New York City Clergy Abuse Lawyer

Helping Clergy Sex Abuse Victims Fight the Religious Institutions Accountable

From 2019 to 2021, over 9,000 individuals filed lawsuits under the New York Child Victims Act, which temporarily removed the statute of limitations. Many were from New York City, which has over 4,000 churches. A New York City clergy abuse lawyer can help you hold the predators accountable.

If you were the victim of clergy sexual abuse in New York religious institutions, Injury Lawyer Team can help victims explore legal options to get justice. We are committed to helping clergy sexual abuse survivors tell their stories and receive financial compensation for the pain they suffered through a New York City civil case.

Injury Lawyer Team combines compassion with expertise to give you or a loved one the best possible chance at receiving financial compensation. We have helped many New York City clergy sexual abuse cases, particularly those involving victims who sued large organizations, including Catholic dioceses and other denominations.

Our New York City team will help you file civil claims and explore all your legal options, using our understanding of local and state law to bolster your claim. Most importantly, we empower clergy sex abuse victims by helping them access resources and share their stories. Our mission is to help you not just recover financial compensation but also gain closure after clergy sex abuse.

Settlements Recovered by Our New York City Clergy Abuse Lawyers

$1,222,000 Clergy sexual abuse lawsuit settlement for an adult man who was sexually assaulted while attending a church-sponsored summer camp.
$1,101,000 Clergy sexual abuse settlement for a woman who was sexually assaulted by a janitor at a Catholic School as a child.
$2,800,000 Settlement for clergy sex abuse that occurred at a summer camp operated by church officials.
$3,000,000 Settlement for a man who suffered from clergy sex abuse 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.

Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in New York City

New York City clergy sex abuse statistics uncover a troubling phenomenon of clergy sex abuse in new york, where clergy members take advantage of their positions of authority – and the Catholic church covering up the cases.

A group of Chubb Insurance agencies is suing the Archdiocese of New York to avoid paying for 1,500 different child sexual abuse lawsuits brought between 2019 and 2021 during the New York Child Victims Act statute of limitations freeze.
A recent settlement between the New York Attorney General and the Diocese of Brooklyn found that in this NYC diocese, there were 33 clergy members accused of clergy sex abuse, 18 of which were substantiated.
In 2019, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York named 115 priests and 5 deacons who were accused of clergy sex abuse.
The Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre on Long Island offered $200 million to 600 victims of clergy sexual abuse, the largest bankruptcy offer in diocesan history.

Are There Notable Clergy Sex Abuse Cases and Accused Priests in New York City?

Monsignor Alan Placa – A close friend of Rudy Giuliana, Placa was alleged to have committed sex crimes against a teenager between 1975 and 1977. He took the boy to a beach home on Fire Island, drugged him, and repeatedly molested him.
Father John Paddack – Paddack, who taught at the Incarnation School in New York City, has been accused of molesting multiple young boys between the 1980s and 2000s, including during confessions.
Linda Baisi – Baisi, a nun at St. Frances de Chantal, was accused in 1997of sexually abusing a grammar school student between the ages of 12 and 17.
Fr. John C. Albino – Albino was one of 4 priests accused of molesting a 16-year-old boy at St. Simon Stock in the Bronx. They allegedly offered the boy money for sex, threatened him if he refused to comply, and masturbated in front of him.
Fr. Edward M. Barry – In 2020, the Archdiocese of New York announced that the claims that Barry committed sex crimes against a child were credible. He was placed on administrative leave in 2019.
Br. Dominic Bokulich – Convicted in 2008 of child sexual abuse, Bokulich molested four boys between the ages of 4 and 11. Some of the clergy sexual abuse took place at a retreat center operated by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.

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What are the Common Forms of Clergy Abuse?

Grooming – In New York City clergy sexual abuse cases, abusive priests may emotionally manipulate victims over weeks or months, gaining their trust and lowering their resistance toward sexual acts.
Abuse of Authority – Religious leaders may utilize their position as members of religious institutions to demand sexual favors, threatening victims if they refuse to comply.
Child Sex Abuse – Also known as molestation, this includes any sexual action toward a minor, which includes exposing them to pornography, making sexual comments in front of them, or physical touching.
Rape – Under expanded New York laws, rape includes any nonconsensual oral, anal, or vaginal sexual contact.
Sexual Harassment – Unwanted sexual attention, sexualized comments, or touching can all constitute harassment.
Sexual Assault – Fondling, groping, or unwanted touching of intimate areas is considered sexual assault.

What’s the Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims?

A member of the New York Catholic Church, as an authority figure, may sexually abuse anyone; however, a study from Germany suggests that most clergy sex abuse victims are males under the age of 18. However, Pope Francis himself has acknowledged that the Catholic Church has a history of allowing priests to abuse women without consequence.

Approximately 70% of victims do not disclose within 5 years of the New York clergy sex abuse, and 1 in 5 never disclose to anyone. This can make it challenging to identify who may have been harmed by a Catholic priest, and often requires input from mental health professionals to help in the process, and thus hold religious institutions accountable and seek justice.

Survivors of clergy sexual abuse may suffer physical and emotional trauma, which includes post-traumatic stress disorder, inappropriate behavior, and a loss of trust in the affiliated organization that allowed a clergy member to abuse them. Clergy sexual abuse victims may also find themselves ostracized from the community for accusing church officials, who are trusted members of the community.

What are the Common Signs of Clergy Sex Abuse Among Child Victims?

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, signs of childhood sexual abuse in New York include:

Regressive Behaviors – The child may resume thumb-sucking or bedwetting, or lose their toilet training.
Avoiding the Place Where the Clergy Sex Abuse Occurred – Children may become afraid of returning to the place where they were harmed; for clergy sex abuse in New York, this can include the church or Sunday school.
Fear of Being Left Alone With Certain People – Children may cling to their parents and show emotional distress when near alleged abusers.
Self-Harm – The child may cut or burn themselves, or they may develop eating disorders.
Changes in Behavior – A confident preteen may become anxious or begin acting out.
Poor School Performance – Good students may stop applying themselves at school, leading to poor grades.
Trouble Sleeping – Insomnia, fear of the dark, and night terrors can all be signs of sexual abuse in New York.
Unexplained Physical Symptoms – Children may complain of headaches, stomachaches, or pain without apparent cause.

Eligibility to File a Civil Lawsuit for Clergy Sexual Assault

Our team assists in civil suits for a variety of plaintiffs, which can include:

Child victims and their parents
Adult victims of abuse or assault
Adult survivors who suffered as children
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Child sexual abuse claims may target several different individuals and institutions, which can include the following.

Predatory Church Officials: With clergy abuse allegations, the perpetrator is generally the primary defendant for legal claims. While you may also press criminal charges, our firm will represent you in civil court to pursue compensation.
Other Clergy Members: Though New York clergy are not mandated reporters, anyone with information that clergy sexual abuse occurred has a fiduciary duty to protect the victim by reporting. Those who choose to shield their fellow religious leaders from consequences can be considered liable.
Churches and Other Organizations: A parish or diocese may be held responsible for the actions of its employees through vicarious liability, mainly if the priest was acting as a church official. They may also be held accountable for negligent hiring or supervision, primarily if there were previous allegations against the individual before the clergy sexual abuse in New York City.

If the church knew the allegations but protected the perpetrator from consequences, they could also be held responsible for failing to report.

To file a lawsuit against any party, it must be proven that they were negligent. Proving negligence includes four factors:

Duty of Care – The individual or organization had a responsibility to protect the victim from harm.
Breach of Duty – The defendant failed to do so, such as by hiring a known sex offender or acting inappropriately with a minor.
Causation – This breach of duty was responsible, in whole or in part, for the clergy sexual abuse.
Damages – The plaintiff suffered financial or emotional losses as a result of the clergy sex abuse in New York City.

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The Statute of Limitations for Filing Clergy Sexual Abuse Claims in New York City

The 2019 New York Child Victims Act extended the statute of limitations for childhood sex abuse in New York until the victim is 55 years old; however, this only applies to cases after February 14, 2019.

In the same year, New York passed the Adult Survivors Act, which extends the statute of limitations for certain assaults to 20 years. This is not retroactive and only applies to assaults that occurred after it passed.

Types of Cases Handled by Our NYC Clergy Abuse Lawyers

We can assist with clergy abuse cases, such as in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, which covers Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and several counties surrounding NYC. Our team can also assist with cases in the Diocese of Brooklyn or with sex abuse in different religious organizations, such as Protestant denominations or Jewish synagogues.

Our firm will seek justice against any religious leader who is a defendant in clergy abuse cases. This can include priests, nuns, friars, pastors, rabbis, or trusted church leaders, such as Sunday school teachers or Catholic school instructors.

While the New York Child Victims Act has extended the time you have to file, it’s essential to act quickly to begin the legal process and move closer to healing. Follow these steps as soon as possible:

Call the Authorities – Always report abuse in New York City, both to the church and to the police.
Ensure the Victim’s Safety – Ensure the dangerous person no longer has access to the victim.
Document Everything – Take the victim to the hospital for a medical examination, and keep any records of communications between the survivor and the alleged abuser.
Contact Legal Counsel – You can contact us anytime for a free and confidential consultation. We will guide you through the legal process, including collecting evidence, entering negotiations with the church, and filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Reach Out for Support – NYC has a variety of rape crisis and sexual assault counseling centers that can assist. In addition to the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP), you can contact the Safe Horizon Program, which can provide counseling and help you apply for financial assistance.

How Our New York City Clergy Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Our team will hold the religious institution accountable through a civil case, guiding you every step of the way. We can assist you with the following services.

Free Consultation and Case Evaluation – We’ll determine whether we believe you have a strong case and how much it may be worth. We’ll discuss liable parties, such as the religious community or legal action against other religious leaders. We’ll also discuss any inappropriate behavior, such as the use of explicit images. Everything we discuss will remain completely confidential.
Investigation – We’ll meticulously gather evidence to support your claim using our resources. This includes interviews, expert testimony, medical reports, and communication records to support legal action.
Settlement Negotiations – We will first attempt to settle the case out of court with the diocese’s insurance company, representing you in all negotiations so that you can focus on healing. Coming forward can be scary, but coming forward often results in a settlement offer.
Trial Representation – While we can often settle out of court, taking the case to trial may be necessary. In that case, we will handle the paperwork and represent you or a loved one in court, ensuring your story is heard.

The Cost of Hiring a NYC Clergy Abuse Legal Team

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we win your compensation. This makes world-class legal advice available to everyone, regardless of their means.

Your settlement may include economic and non-economic damages meant to compensate you both for financial losses and the emotional suffering imposed by clergy sexual abuse in New York. This can include:

Medical bills
Out-of-pocket medical expenses
Lost wages
Loss of future earning potential
Emotional injuries
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life

There is no predetermined settlement amount; it depends on the specific factors of the case. This includes financial losses like therapy costs, how long it took place, the age of the victim, and the overall impact it had on your life.

Contact Our Law Firm for a Free Consultation

Injury Lawyer Team works to empower clergy sexual abuse victims and help them recover compensation through civil suits. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for both child and adult abuse survivors from the religious community across the country, as noted in our client testimonials.

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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.