California Clergy Abuse Lawyer

A Law Firm Helping Childhood Abuse Survivors Get Justice

Clergy sexual abuse is a profound violation of trust that can have devastating, lifelong impacts on survivors. At Injury Lawyer Team, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, experienced legal support to those who need a California clergy abuse lawyer on their side. Our firm stands strong in its commitment to helping survivors in California seek compensation and begin the healing process.

Settlements Recovered by Our California Clergy Abuse Lawyers

$2,475,000 Settlement for a victim of abuse perpetrated by a volunteer at a Catholic Church on the West Coast.
$1,500,000 Recovery for a 55-year-old man against a deceased priest.
$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 the church’s repeated attempts to dismiss it on the grounds of an expired statute of limitations.

Speak with a California clergy abuse lawyer

Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team

At Injury Lawyer Team, we have a proven track record of securing substantial settlements for those affected by child sexual abuse. Our expertise and dedication make us uniquely suited to handle these complex cases with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism.

When navigating the complexities of these cases and sexual misconduct, choosing the right law firm is paramount. Injury Lawyer Team boasts a proven track record in handling abuse cases, showcasing our expertise and dedication to achieving successful client outcomes while protecting confidentiality.

Our mission is to deliver justice and facilitate healing for survivors, ensuring they receive the compensation and closure they rightfully deserve. Our legal team is not only skilled but also deeply compassionate, offering unwavering support and understanding throughout the legal process.

With a robust network that spans the nation, we provide comprehensive resources and representation for those sexually abused by clergy members in religious institutions.

What Is Clergy Sexual Abuse?

This refers to any inappropriate sexual contact or behavior of a sexual nature by a member of the clergy, such as priests, pastors, ministers, and other religious leaders, toward individuals under their spiritual guidance.

It can occur in various forms, including molestation, sexual harassment, and coercion, and it constitutes a profound breach of trust and moral integrity.

How Common is Catholic Church Clergy Sex Abuse in California?

This remains a pervasive issue affecting numerous victims across California. Consider the following California statistics:

A total of 757 credibly accused perpetrators of clergy assault have been named in California.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles released files that named 244 priests and other members of the clergy who 656 individuals had credibly accused.

Are There Any Notable Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases and Accused Priests in California?

Understanding the historical context and prominent cases of sexual abuse in California is essential for grasping the magnitude of this crisis. The following are some noteworthy examples:

Father Michael Baker: One of the most notorious cases, Father Michael Baker confessed to Cardinal Roger Mahony about his abusive behavior in 1986, but was allowed to remain in the ministry. He was eventually convicted in 2007 and sentenced to ten years in prison, but was released in 2010 for good behavior.
Father Oliver O’Grady: A former Roman Catholic priest, Oliver O’Grady’s crimes spanned over two decades. His case gained widespread attention after his story was featured in the 2006 documentary Deliver Us from Evil. He was deported to Ireland in 2000 after serving time in prison.
Cardinal Roger Mahony: Cardinal Mahony has faced significant criticism and legal issues for his role in covering up numerous cases, and has been sued multiple times by survivors seeking justice for the Church’s negligence. In 2021, he was personally sued for allegedly molesting a minor.

What are the Common Forms of Clergy Childhood Abuse?

Sexual crimes by clergy members can manifest in numerous ways, profoundly impacting survivors’ lives and well-being. Common forms include:

Molestation
Harassment
Coercion
Exploitation
Grooming

Discuss your case with an experienced attorney

Who Are Most Likely to Become a Clergy Sexual Abuse Victim?

They can come from any demographic, though they often share certain vulnerabilities that perpetrators exploit. They may include children and adolescents who are deeply involved in their religious communities. Vulnerable adults being mistreated also occurs in many religious orders.

The consequences and injuries they typically suffer are profound and multifaceted, including:

Emotional and psychological trauma
Severe trust issues
Long-lasting impact on their spiritual beliefs
Depression and anxiety
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Strained personal relationships
Sexually transmitted infections

What Are Common Signs of Clergy Abuse Among Children?

Recognizing the signs in children is crucial for timely intervention and support. Common indicators include:

Behavioral changes
Regression
Academic decline
Physical symptoms
Reluctance to engage with clergy

Who Can File a Child Sexual Abuse Claim?

Survivors or their representatives may be entitled to file a civil lawsuit. This includes:

Children: Children who have been subjected to sexual abuse can have civil claims filed on their behalf by parents or legal guardians.
Adults: Individuals who were abused or assaulted as adults within a religious setting can file a claim.
Adult Survivors: Those who suffered sexual abuse as minors and are now seeking justice as adults may be able to take legal action.

Consult a California clergy sexual abuse attorney

Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases

Understanding liability in clergy abuse cases is crucial for those who want justice.

Clergy members can face criminal charges and civil liability for their actions. Charges might include sexual abuse or assault, child molestation, or other related offenses. Civil liability can result in financial compensation through California clergy abuse lawsuits that address pain and suffering and other damages.

Religious institutions may also be held responsible under various legal theories, including negligent hiring or supervision, failure to report, and vicarious liability.

Proving the connection between the institution’s actions or inactions and the incident is paramount for a successful claim.

The Time Limits for Filing a Lawsuit According to California Law

According to California law, the current statute of limitations for civil actions based on childhood sexual assault that occurred before January 1, 2024 is “the time for commencement of the action shall be within 22 years of the date the plaintiff attains the age of majority or within ten years of the date the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered that psychological injury or illness occurring after the age of majority was caused by the act, whichever period expires later.”

No statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse applies after January 1, 2024. Instead, child sexual abuse survivors can file a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit anytime.

It may take years for survivors to realize that an act, or attempted act, caused them mental anguish or made their existing mental illness worse. Our team of experienced attorneys will represent survivors who wish to pursue legal claims, even if the crime occurred decades ago.

Types of Cases Handled by Our California Sexual Assault Lawyers

Our California clergy sexual abuse attorneys handle cases involving priests, pastors, and other religious leaders across various religious institutions. This includes sex crimes within the Catholic Church, Protestant churches, and other faith-based organizations. We specifically handle cases in dioceses such as the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the Diocese of San Diego, among others.

Steps to Take if You Are a Victim

If you are a clergy abuse victim, it is crucial to take immediate steps to ensure your safety and well-being. Here’s what you should do:

Ensure Immediate Safety
Document the Incident
Seek Legal Help

Survivors in California can also access support through organizations like the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA).

Consult our California clergy abuse lawyers today

How Our California Clergy Abuse Legal Team Can Help

If you are a survivor of abuse by a clergy member in California, our lawyers at Injury Lawyer Team are here to assist you.

We will start by providing a thorough initial consultation and case evaluation to understand the specifics of your situation and to inform you of your legal rights and options. We’ll explain how the legal system works and the process to file lawsuits. We can also provide more information about California’s statute of limitations.

Then, our team conducts a comprehensive investigation to gather all necessary evidence to support your case. This may include verifying lost income, interviewing other victims of sexual abuse, or speaking with clergy members.

We handle all aspects of filing your California clergy abuse lawsuit on your behalf and keep you informed about the potential outcomes, including compensation possibilities. Whether through settlement negotiations or taking your case to trial, our lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.

Our team has the trial experience to guide survivors and victims of sexual abuse through the law to get the justice they deserve.

The Cost of Hiring Our California Clergy Abuse Attorneys

At Injury Lawyer Team, we understand that financial concerns can be a significant barrier for survivors seeking legal action. Therefore, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front.

Our firm charges a fee only if we successfully recover financial compensation for you. This no-win, no-fee arrangement ensures that everyone has access to high-quality legal representation without additional financial stress.

Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims

Survivors of clergy sex abuse may be entitled to various types of compensation, including payment for medical bills, emotional distress, and punitive damages. The amount of compensation can be influenced by factors such as the severity of the abuse, the impact on the victim’s life, and legal precedents.

Contact Us for Your Free Consultation

At Injury Lawyer Team, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of child sexual abuse survivors. Our experienced attorneys offer compassionate, professional legal representation with no upfront costs. If you’ve been sexually abused and need help, reach out now to speak with a child sexual abuse lawyer. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case.

Call us at 866-757-6452 or reach out online.

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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.