Maryland Clergy Abuse Lawyer

Helping Maryland Child Victims Ensure Abusers are Held Liable for Their Crimes

Clergy abuse in Maryland has had a devastating impact on countless individuals and their families, leaving lifelong emotional and psychological scars. Survivors of sexual abuse by the Catholic Church can seek justice and healing by filing a civil lawsuit with a Maryland clergy abuse lawyer. The legal team at Injury Lawyer Team is dedicated to providing compassionate and expert legal support to those affected by clergy abuse.

Selecting Injury Lawyer Team means choosing an experienced clergy sexual abuse lawyer who can help expose any cover-up related to the sexual abuse.

We offer unparalleled experience and success in handling Maryland clergy sexual abuse cases, led by our dedicated sexual abuse attorney. Our compassionate and dedicated legal team works tirelessly to ensure that survivors receive the utmost care and support. With nationwide representation and resources, we are equipped to handle cases across Maryland.

As experienced lawyers, we are deeply committed to maintaining confidentiality and sensitivity throughout the legal process, ensuring that our clients feel safe and respected at every stage.

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Settlements Recovered by Our Maryland Clergy Abuse Lawyers

$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 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.
$2,800,000 Settlement for crimes that occurred at a summer camp operated by church leaders and other church officials.
$1,101,000 Settlement for a woman who was sexually assaulted by a janitor at a Catholic School as a child.

What Is Clergy Sexual Abuse?

Maryland clergy sexual abuse refers to wrongful acts of a sexual nature committed by religious leaders or officials against members of their congregation or community. It exploits the power and trust vested in these leaders, causing profound harm to the victims.

How Common is Sexual Assault by Catholic Priests in Maryland?

A report released by the Maryland Attorney General’s Office revealed alarming statistics concerning clergy sex abuse within the Archdiocese of Baltimore:

More than 150 Catholic priests and associates were implicated in crimes against over 600 children spanning 80 years.
Church authorities were found to have systematically covered up the abuse, protecting the perpetrators.
The Baltimore archdiocese has disbursed over $13.2 million for the Maryland clergy sexual abuse of 301 abuse victims since the 1980s.

Are There Accused Catholic Church Priests in Maryland?

Among the numerous cases of abuse by Catholic church clergy members in Maryland, two notable ones stand out for their severity and the extensive impact on the community.

The report from the Maryland Attorney General’s Office identifies Joseph Maskell as having abused at least 39 victims. Despite the overwhelming evidence and numerous allegations against him, Maskell consistently denied these accusations until his death in 2001. He was never criminally charged.

In 1964, Father Laurence Brett admitted to sexual abuse of a teenager at a Catholic university in Connecticut. He was sent to New Mexico under the pretense of receiving hepatitis treatment and was relocated to Sacramento, where another teenager accused him of sexual abuse.

Brett was later assigned to the Archdiocese of Baltimore, where he served as a chaplain at a Catholic high school for boys and abused over 20 victims. After several students accused him of abuse in 1973, Brett was permitted to resign under the pretense of caring for a sick aunt.

School officials failed to report the abuse to authorities. Dozens of other victims eventually came forward. Brett died in 2010, having never faced criminal charges.

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What are the Common Forms of Clergy Abuse?

It manifests in various forms, and many civil cases reflect the diverse and often insidious ways in which clergy members exploit their victims. Common types include:

Sexual harassment
Sexual assault/rape
Grooming
Exploitation

What is the Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims?

These victims can be of any age, gender, or socio-economic status, though many are children or adolescents due to their impressionability and the inherent power dynamics with religious leaders, and many are male. Clergy members often go after vulnerable individuals, such as children.

How Does Sex Abuse Impact Victims?

The repercussions of childhood sexual abuse are profound, impacting victims physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Common injuries seen in sexual abuse cases include trauma-related disorders such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trust issues.

Victims may also experience difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships, suffer from low self-esteem, and may turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism.

What are the Signs of Clergy Sex Abuse to Watch for in Loved Ones?

Maryland victims who have been sexually abused often exhibit a variety of signs and behavioral changes that can indicate they are being harmed, including:

Sudden behavioral changes
Academic decline
Reluctance to attend religious activities
Avoidance of specific clergy members
Physical symptoms
Nightmares or sleep disorders
Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge

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Who Can File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim?

Adult and child sexual abuse survivors eligible to file a clergy sexual abuse claim include child victims and their parents (or guardian family members), adult victims of abuse or assault, and adult survivors who were sexually abused as minors. These claims can be made to pursue compensation for the profound impacts suffered due to the abuse.

In cases of clergy sex abuse, both individual and institutional liabilities can come into play.

Individual liability holds individual perpetrators directly accountable for their actions, which may include criminal charges and civil lawsuits. Clergy members found guilty of abuse may face imprisonment, fines, and other penalties, alongside civil damages awarded to victims.

Institutional liability pertains to the responsibility of the religious institutions overseeing the clergy. Institutions can be held liable under various legal theories, such as negligent hiring or supervision, failure to report abuse, and vicarious liability.

The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Maryland Clergy Sex Abuse Lawsuit

The latest laws include a recent law that has significantly altered the statute of limitations for filing a legal claim related to Maryland clergy abuse. On April 11, 2023, Governor Wes Moore, a vocal advocate, signed the Maryland Child Victims Act into law.

This legislation permanently removes the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases, thereby reviving all claims against all defendants. This new law means childhood sexual abuse survivors can pursue legal action regardless of when the abuse occurred, allowing innocent children to seek justice and financial compensation.

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Types of Cases Handled by Our Maryland Sexual Abuse Lawyers

For individuals seeking accountability and justice, our Maryland clergy sexual abuse lawyers offer free legal consultation and handle a broad spectrum of cases involving abuse by Catholic priests, pastors, and other church leaders. These cases span various religious institutions, including but not limited to Catholic and Protestant churches.

Specifically, we have experience managing cases involving clergy abuse in dioceses such as the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Diocese of Wilmington. No matter the religious affiliation or institution, we are equipped to provide the necessary legal expertise and support to survivors pursuing justice.

If you are a victim of clergy sexual abuse, it is crucial to take immediate steps to ensure your safety and well-being.

First, seek a safe environment away from the abuser and consult a trusted individual or organization for immediate support. Documenting the abuse with as much detail as possible, including dates, locations, and descriptions, is essential for any potential legal action.

Next, seek legal help by contacting an experienced attorney specializing in clergy abuse cases. The legal process typically involves an initial consultation in which you discuss your case, followed by an investigation and, if necessary, litigation.

Survivors in Maryland can access support through organizations like the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA) and the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP).

How a Maryland Clergy Abuse Attorney From Our Team Can Help

Our Maryland clergy sexual abuse lawyers provide comprehensive support through a variety of services.

We begin with a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options. Our team conducts thorough investigations to gather pertinent evidence and build a strong case to hold perpetrators responsible. Many victims are entitled to non-economic damages, such as punitive damages for a church cover-up.

We handle all legal documentation and filings, ensuring you understand all potential outcomes and strategies.

While we strive for a fair settlement, your Maryland clergy abuse attorney from our team will be well prepared to represent you in court to secure justice if necessary.

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The Cost of Hiring a Maryland Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer

At Injury Lawyer Team, our clergy sexual abuse lawyers understand that the financial burden of legal proceedings can be overwhelming for many survivors, but we are committed to helping hold abusers accountable. Therefore, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not incur any upfront legal costs. We also offer a free consultation.

You will only pay your Maryland clergy sex abuse attorney if they secure settlement negotiations or verdicts in your favor, allowing you to recover compensation without upfront costs. This approach ensures everyone has access to justice, regardless of their financial situation.

Compensation and Legal Options for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims

Victims of clergy sexual abuse may be entitled to various forms of compensation, each tailored to address the unique impacts of their experiences. Types of compensation available include:

Medical Expenses: Covering the costs of physical and psychological treatment, including therapy and counseling.
Emotional Distress: Compensating for the immense emotional and mental anguish endured by survivors.
Punitive Damages: Aimed at punishing the offending individual or institution and deterring future misconduct or cover-ups.

Several factors can influence the amount of compensation awarded, such as the severity of the abuse, how long you suffered abuse, physical pain, and the lasting effects on the victim’s life. Additional considerations may include the age of the victim at the time of the abuse and the degree of negligence exhibited by the religious institution.

Institutions like the Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore can often be held accountable if they knew about the abuse and did nothing. For example, if clergy members at the Archdiocese of Baltimore failed to report allegations, they can be held responsible. Other members of the Baltimore clergy may be liable if they were responsible for conducting background checks and failed to do so.

Each case is unique, and our experienced legal team is dedicated to ensuring that every survivor receives the fair and just compensation they deserve.

Contact Us for Your Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been a victim of abuse involving catholic priests or other members of the catholic church, it is imperative to take action to protect children and seek justice. Our team will help you learn your legal rights to hold those responsible accountable.

We understand the sensitive nature of coming forward with such allegations, and our dedicated Maryland clergy abuse attorneys are here to provide the support and legal expertise you need, just as we have for other survivors.

Our team is committed to holding wrongdoers accountable and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. You deserve justice. Don’t face this challenging journey alone. Contact Injury Lawyer Team today for a confidential consultation and begin the path toward healing and justice.

Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact 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.