Why Victims of Sexual Abuse In Lousiana May Soon Be Receiving Significant Compensation (Regardless of How Long Ago The Abuse Occurred)
Were you or a loved one sexually abused as a minor by an employee of a church, troubled teen center, youth center, camp, school, rehab center, or any other type of business or organization in Louisiana?
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 organizations accused of systemic child abuse over decades.
It will also affect individual schools, camps, troubled teen centers, youth centers, rehab centers, boarding schools, or any other type of organization or institution 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 inappropriately touched or sexually abused by staff, therapists, doctors, or any employee of a private organization, business, member of the clergy, or church staff, may soon be eligible for significant compensation.
Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
Many people turn to clergy members, priests, therapists, and other staff at private organizations in their time of need, searching for a sense of connection 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 or private camps.
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.
Sexual abuse at many private institutions still happens to this day, and critics say 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, sexual abuse at churches, youth centers, camps, and other private institutions 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, inappropriate sexual touching, or indecent exposure, 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, compensation 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, church staff at a diocese-owned or controlled location, or anyone at any other private institution 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 sexual abuse lawsuits. It’s important that you get help from a law firm that is highly experienced in Sexual 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 Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
Would you like to get a free consultation with a law firm that is highly experienced in sexual 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.
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.