sports provide an invaluable outlet for children to develop as individuals, maintain their health, and discover their passion. Parents love hearing that their children want to play sports, but disturbing allegations coming out of a Michigan high school are likely to upset their peace of mind. Toward the end of 2022, 17 cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct came out against Dr. Zvi Levran, the “Hockey Doctor.” The number of cases has continued to rise, reaching 35 at the time of writing.
If you suffered abuse at the hands of Dr. Zvi Levran, you are not alone. Contact our sexual abuse attorneys at 866-778-5500 or complete our online form to learn more about how we can help.
Dr. Levran was a urologist who treated players in youth sports leagues in Minnesota and Michigan. During this time, his prolific work as a sports doctor for high schools earned him the nickname “The Hockey Doctor.” However, current allegations indicate he abused the trust of his community and his access to young people to take advantage of them. For the time being, Dr. Levran has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
While the details of claims against Dr. Zvi Levran vary, there is a consistent pattern. Each case alleges that during routine medical exams, he would sexually assault his young patients. Likewise, all of the allegations involve him preying upon youth hockey players out of his home office in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The oldest allegations go back 20 years, indicating that potential victims have gone most of their lives without seeing justice.
Dr. Zvi Levran’s career treating youth hockey players in Minnesota and Michigan lasted from 2000 to 2011. During the same timeframe, he treated patients at St. Mary Mercy Livonia Hospital and Beaumont Hospital in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Over the next seven years, he practiced urology at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
The allegations against Dr. Levran originate from students who attended high school in Farmington Hills, Novi, Livonia, West Bloomfield, and Redford Township.
The current case against Dr. Zvi Levran is a criminal case, which is brought by government prosecutors based on the crimes alleged against him. The purpose of a criminal trial is to determine if the defendant’s conduct was criminal and to assign the appropriate punishment if needed. As far as benefitting the victims, all that a criminal case does is provide a sense that the system has served justice to the perpetrator.
However, victims can seek restitution through a civil case. In contrast to a criminal case, the main purpose of such a lawsuit is to assess the damage done to the life of the victim. Rather than laying down a criminal sentence for the perpetrator, these cases focus on awarding the proper restitution to victims.
You are not alone.
Those who experience what they believe to have been sexual abuse can bring a sexual assault claim against the perpetrator in a civil case. In the case of a doctor such as Zvi Levran, the victim needs to be able to bring adequate evidence that he committed the crimes in question. One important characteristic of a civil case is that there’s a lower burden of proof upon the accuser. Even if they’re unable to prove guilt in a criminal case, victims can still seek restitution in a civil case.
The damages that are available in a sexual assault claim vary from state to state. However, victims of sexual abuse are generally able to receive compensation for their economic and non-economic damages.
In this context, economic damages refer to the out-of-pocket costs a victim must cover due to the abuse. Lost wages, the loss of ability to obtain or maintain employment, and the cost of therapy and counseling are some common types of damages.
On the other hand, non-economic damages refer to the emotional and psychological harm the victim suffered. People often refer to these damages as being for pain and suffering, but it’s more than that. It’s an encompassing term for all of the mental and psychological harm stemming from the assault.
While a victim of sexual abuse may testify, most survivors of sexual assault who file an abuse claim don’t need to. In most situations, a sexual abuse case against a doctor settles out of court rather than going to trial. An out-of-court settlement means that there’s no need to take the stand.
However, every case is different, and it is sometimes necessary to testify in a medical sexual abuse case. If someone wouldn’t be comfortable testifying, this is one of the first things they’ll need to tell their attorney. An attorney who handles sexual abuse cases can help them get justice, but communicating these issues to the attorney is an essential step in receiving the best legal aid possible.
Our sexual abuse attorneys are ready to assist you. We understand the courage it takes for a sexual abuse victim to come forward. We are here to help. Give us a call at 866-778-5500 or complete our online form for a free consultation.
