Arizona Clergy Abuse Lawyer

Holding Institutions Accountable for Childhood Sexual Abuse

Clergy sexual abuse has had a devastating impact on countless individuals, leaving enduring emotional and psychological scars. This serious issue has plagued communities nationwide, including Arizona. Victims need an Arizona clergy abuse lawyer on their side to help them get justice and hold churches accountable.

At Injury Lawyer Team, we are dedicated to providing unwavering support and legal advocacy for survivors of sexual abuse. Our commitment to seeking justice for each victim of sexual abuse and holding an abuser accountable is unwavering, ensuring that survivors of sexual abuse receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.

At Injury Lawyer Team, we have extensive experience and a proven track record in representing survivors of sexual abuse. Our law firm is not only committed to seeking compensation for our clients but also to holding an abuser accountable and ensuring systemic changes to prevent future clergy abuse.

By hiring an Arizona clergy abuse attorney from our team, survivors of clergy abuse and loved ones can be assured of compassionate support, expert legal representation, and a relentless pursuit of justice.

We have extensive experience in handling clergy and child sexual abuse lawsuits, ensuring that victims receive the justice and compensation for their emotional damages and medical bills they deserve.

Our compassionate and dedicated legal team is committed to supporting sexual abuse clients through every step of the legal process, providing the sensitivity and confidentiality required in such deeply personal matters.

With nationwide representation and a wealth of resources at our disposal, we are equipped to take on even the most challenging sexual assault cases involving religious organizations and advocate effectively on behalf of our clients.

Consult us for your clergy sexual conduct case

Settlements Recovered by Our Arizona Clergy Abuse Lawyers

$14,200,000 Recovery for six young men who were groomed and fondled by a leader at a religious school. The clergy were hired at the school despite a known record of sexual abuse at other parishes.
$4,100,000 Settlement for a woman who was assaulted and raped by a deacon at a large Midwestern church.
$2,475,000 Settlement for a victim of sexual abuse perpetrated by a volunteer at a Catholic Church on the West Coast.
$1,101,000 Settlement for a woman who was sexually abused by a janitor at a Catholic School as a student.

What Is Clergy Sexual Abuse?

Clergy abuse refers to any inappropriate sexual conduct or behavior perpetrated by a member of the clergy or other religious authority figures against minors or vulnerable adults. This can include a range of actions from inappropriate touching and sexual assault to rape.

Clergy abuse can happen in any religious establishment, such as a Catholic Church or other religious institutions. It may involve sexual abuse in any location by Catholic Church officials or clergy members. For example, a church camp run by the church’s members.

How Common are Clergy Abuse Cases in Arizona?

Clergy abuse is a pervasive issue that affects countless individuals across Arizona. The problem is widely acknowledged, with numerous sexual abuse cases being reported across various dioceses, despite attempts at a cover-up.

Diocese of Phoenix, AZ: There are currently more than 25 accused clergy members associated with the Diocese of Phoenix.
Diocese of Tucson, AZ: There are more than 30 accused clergy members from the Diocese of Tucson. In 2004, the Diocese of Tucson filed for bankruptcy due to the sexual abuse allegations against it.

Clergy abuse is clearly widespread, but may go unreported because certain members of the Catholic Church or other religious establishments have privileged communication. On April 11, 2023, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld this privilege, ruling that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may refuse to answer questions or turn over documents if the information was obtained in a confessional setting.

Religious leaders may attempt to cover up the sexual misconduct to protect clergy members or the church. They may discourage others from reporting the abuser, or insist the matter be handled by the church instead of the law, preventing victims from making sure the abuser is held accountable.

This makes it difficult to know exactly how prevalent clergy abuse is in Arizona, as many cases may go unreported due to this privilege, and victims may struggle to recover compensation.

Are There Notable Catholic Church Abuse Cases and Accused Priests in Arizona?

The state of Arizona has been witness to several high-profile and disturbing cases of priests accused of childhood sexual abuse. Consider the following:

Father Thomas Purcell: Operated in the Diocese of Tucson, Purcell was accused of sexual conduct with minors spanning several years. He was permanently removed from ministry in the early 2000s. In 2003, he was convicted of sexual abuse against a 13-year-old and sentenced to more than 9 years in prison.
Father John Doran: In 2020, Father John P. Doran was accused of sexually abusing two boys during the 1970s while they attended the St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. The allegations were brought to light through a lawsuit filed by the now-adult victims, who detailed the harm they purportedly suffered under Doran’s care.
Father Joseph John Henn: Father Henn was indicted on multiple counts of molestation related to his tenure at the Diocese of Phoenix. He fled to Italy, delaying his extradition for several years before being returned to face charges.

What are the Different Types of Clergy Abuse?

It can manifest in various forms, each representing a serious violation of trust and ethical conduct, contributing to the harm caused. Common ones include:

Inappropriate touching and sexual contact
Sexual harassment
Grooming
Rape
Exploitation of power

What are the Common Signs a Child is a Victim of Sexual Abuse?

Detecting the signs among children requires careful observation and awareness of specific behavioral and emotional indicators. Some common signs include:

Behavioral changes
Avoidance of certain individuals
Regressive behaviors
Academic issues
Physical symptoms
Emotional distress

A person who has suffered clergy abuse may suddenly withdraw from the church. They may refuse to attend service, avoid certain members while at church, or suddenly abandon church activities they once enjoyed, such as singing in the choir.

Consult an Arizona clergy sex abuse attorney

Who Can File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim?

Individuals eligible to file a claim include minor victims and their parents, adult victims, and adult survivors. Guardians can file on behalf of a minor loved one. Understanding your legal rights and the statute of limitations is essential to pursuing justice and seeking compensation for the suffering endured.

The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Civil Lawsuit in Arizona

In 2019, Governor Doug Ducey of Arizona extended the statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit because you deserve justice. Victims have until the age of 30. This extension under a new law in Arizona provides individuals additional time to get justice, even if the incident occurred years or decades earlier.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Arizona Clergy Abuse Attorneys

Our Arizona child sexual abuse lawyers are experienced in handling a variety of cases involving sex crimes by religious figures. Abuse can occur in numerous settings, including churches, religious schools, and other religious institutions governed by spiritual leaders. We undertake cases involving priests, pastors, ministers, and other religious authorities across different denominations.

Specifically, we handle cases involving clergy abuse by church officials in Arizona dioceses such as the Diocese of Phoenix and the Diocese of Tucson, as well as cases in other religious communities throughout Arizona.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of victims is paramount. Here are crucial steps to take if you are a victim:

Immediate Safety: If you are in danger, contact local law enforcement or emergency services. Prioritize your safety by seeking help from family, friends, or at a local shelter.
Document the Incident: Keep a detailed record of dates, times, places, and witnesses. Preserve any physical evidence and maintain copies of emails or messages that support your case.
Seek Legal Help: Contact an attorney who specializes in helping victims of sexual abuse.
Local Resources: In Arizona, organizations like the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) offer counseling, legal assistance, and support groups for adult and minor survivors.

Get started with your clergy abuse lawsuit

How Our Arizona Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

At Injury Lawyer Team, we are dedicated to guiding clients through the legal process of Arizona sexual abuse lawsuits with expertise and compassion. During the initial consultation, we provide a thorough case evaluation to understand your unique circumstances, investigate your claims, and determine the best course of action. We’ll also discuss the relevant statute of limitations.

Our attorneys will examine whether an institution can be held liable. Sometimes, punitive damages are awarded when a church attempts to hide the abuse. A religious institution may be liable if it has a known history of covering up these situations for decades or has tried to discourage you from filing a lawsuit. For example, if they told you that you don’t need a sexual abuse lawyer because it’s past the statute of limitations or threatened you.

We conduct a meticulous investigation and gather evidence to build a strong case. Our abuse attorneys may interview witnesses or other victims of sexual abuse from the church. We may collect proof of lost income or emotional damages.

Throughout the process, we engage in strategic settlement negotiations to fight for justice. Still, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

The Cost of Hiring Our Arizona Clergy Sex Abuse Attorneys

At Injury Lawyer Team, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs. Our fees are only collected if we secure a settlement or win your case at trial, ensuring our focus remains on achieving the best possible outcome for you. Instead of worrying about fees, we’ll fight together for the compensation you deserve.

Compensation for Clergy Abuse Victims

Compensation for clergy abuse victims can encompass various types of damages, including medical expenses for treatment, compensation for emotional trauma, and damages intended to punish the perpetrator.

Several factors influence the amount of compensation awarded, including the severity of the damages, the long-term impact on the victim’s life, and the evidence supporting the claims.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

At Injury Lawyer Team, we are dedicated to providing many survivors of sexual abuse with the legal support and representation they deserve. Our experienced attorneys, with their deep knowledge of the law, understand the profound impact such abuse can have on victims and are committed to holding the responsible parties accountable. We offer compassionate and professional legal counsel to help you fight through this challenging time.

Contact us today for a free consultation and to explore your legal options. Call us at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.