As reported by the Detroit News, lawyers will be allowed to depose a key witness as part of the lawsuits against the University of Michigan involving literally decades of alleged sexual abuse by the late Dr. Robert E. Anderson. In a ruling made June 10th, U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts ordered that Thomas Easthope be deposed in July for trial preservation in the lawsuits against UM and the Board of Regents linked to Anderson – the former head of University Health Service and team physician for the UM Athletic Department from 1968-2003.
Lieff Cabraser partner Annika K. Martin, who represents the plaintiffs in the related class action case against the university, noted that Easthope’s deposition will be a “major step in uncovering the scope of UM’s wrongdoing and cover-up of Anderson’s abuse.”
“Discovery like this underscores the importance of a transparent process overseen by the court that will hold UM accountable and ensure victims are compensated fairly. 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.”
As the News notes, “Easthope served as UM’s associate vice president for student services from 1970-88 and told police he fired the doctor in 1979 after reports that Anderson had been abusing patients in exam rooms. Anderson served on UM’s staff for another 24 years.”
Lieff Cabraser partner Annika K. Martin has been appointed to a leadership role as Interim Co-Class Counsel representing the plaintiff student athletes in the sexual abuse litigation against U of M. You can use the short contact form on this page to reach out to Ms. Martin about your experience and possible participation in the class action lawsuit.
Read the full article on the Detroit News site.
Learn more about the U of M / Dr. Robert Anderson sexual abuse lawsuit.
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