How to File a Catholic Abuse Lawsuit
We understand how difficult it can be to come forward after experiencing sexual abuse, especially when it involves a Church member you trusted. What happened to you wasn’t your fault, and you don’t have to face this alone.
Our team is here to support you, and we can handle every step of the legal process on your behalf while you focus on healing.
Our Catholic Church abuse lawyers may be able to:
- Provide a free case review to help you understand your legal options
- Collect evidence like Church records, medical files, and witness testimony
- File your Catholic Church sexual abuse lawsuit against the abuser, the Roman Catholic Church, and any parties that enabled the abuse
- Negotiate a Catholic Church child abuse settlement with the defendant(s)
- Take your case to trial if needed and pursue compensation in the form of a verdict
At Sokolove Law, we stand with survivors. Our goal is to make the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible. If you have questions, we’re here to listen and help you take the next step forward.
Filing a Catholic sex abuse lawsuit can hold the Church accountable and provide a path toward justice and healing. Our sexual abuse lawyers are here to help you understand your legal options.
Deadlines for Catholic Priest Abuse Lawsuits
Each state has a law known as the statute of limitations that restricts how long you have to file a lawsuit for Catholic priest abuse. These deadlines vary based on factors like where the abuse occurred and how old you were at the time.
Some states have changed their laws to extend or reopen the filing period, creating “lookback windows” that allow survivors to file lawsuits even if the original time limit has passed.
Legal options may still be available to survivors who were harmed decades ago, even if their abuser is now deceased.
Clergy Abuse Compensation
For clergy abuse survivors who have been forced to bear the burden of past or present sexual abuse, their physical and mental scars may last a lifetime. However, survivors may have options to receive clergy abuse compensation for their suffering and to hold their abuser(s) accountable.
Some states have even set up special compensation programs to help victims cover the costs associated with abuse and its lasting trauma.
Examples of compensation programs include:
- In 2016, the Archdiocese of New York established the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program to compensate survivors of abuse, even decades old. Since then, more and more programs have been started in dioceses all over the country.
- In September 2019, six Catholic dioceses in California initiated a new program to compensate survivors of clergy sex abuse called the Independent Compensation Program (ICP). The deadline to submit a claim for this program was January 31, 2020.
These are just a couple of examples of the many compensation programs that exist across the nation to help victims and hold abusers accountable. No matter what state your abuse occurred, it is worth it to contact Sokolove Law to learn whether you may be eligible to file a claim.
No amount of money can undo the damage by pedophile priests and other church officials. However, compensation can play a small part in reducing a survivor’s financial and emotional burden.
For example, clergy abuse compensation may help cover:
- Emotional counseling
- Mental and/or physical therapy
- Medical prescriptions
- Pain and suffering
- Inability to work
If you or a loved one is a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, call Sokolove Law for a free legal case review to learn about your legal rights and possible compensation. Hold those who wronged you accountable for their actions and protect future potential victims.
Are Clergy Abuse Settlements Taxable?
According to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), no tax deduction is allowed for any settlement or payment related to sexual abuse — if it is subject to a nondisclosure agreement. Further, tax deductions are also not allowed for any attorney’s fees related to a clergy sex abuse settlement or payment.
Get Help from Our Catholic Church Sex Abuse Lawyers
For decades, Catholic Church leaders protected abusive priests instead of children and vulnerable adults. Survivors were silenced, abusers were quietly transferred to new parishes, and the truth was buried, all to protect the Church’s reputation.
At Sokolove Law, we believe those in power must answer for the damage they caused and the harm they allowed to continue.
Our Catholic Church abuse lawyers:
- Can help victims in all 50 states
- Never charge any upfront costs or hourly fees
- Have recovered more than $10.5 Billion for victims of injustice nationwide
If you or someone you love is a survivor of sex abuse in the Catholic Church, you may be eligible to pursue compensation.
Call (866) 418-2146 right now or fill out our form to take the next step. Coming forward is never easy, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Let Sokolove Law Fight for You
Our Catholic Church sexual abuse lawyers can fight for justice on your behalf. Let us put our 45+ years of experience to work for you.
