For decades, survivors of priest sexual abuse have faced immense challenges in their pursuit of justice. Abusers within religious institutions, particularly within larger churches, have used their power and authority to exploit vulnerable individuals. Many survivors of sexual abuse have suffered in silence, unaware that they have the right to hold abusers and the institutions that protect them accountable.
A California priest sexual abuse lawyer can help survivors seek justice by guiding them through the legal process, filing civil lawsuits, and advocating for fair compensation. If you or a loved one was sexually abused by a Catholic priest or other clergy member, you don’t have to face it alone. The experienced attorneys at Greenberg Gross LLP are dedicated to helping survivors heal, obtain justice, and hold abusers accountable.
What is Priest Sexual Abuse?
Priest sexual abuse refers to incidents of sexual abuse, sexual assault, or other inappropriate sexual behavior committed by Catholic priests or other members of the clergy. These acts may be directed at children or adults and are often carried out in secret, leaving survivors feeling isolated and powerless.
While childhood sexual abuse by priests is one of the most well-known forms of clergy abuse, adult abuse by clergy members also occurs. The betrayal of trust by a religious leader can have a lasting emotional impact, leading to mental health challenges, emotional suffering, and difficulty maintaining trust in others.
How a California Priest Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help
A California priest sexual abuse lawyer plays an essential role in supporting survivors and helping them pursue legal action. Survivors of priest sexual abuse may feel overwhelmed by the legal system, but an experienced legal team can provide crucial support. Here’s how a lawyer can help:
- Legal Guidance and Advice: Survivors of clergy sexual abuse often have questions about their legal rights and options. An abuse lawyer provides clear guidance and ensures survivors understand the steps required to file claims.
- Case Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Proving a clergy abuse case requires strong evidence. Lawyers investigate reports, collect witness testimony, and review internal church documents to build a compelling case.
- Filing Legal Claims: Legal action can be pursued through civil actions or civil lawsuits. By filing a civil lawsuit, survivors can seek financial compensation for their suffering.
- Negotiation and Settlements: Many clergy abuse cases are resolved through settlements. Lawyers negotiate with religious institutions, ensuring survivors receive fair compensation without the need for a lengthy trial.
- Trial Representation: If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer will represent survivors in court, advocating for maximum compensation and ensuring that the abuser and the institution are held accountable.
Types of Priest Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle
Greenberg Gross LLP handles a wide range of clergy abuse cases, offering compassionate legal support for survivors of abuse in California. We advocate for survivors of the following types of cases:
- Childhood clergy sexual abuse: Children are among the most vulnerable to clergy abuse. Our firm represents survivors of childhood clergy sexual abuse and helps them seek the justice they deserve.
- Clergy abuse involving adults: While childhood abuse often receives more attention, adult abuse by clergy members is just as harmful. We help survivors of adult abuse hold abusers accountable.
- Sexual abuse within the Catholic Church: The Catholic Church has faced multiple lawsuits for covering up abuse by priests. Our attorneys expose cover-ups and hold institutions accountable for protecting known abusers.
- Clergy abuse within other religious institutions: While many cases involve Catholic priests, clergy sexual abuse occurs in other faith communities as well. We help survivors from all religious institutions file claims against the organizations that allowed the abuse to happen.
Compensation for Survivors of Priest Sexual Abuse
Survivors of clergy abuse may be entitled to financial recovery for the harm they suffered. Compensation may cover the following damages:
- Economic damages: These include financial costs such as medical bills, therapy expenses, and lost wages.
- Non-economic damages: Survivors may seek compensation for emotional suffering, mental anguish, and the long-term impact on their well-being.
- Punitive damages: Punitive damages are designed to punish the abuser and prevent similar abuse in the future.
Greenberg Gross LLP works to ensure survivors receive fair financial compensation for their suffering. We fight for full compensation to help survivors heal and rebuild their lives.
Legal Options for Survivors of Priest Sexual Abuse
Survivors of priest sexual abuse have several legal options, including:
- Filing a civil lawsuit: This allows survivors to pursue financial compensation for the harm they suffered. A civil lawsuit can also expose the wrongdoing of religious institutions.
- Filing claims against religious institutions: Survivors may be able to file claims against the Catholic Church or other religious organizations for failing to prevent abuse.
- Pursuing civil actions: Civil actions seek to hold abusers and institutions legally accountable, encouraging reforms that prevent further abuse.
These legal options empower survivors to reclaim their voice, seek financial compensation, and prevent future harm.
Statute of Limitations for Priest Sexual Abuse Cases
California has recently changed its laws regarding the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases. Under the new law, survivors of child sexual abuse that occurred on or after January 1, 2024, can file claims at any time. For abuse that occurred before December 31, 2023, different rules apply, so reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible.
These changes may provide many survivors with an opportunity to file claims, even if the abuse happened years or decades ago. It’s important to speak with a California priest sexual abuse lawyer to understand how the old statute or the new law may impact your case.
Why Survivors Should Take Legal Action
Taking legal action against a Catholic priest or clergy member is a powerful step toward healing. For many survivors, filing a lawsuit represents a chance to expose abusers and seek justice. Legal action can also hold religious institutions accountable for covering up abuse and protecting alleged abusers.
Legal action is not just about financial recovery. It’s also about justice, accountability, and the healing process. By filing a lawsuit, survivors send a message that abuse will no longer be tolerated. Many survivors find that legal action helps them regain a sense of control, empowering them to move forward with their lives.
How Greenberg Gross LLP Supports Survivors of Priest Sexual Abuse
At Greenberg Gross LLP, we believe survivors deserve justice, compassion, and accountability. Our legal team is committed to supporting survivors throughout the legal process, from the initial confidential case evaluation to the final resolution.
We offer emotional support, personalized legal guidance, and relentless advocacy. We understand how difficult it can be for survivors to confront their abuser, and we are here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our experienced attorneys have the skills and knowledge needed to secure maximum compensation for survivors.
Contact a California Priest Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love is a survivor of priest sexual abuse, you don’t have to face it alone. Greenberg Gross LLP is dedicated to helping survivors of clergy abuse obtain justice. Our attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process with compassion, support, and relentless advocacy.
Contact us today for a confidential case evaluation. Our experienced attorneys will explain your legal options, help you understand your rights, and fight for the justice and financial compensation you deserve. Take the first step toward healing and accountability — schedule a free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is priest sexual abuse?
Priest sexual abuse occurs when a Catholic priest or clergy member engages in sexual misconduct, sexual assault, or other forms of inappropriate sexual behavior. It often involves abuse of power and trust within the faith community.
2. How do I prove priest sexual abuse?
Proving a clergy abuse case requires strong evidence, including witness testimony, internal church records, and prior reports of abuse by the alleged abuser. An abuse lawyer can gather and present this evidence on your behalf.
3. Can I sue the Catholic Church for sexual abuse?
Yes, you may be able to file a claim against the Catholic Church if they covered up the abuse, enabled further abuse, or failed to remove the abuser. Contact a clergy sexual abuse attorney to understand your options.
4. What compensation can I receive for clergy abuse?
Compensation may include economic damages for medical bills and therapy costs, non-economic damages for emotional suffering, and punitive damages designed to punish the abuser.
5. How long do I have to file a claim for clergy sexual abuse?
California recently changed its statute of limitations. If the abuse occurred on or after January 1, 2024, survivors have unlimited time to file a claim. If it occurred before December 31, 2023, older laws may apply.
If you have more questions or want to know your legal rights, contact Greenberg Gross LLP for a free consultation. Our team will review your case, discuss your legal options, and help you take action against your abuser.