Fordham University Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Compensation for Victims of Sexual Assault

Priests are often regarded as trustworthy authority figures, particularly among vulnerable children. Sadly, there has been an epidemic of clergy abuse in this country, including cases involving Fordham University in New York. If you suffered sexual abuse on this college campus, you could pursue justice and compensation with a Fordham University sexual abuse lawsuit.

At Injury Lawyer Team, we are committed to helping survivors tell their stories and hold their abusers accountable. College sexual abuse lawsuits do not always involve college students, and Fordham University has been accused of negligence in failing to protect minors from sexual misconduct. 

CBS News Says Alleged Victims of Father John Joseph McCarthy Claim the Institution Turned a Blind Eye to Abuse Reports

In the 1970s, several Fordham priests allegedly abused multiple minors on the campus. One of the most prolific abusers was Father John Joseph McCarthy. 

In 2024, CBS News New York’s Doug Williams announced a lawsuit against Fordham University for knowing about the abuse and turning a blind eye toward it. The alleged victims in the claim said that many poor minors living in the boroughs viewed Fordham University as a safe place and spent a lot of time there.

One of Father McCarthy’s alleged victims recounted how the priest had frequently visited him and his mother in the Bronx to gain their trust. However, when the boy slept over at Father McCarthy’s on-campus residence, he was woken up in the middle of the night and told to take off his clothes. 

An attorney representing the alleged victims also claimed that several boys would be taken into back rooms and forced to fondle each other and pose for sexually explicit photographs. Father McCarthy and other priests often lured the boys into sexual acts and nude photographs using candy or ice cream as incentives. 

Multiple defendants were credibly accused of negligence or direct abuse in this case, including the Archdiocese of New York, the Catholic Church, Fordham University, and Jesuit entities. The lawsuit focuses on holding these entities accountable for ignoring warning signs and covering up alleged abuse since the main perpetrator, Father McCarthy, has since passed away. 

Although the misconduct reported by CBS News did not involve students, Fordham University is still being accused of negligence for being aware of the issues and failing to take action for the safety of the children. 

Securing compensation via New York clergy abuse cases can be an overwhelming process for survivors of sexual abuse. Injury Lawyer Team will provide a compassionate and safe space for you to seek legal support for your case. 

What Damages Can Victims Recover Through a Civil Lawsuit?

The primary purpose of most New York sexual abuse lawsuits is to seek compensation for the victims while holding the at-fault parties accountable. In the lawsuit mentioned above, the alleged victims are seeking compensation from Fordham University, the Archdiocese of New York, and other defendants for the legal damages they have incurred. 

Here are some common legal damages in sexual abuse lawsuits in New York:

Economic Damages

• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity
• Medical bills (surgery, emergency care, medication, medical tests)
• Future medical expenses (rehabilitation, therapy, psychological health support)

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm)
• Physical pain and suffering

Punitive Damages

A judge or jury in New York may award additional compensation to the plaintiff in a case involving gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or institutional cover-ups. 

How Long Do Victims Have to Take Legal Action in New York?

• Section 208 – The civil statute of limitations for child victims of sexual abuse in New York is the plaintiff’s 55th birthday. This means you have until you turn 55 years old to seek compensation for abuse suffered as a minor. 
• The Clery Act – This statute requires colleges and universities to report crimes on campus and provide support to alleged victims of abuse and other crimes. 

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

Fordham University turned a blind eye to the alleged victims of McCarthy and some priests on campus. Under state law, those survivors are able to pursue compensation for their losses. At Injury Lawyer Team, we want to help you do the same if you have been abused in a university community. 

Our legal services for sexual abuse lawsuits include:

• Investigating the abuse and the defendant’s actions
• Establishing negligence if the institution turned a blind eye or covered up the misconduct
• Gathering evidence of wrongdoing
• Speaking to witnesses
• Assessing all legal damages
• Negotiating with defendants and insurance companies for maximum compensation
• Litigating in civil court if necessary

We understand the legal process can be overwhelming for your family. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we secure a favorable outcome. You can also ask questions about your case during a free consultation with our law firm. 

Contact us today at 866-757-6452 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced attorney. 

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.