Boston Clergy Abuse Lawyer

Seeking Justice For Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims in Boston

Clergy sexual abuse is something that can leave deep and lasting scars on the survivor, particularly for sexual abuse victims. Unfortunately, this happens at Catholic Churches across the country, and Boston is no exception. Injury Lawyer Team is a Boston clergy abuse lawyer team committed to helping survivors of sexual abuse seek justice in many cases, including civil cases, and fight for financial compensation, including any money owed to them, while offering compassionate legal support.

The legal team of attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team has a proven track record of seeking and obtaining compensation for sexual abuse victims within the Catholic Church. Those affected need an attorney on their side who understands the intricacies of these cases and how to handle them with the compassion, sensitivity, and professionalism they deserve. We offer a free initial consultation.

Our law firm made it our mission to facilitate healing for survivors by pursuing the maximum compensation possible for what they’ve been through. We’ll fight to ensure they receive the financial support and closure they deserve to begin healing. Our skilled legal team will be there for survivors every step of the way.

Settlements Recovered By Our Boston Clergy Abuse Lawyers

$1,222,000 Lawsuit settlement for an adult man who was sexually assaulted while attending a church-sponsored summer camp.
$1,101,000 Settlement for a woman who was sexually assaulted by a janitor at a Catholic School as a child.
$14,200,000 Recovery for six young men who were groomed and fondled by a priest at a religious school. The priest was hired at the school despite a known record of abuse at other parishes.
$3,000,000 Settlement for a man who was abused as a child. This case was settled during litigation despite repeated attempts by the church to dismiss the case based on an expired statute of limitations theory.

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Prevalence of Catholic Church Sexual Abuse

Many people have been sexually abused over the years in Catholic Churches, and the allegations are only coming to light years or even decades later.

The Boston Archdiocese has discovered approximately 250 priests and clergy members who’ve been accused of childhood sexual misconduct dating back to 1950.

A report from 2003 stated that roughly 800 people had come forward about being sexually abused by Catholic Church members, and this has affected millions in the community since 1940.

Who Were Some Priests Accused of Sexual Crimes in Massachusetts?

Of the over 2,000 ordained priests over the last several decades, the history reveals several notable cases that have made headlines.

John H. Acres: He was accused of abusing students at Boston College High School in the late 1980s. By 1995, he was no longer in the order.
Pasquale J. Barletta: Credible accusations against one boy between the ages of 14 and 16 between the years 1963 and 1965. The case was settled, and he hasn’t been mentioned in the Official Catholic Directory since 1970.
Paul M. Desilets: He was accused of molesting a minimum of 20 altar boys in Massachusetts, but returned to Canada in 1984. He was indicted in 2002 for molesting an additional 18 boys between 1978 and 1984, when he finally pled guilty.

What Were the Geoghan Cases?

The Geoghan cases shook the nation when they made headlines. This was a series of cases that revealed systematic cover-ups, over 130 accusations that were mainly from being abused as young boys, and secret settlements meant to silence survivors. The sexual crimes went on for decades as defrocked priest John Geoghan worked in six different parishes, each with new victims.

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What Are the Different Forms of Sexual Misconduct Perpetrated by Clergy Members?

Clergy sexual abuse can take many forms, which can make it difficult for survivors sometimes to realize that what happened to them was illegal. Common forms include:

Grooming: The process of a member or priest building trust with a victim and their family, which makes it easier for them to facilitate sexual acts.
Inappropriate Touching: This can be anything from unwanted hugging to unwanted fondling or kissing. It’s often disguised as affectionate gestures, but with malicious intent.
Exposure: Forcing a minor to expose themselves or watch a member expose them.
Sexual Assault: Direct, non-consensual sexual contact. It can range from groping to rape.
Exploitation: Taking advantage of their position of authority to coerce sexual favors. It’s often in exchange for spiritual forgiveness or guidance.
Verbal: Making explicitly sexual comments or propositions to children within the congregation.

What Are Signs A Child Was Abused?

Knowing the signs among children is the best way to identify issues early and hopefully stop them from happening. It’s also vital in ending systemic injustices by holding the abuser accountable. Common signs of child sexual abuse victims, including those who may have had interactions with teachers, include:

Anxiety or Fear: Increased fear or anxiety, especially surrounding anything to do with religion or specific members of the Catholic Church, such as parishioners or the Father.
Sudden Behavioral Changes: Withdrawing from friends and family, aggression, or regression to behaviors they had when they were younger.
Inappropriate Sexual Knowledge: Behavior or knowledge about sexual acts beyond what’s age-appropriate.
Unexplained Physical Symptoms: Bleeding, bruises, or pain in their private areas with no explanation.
Changes in School Performance: Sudden loss of interest in their after-school activities or a drastic drop in their grades. Signs of depression.
Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts: Extreme emotional distress where they’re exhibiting harmful behaviors.
Sleep Disturbances: Bed wetting, insomnia, or waking up with nightmares.

Eligibility to File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim

Those who have survived sexual abuse by church officials can seek compensation in court by filing civil claims. However, eligibility can be affected by the statute of limitations, which is a crucial aspect for other victims as well . People who might be eligible to file civil claims and seek financial compensation include:

Child sexual abuse survivors can file a claim with their legal parents or guardians acting for them. Relatives often work alongside attorneys in Massachusetts.
Adult victims of abuse or assault often work with attorneys.
Adults who survived clergy sexual abuse as children, as long as they’re within the Massachusetts law.

In these cases, it’s essential for attorneys to prove liability. While clergy sexual abuse has the individual perpetrator as a liable party under Massachusetts law, we can also hold the Catholic Church responsible for the individual’s actions or negligence.

Regarding individual liability, attorneys can hold the abuser accountable in a civil suit where you’ll receive compensation, but they can also face criminal charges. As for institutional liability, they can possibly be held liable based on:

Vicarious Liability: Even if the church isn’t directly negligent, it can sometimes be held liable for its clergy members.
Negligent Hiring and Supervision: When they neglect to screen and monitor members properly.
Failing to Report: Not reporting or investigating allegations or suspicions to the authorities.

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The Statute of Limitations for Civil Lawsuits in Massachusetts

When it comes to civil clergy sexual abuse lawsuits, understanding the statute of limitations is essential. Not everyone is ready or able to come forward right away, so knowing how long someone has to file a civil lawsuit, seek compensation, and obtain a free consultation is necessary.

In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations on civil lawsuits for childhood clergy sexual abuse is 35 years from the date of the incident or seven years from the time the survivor discovered the act, whichever is later. The time limit on things that happened during childhood doesn’t start until they turn 18, so they have until they turn 53 years old. However, a loved one may file on a child’s behalf.

Then, there’s the discovery rule when it comes to childhood sexual abuse cases. This rule allows victims to file a civil lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired if they can prove they didn’t make the connection between a physical or psychological issue and the incident until after it expired.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Experienced Attorneys

At Injury Lawyer Team, we’re prepared to handle many cases, including victims of a Catholic priest, like Father John. Whether it’s at Catholic Churches, Protestant Churches, or other religious organizations, our law office has represented various types of cases:

Represented sex abuse cases by pastors, priests, and other religious leaders across denominations.
Represented historical cases by utilizing the extended time limitations.
Represented cases that involve diocese negligence or cover-ups, like that seen in the John Geoghan cases.

We’ll take on any clergy sexual abuse case at religious institutions like the Archdiocese of Boston and its various parishes. Unlike other lawyers, our law office isn’t intimidated when it comes to taking on large religious establishments. Instead, we believe you should get justice, and we’ll fight for all victims to get the justice they deserve.

If you’re a victim of clergy sex abuse, there are steps you can take that will not only ensure your safety but set you up for a strong civil case:

Get yourself somewhere that you feel safe and away from your abuser.
Seek medical treatment regardless of how minor your physical injuries might be.
Document everything you can, especially dates and locations, if you can.
Preserve any physical evidence of the clergy sex abuse if you’re able to.
Seek support from loved ones and local sexual assault resources like the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BACC) or the Archdiocese’s Office of Pastoral Support if you’re comfortable.
Consult with clergy sexual abuse attorneys who have represented these types of cases.

How Our Clergy Sexual Abuse Law Office Can Help

Our experienced attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team are eager and ready to support survivors throughout the legal process by:

Offering free and private consultations to share your story and hear your legal options.
Investigating your claim thoroughly to gather evidence to strengthen your case, including interviewing others involved.
Developing a legal strategy tailored to your case.
Negotiating with opposing counsel and other liable parties on your behalf. Many officials don’t like being portrayed as a predator and want to settle instead of heading to trial.

We’ll offer you guidance throughout the process and help you navigate the legal challenges of the legal system.

The Cost of Hiring Our Boston Attorneys for Legal Work (Free Consultation)

When you work with Injury Lawyer Team, your case will be handled on a contingency fee basis. Our focus is getting you justice and the highest compensation possible, so you won’t have to pay any legal fees to us unless we’re successful.

Injury Lawyer Team has helped many victims with their legal work, file claims, and seek financial recovery. The types we might be able to obtain for you include:

Medical and therapy expenses
Punitive damages
Emotional distress
Lost wages
Loss of enjoyment of life
Pain and suffering

While we’ll fight for the maximum settlement, every case is different. Your total settlement will vary on factors such as:

The severity and duration.
The strength of the evidence.
The long-term impact on your life.
The financial resources of the liable parties.

These crimes continue to be prevalent throughout the world, and in our country. With many instances occurring within the religious community, Injury Lawyer Team is a law firm helping victims seek compensation. We fight to ensure it is never repeated and work to protect children, including by raising awareness among neighbors.

Contact Us for A Free Confidential Consultation

With a history of providing expert legal help in these cases, we offer a free initial consultation to guide survivors through the civil process, securing compensation and ensuring the perpetrators are held accountable.

To book a free, confidential consultation, call us 24/7 at contact us online.

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.