Why Victims of Clergy Abuse May Soon Be Receiving Significant Compensation (Regardless of How Long Ago The Abuse Occurred)

Were you or a loved one ever sexually abused or inappropriately touched by a priest or another member of the clergy (pastor, deacon, etc.) or other church staff at a faith-based-owned or controlled location, such as a church, catholic school, camp, etc.?
If so, you are not alone, and you may be eligible for significant compensation.
Below, you can learn more and complete our 60-second evaluation to see if your case qualifies.
Abuse Legislation Updates
On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, Louisiana’s state supreme court reversed its decision on a law related to sexual abuse cases.
Initially, the court invalidated a law allowing victims of historical abuse to file civil lawsuits, particularly affecting adults abused as children decades ago, and, thanks to the new legislation, older abuse allegations can be brought forward in court.
The new ruling means that anyone who was abused, including adults who were abused as children, can now seek justice and it allows civil lawsuits over decades-old abuse.
The legislation will likely create greater liability for the Catholic Church and other faith-based organizations accused of systemic child abuse over decades.
Clergy sexual abuse of children is prevalent across all denominations, religions, and faith groups.
It will also affect individual schools, camps, teen and youth centers, boarding schools, or any other type of organization or institution run by priests, a church, or any type of religious congregation that tolerates abuse toward minors.
Abuse survivors may have more time as adults to file lawsuits against their perpetrators under the new law.
This is a victory for sexual abuse survivors and their right to seek justice.
It is known that people who come to terms with their abuse later in life often miss the opportunity to seek justice because the time to do so has run out.
This new legislation adds another three years to bring civil lawsuits for sexual abuse to court by June 14, 2027.
This means that anyone who was ever sexually abused or inappropriately touched by clergy, church staff, or another faith-based leader may soon be eligible for significant compensation.
Clergy Abuse Lawsuits
Many people turn to clergy members and priests in their time of need, searching for a sense of connection with God and looking for guidance in navigating life situations that seem impossible.
Others simply become close with religious leaders as they grow in their faith or while attending religious schools.
Sadly, some people in these positions of power take advantage of the people who need their help the most, and it’s common to hear victims say that they’ve never told anyone, didn’t want to say anything at the time, or tried to tell a parent after it happened and weren’t believed or told to keep it quiet.
Recent complaints state that there have been a high number of sexual abuse accusations brought up against Catholic priests, pastors, and other clergy members.
In Louisiana alone, there are over 81 clergy members from the Archdiocese of Louisiana who have been credibly accused, and over 30 clergy members from the Alexandria diocese.
Unfortunately, many dioceses cover up the abuse to protect the Church’s reputation, allowing the heinous crimes to continue without consequences, putting innocent children at risk.
Clergy sexual abuse still happens to this day, and critics say church leaders are still not doing enough about it.
It’s common for victims of sexual assault, abuse, and harassment to discount the fact that they’ve been hurt by a person that they trust, or they might feel ashamed or embarrassed and scared to tell others about the abuse.
Understanding that what the victim went through was unfair and not their fault can be an important step toward long-term healing, and they may find that holding the abuser accountable can help them find peace.
Unfortunately, clergy sexual abuse most often involves children, but it’s essential to recognize that adults can also suffer from this kind of abuse.
Whether the victim is a child or an adult, if the victim has experienced sexual assault, unwanted sexual advances, or inappropriate sexual touching, they should receive help and seek justice.
It’s important not to assume that a victim’s claim is invalid just because some years have passed since the abuse occurred.
They may be able to pursue a claim today, even if the abuse happened many years ago.
With the increasing awareness of these scandals and the now deeper understanding of the lasting impact of sexual abuse, several states have extended the time frame in which a person can file a sexual abuse claim.
According to a study that was broadcast on National Public Radio, the Catholic Church has paid out more than $3 billion in settlements for sexual abuse cases involving children in the United States alone.
Although we know that even 7-figure compensation can’t erase a life-altering event, or heal the pain, it can at least help reduce the financial stress and help hold offenders accountable to help prevent future abuse.
What To Do Next
If you or a loved one were sexually harassed or inappropriately touched by a member of the clergy or church staff at a diocese-owned or controlled location, such as a church, school, camp, etc., you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
In general, reaching out to a legal representative as soon as possible greatly improves your chances of successfully proving your claim.
Over time, memories can fade, witnesses may relocate, and crucial details become less clear.
But you shouldn’t just contact any law firm that claims to handle clergy abuse lawsuits. It’s important that you get help from a law firm that is highly experienced in Clergy Abuse lawsuits and has a team of experts to help you.
We’re here to help survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault seek justice.
How To Get A Free Consultation With Law Firms That Are Highly Experienced In Clergy Abuse Lawsuits
Would you like to get a free consultation with a law firm that is highly experienced in clergy abuse lawsuits?
We have a nationwide network of highly-rated attorneys who are here to help you.
To get a free case review and see if you qualify for a free consultation with one of our partner law firms, just tap the button below.
If you like, you’ll be able to speak with a trauma trained law firm, NOT an untrained person in a call center.
Once you speak with one of our partner law firms, they can immediately start helping you with the following:
- Serving you and your family with empathy and compassion
- Building a case for why you or your family should receive a seven- or eight-figure settlement
- Taking care of as many legal and medical issues as possible so you can reduce your stress and focus on healing
To get a free case review and see if you qualify for a free consultation with one of our partner law firms, just tap the button below.