The Catholic Church is and has been under investigation after thousands of victims have come forward, reporting decades of sexual abuse. Reports claim that as many as 300 Catholic priests have sexually abused over 1,000 children, dating back to as early as the 1940s. Allentown, Pennsylvania, is home to a good amount of these allegations.
Injury Lawyer Team is committed to supporting clergy abuse survivors through specialized legal representation.
Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team
At Injury Lawyer Team, we understand the sensitive nature of sexual abuse cases and are committed to seeking justice for those impacted by the Catholic Church. Our team of highly experienced and compassionate lawyers has a proven track record of holding abusers accountable and securing maximum compensation for survivors.
Table of Contents
| $14.2 Million Priest grooming and handling | $4.1 Million Deacon assault and rape | $3 Million Clergy child abuse filed in adulthood |
| $2.5 Million Volunteer-perpetrated Catholic church abuse | $2.3 Million Religious school priest teen sexual abuse | $1.5 Million Clergy abuse case filed against a deceased priest |
With extensive experience, our specialized legal team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the legal process. We ensure you’re supported during this challenging time, offering expert advice and working diligently to secure a fair and substantial settlement. You won’t be navigating this alone; we’re committed to helping you seek justice while prioritizing your healing.
Prevalence of Catholic Church Abuse in Allentown
Clergy sexual abuse has become a real problem. The following clergy abuse statistics highlight the scope of this problem:
- In one of the largest Grand Jury investigations, an estimated 301 priests have been credibly accused of child sexual abuse dating back to the 1940s [1].
- A total of 37 clergy members of the 301 from the Diocese of Allentown have been accused of child sexual abuse [2].
- It’s estimated that many victims have yet to come forward. Since the investigation first made news, 1,862 phone calls have been made to the clergy-abuse hotline [1].
- Pennsylvania’s Catholic dioceses offered $84 million in compensation to 564 sexual abuse victims, with cases spanning decades [3]. Following a Grand Jury report, seven of the state’s eight dioceses established victim compensation funds, anticipating more survivors would come forward.
Notable Clergy Sex Abuse Cases and Accused Catholic Priests
The Grand Jury report spans almost 900 pages, listing decades of misconduct and coverups that occurred in Pennsylvania’s Roman Catholic dioceses. A total of 300 predator priests were listed [4].
Here are a few of them in Allentown, Pennsylvania:
- James J. Agosta: Agosta was sued for sexually abusing a young altar boy. However, he died in the 1990s, so justice was not served.
- Thomas J. Bender: Bender was accused of rape of a minor. He was convicted, ordered to serve ten years in prison, and remains on lifetime probation.
- Francis J. Fromholzer: Fromholzer was sued for the alleged sexual abuse of a teenage girl, including taking her on trips away from home. Justice was not served because the statute of limitations passed.
- Ronald J. Yarrosh: Yarrosh was accused and convicted of child pornography in the early 2000s. He was sent to a hospital for evaluation and treatment and eventually pleaded guilty to embezzlement. He was dismissed from the priesthood a few years later.
Common Forms of Abuse Perpetrated by Clergy Members
Some common forms of abuse by church officials include the following:
- Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse involves non-consensual sexual activity or any sexual activity with a minor.
- Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse is the control or manipulation of another person, thus causing them emotional distress.
- Verbal Abuse: Verbal abuse is the oral or written abuse of a person.
- Financial Abuse: Financial abuse involves the use of power to exploit financially.
- Grooming: Building trust with potential victims and their families to facilitate abuse.
The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
Studies show that while anyone can be a victim of clergy abuse, most victims are male adolescents, typically aged 11-14. Child sex abuse survivors often experience consequences that extend long beyond the initial sexual abuse.
Many victims of child abuse in the church have since grown up and may have dealt with years of fear, trauma, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may have lost their connection with the church, leading to a lack of community.
They may have felt ashamed and embarrassed, afraid to come forward for many years. Anxiety, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), flashbacks, and pregnancy can all also occur.
Common Signs of Clergy Abuse Among Children
Some common signs a child may have been the victim of sexual abuse include the following:
- A sudden withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed
- Behavioral changes
- Fear of Catholic priests, adults, or other church leadership members
- Unexplained physical injuries
- Pregnancy
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Frequent excuses to avoid attending church
- School difficulties
- Alcohol or drug use
- Nightmares or sleepwalking
- Allegations or comments related to priest sexual abuse
- Expensive gifts without knowing the recipient
Eligibility to File a Clergy Abuse Lawsuit
Pennsylvania allows compensation through a civil lawsuit for those affected by abuse in the Catholic Church. However, filing civil lawsuits requires that victims meet certain eligibility requirements.
Child victims and their parents may file a claim against the abuser or the church. Taking legal action against the diocese holds them financially responsible for the trauma, costs, and injuries of the abuse. The Roman Catholic diocese may be found liable, especially if they ignored or covered up the abuse.
Eligibility to file a clergy abuse claim also extends to adult victims of abuse or assault and adult survivors who were sexually abused as minors.
Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases
Multiple parties can be found liable when abuse occurs in the Roman Catholic diocese, including individual priests and the institutional diocese.
A clergy member may face criminal charges and civil lawsuits for abuse. Religious institutions, such as Roman Catholic dioceses, can be held liable through various legal theories, including negligent hiring, failure to supervise, and vicarious liability for not reporting or covering up abuse.
However, to seek civil compensation from the institution, it’s important to create a clear connection between the abuse and the diocese’s role in the incident(s).
The Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Claims in Allentown, Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, including Allentown, adult victims of sexual abuse have two years from the incident to file a civil claim. For victims of childhood sexual abuse, including those abused in the church, recent legislative changes have extended the statute of limitations. Survivors now have until their 55th birthday to file a civil lawsuit, regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Allentown Clergy Abuse Lawyers
Injury Lawyer Team has experience helping those affected by child sexual abuse seek justice and recover compensation. We have successfully represented abused children and their families against priests, pastors, and other religious leaders with a compassionate and empathetic approach.
Sexual abuse in the Catholic Church has been the focus lately, but it can and does occur in other religious institutions. Our legal team is here to help you explore your legal options against church leaders in the Catholic Church, Protestant, Lutheran, Methodist, or any other denomination.
Injury Lawyer Team has a proven track record against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown, Pennsylvania. We also handle cases against other parishes, such as the Diocese of Pittsburgh Pastoral Center, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton, and the Diocese of Greensburg in Greensburg, PA.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
Being the victim of sexual abuse can be traumatizing. Here are a few crucial steps to take if you or your loved one is a victim of abuse:
- Seek Safety: The safety of the abused is the most important consideration. Call 911 if necessary.
- Report the Abuse: Always report abuse to the local authorities, whether it involves adults or minors.
- Collect Documentation: Keep a copy of the police report and any other evidence you might have.
- Seek Trustworthy Legal Representation: Sexual abuse cases involving the diocese require specialized law experience. A free consultation allows victims to explore their legal options.
- Connect with Community Resources: It’s never too early to begin focusing on your mental wellbeing following abuse. Pennsylvania organizations are available to help those in emotional distress, including the Lehigh Valley Health Network and the Diocese of Allentown.
How Our Allentown Clergy Sex Abuse Lawyers Can Help
41 sexual abuse claims against Pennylsvania’s dioceses have been rejected due to a lack of evidence. Only about one-third of filed claims have been reviewed [3]. Having a legal team with decades of experience in clergy sexual assault can be valuable to your case. The first visit with our law firm includes a free consultation and case evaluation.
Working with an experienced legal team can help ensure a comprehensive investigation into the claims. Our team also understands the importance of protecting minors throughout the process.
We’ll file a lawsuit using the information we collect during the investigation. Potential outcomes may include a settlement offer or taking the case to trial.
The Cost of Hiring an Allentown Clergy Abuse Attorney
Dealing with the emotional distress and economic damages of sexual abuse can be stressful enough. You shouldn’t also have to worry about covering the costs of legal representation if your civil claim is unsuccessful.
That’s why Injury Lawyer Team works on a contingency fee, meaning we don’t get paid any fees unless we win your case. A free consultation also means you can discuss your legal options with a lawyer without risk.
Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
Compensation is available for those sexually abused by Allentown, Pennsylvania, priests or dioceses. Compensation ranges based on the details of your case, but there have been reports of settlements up to $400,000 or more [3].
Compensation may be available for medical expenses, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and counseling costs. In cases involving egregious acts, punitive damages may also be awarded.
The actual value of your case will depend on the injuries and the amount of evidence available.
Contact Our Allentown Clergy Abuse Attorneys Today!
Too many Pennsylvania clergy members have been accused and convicted of sexual abuse, abusing their positions of power. When you choose Injury Lawyer Team, you can trust a team of experienced professionals who approach every case with compassion and a commitment to justice. We’re dedicated to helping Allentown survivors seek the compensation they deserve for the emotional, physical, and financial harm they’ve suffered.
Contact us today at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation or by filling out the contact form.
Related Practice Areas
Pennsylvania Catholic Diocese Priest Abuse List
Pennsylvania Clergy Abuse Attorney
Erie Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Philadelphia Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Pittsburgh Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Reading Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Resources: [1] Lehighvalleylive.com, [2] PennLive, [3] PennLive, [4] NPR
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.
