Child sexual abuse leaves a lifelong impact on victims, especially when the perpetrator is someone in a position of trust. The Buffalo Diocese has been accused of protecting predator priests to the detriment of victims, but Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers will hold abusers accountable for their negligence.

We assist abuse survivors in filing civil lawsuits against religious organizations and clergy members, helping to secure financial compensation for emotional distress.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

Suppose you’ve been sexually abused by a Catholic priest or other clergy member in Buffalo, NY. In that case, we have the experience to give you the best chance of success in a civil lawsuit. We have a proven track record of winning against the Catholic Church and other large organizations, such as the Boy Scouts.

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

The goal of our attorney-client relationship is not just to secure compensation but to empower you as you heal from sexual abuse. Our legal counsel combines decades of legal expertise with deep compassion, supporting you in your healing process and ensuring that your story is heard.

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Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in the Diocese of Buffalo

Buffalo clergy abuse statistics underline the severity of this issue, demonstrating the rampant child sex abuse in New York State.

The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo has been forced to settle 891 Child Victims Act (CVA) cases, 600 of which involve clerics [1].
The diocese has been ordered to pay $100 million, which has forced it to close 80 parishes across its district [3].
Western New York Catholic reported in March 2024 that the Diocese of Buffalo had to sell its headquarters to help pay for the settlement. It previously sold Christ the King Seminary in Aurora, NY, in 2023 [4].
The Buffalo diocese has spent over $15 million in an attempt to fight these lawsuits [5].

Notable Catholic Church Abuse Cases and Accused Priests

During the Child Victim’s Act one-year window in which the statute of limitations was suspended, over 1,000 lawsuits were filed in Western New York, most of these being against the Diocese of Buffalo [6]. Clergy sex abuse accusations against priests in Buffalo, New York include the following:

Fr. Paul Keeling – In 1989, Keeling approached a praying man and offered to counsel him, then led him to a rectory bedroom and assaulted him. He has been removed from ministry and sentenced to a life of penance [7]
Fr. Thomas Ribits – In 2010, Ribits, who is still an active priest, sexually abused a young man at D’Youville College under the guise of religious counsel [8].
Fr. Joseph S. Rogliano – In 2010, Rogliano invited a man to the Fourteen Holy Helpers Parish rectory for post-funeral consolation, where he began to massage the man’s shoulders and kiss his forehead [9].
Rev. Joseph Vatter – In the 1980s, Vatter forcibly touched a teenage girl at a Catholic school. However, the statute of limitations had expired, and he could not be charged [10].

Common Forms of Sexual Misconduct Perpetrated by Clergy Members

Grooming – Abusive priests may develop emotional bonds with vulnerable individuals, especially children, to manipulate them into sexual activity.
Child Sex Abuse – This refers to any sexual activity between a minor and an adult, whether that is inappropriate touching or sexual assault.
Sexual Assault – Sexual activity that involves nonconsensual sexual contact or touching of any form may be considered sexual assault.
Sexual Exploitation – This is when the abuser uses their position of authority for sexual gratification or gain.
Sexual Harassment – Unwanted touching or sexualized comments are considered sexual harassment.
Abuse of Authority – Abusive priests use their religious authority to manipulate individuals for their sexual gratification.

The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims

A German study reviewed almost 40,000 records from 1946 to 2014.

The study found that approximately 62.8% of victims were male, and 66.7% were under the age of 14 at the time of abuse. The abuse lasted, on average for about 1.3 years, and 80% of cases involved physical contact [11]. Older studies, notably the John Jay Report, suggested that 81% were male, and that 77.4% were 11 or older [12].

However, 1 in 5 survivors never disclose childhood sexual abuse, meaning the demographics may be different than what is known [13].

In addition to physical injuries, survivors suffer consequences like a loss of faith, a sense of powerlessness, and social ostracization should they disclose [14]. Studies note that being able to maintain one’s faith can contribute to posttraumatic growth, the process of making meaning and healing from assault [15].

Common Signs of Clergy Abuse Among Child Victims

Clergy sex abuse can result in a number of issues, which include:

STIs or Physical Injuries – Clergy sex abuse can result in sexually transmitted infections, bruising, or unexplained bleeding.
Regression – Individuals may revert to behaviors they had previously outgrown, like bedwetting and thumb-sucking. They may also lose their toilet training or demonstrate trouble speaking at an age-appropriate level.
Fear and Distrust of Certain Individuals – After clergy sex abuse, victims may refuse to go to church or avoid certain members of the parish.
Depression and Anxiety – Individuals may become withdrawn and nervous.
Changes in Sleep Patterns – The victim may struggle to fall asleep, wet the bed, have nightmares, or be afraid to sleep alone.
Physical Pain – Children may complain of nondescript physical discomfort, like pelvic pain or stomachaches.
Trouble in School – Good students may suddenly struggle to stay focused on schoolwork.
Inappropriate Sexual Behavior or Comments – Children may demonstrate sexual knowledge beyond what is age-appropriate.

Eligibility to File a Civil Claim for Clergy Sex Abuse

These parties may be eligible to file a clergy sex abuse lawsuit:

Minor victims and their parents
Adult victims of assault
Adult survivors who were abused as children

Consult an experienced attorney

Liability in Clergy Member Abuse Cases

A number of parties may be liable for sexual abuse perpetrated by Catholic clergy members, which includes:

Perpetrators – The sexual offender can be both criminally and civilly liable. Our team can assist you in filing civil lawsuits against the sex abuser.
Individuals – Those who knew about the abuse but failed to intervene can be held negligent.
Institutions – Religious institutions like the Catholic Church can be held responsible under several legal theories. This includes negligent hiring or supervision for failing to properly vet and supervise clergy and failing to report any abuse. They can also be held responsible under vicarious liability, which holds them accountable for the actions of their employees.

To hold the Diocese of Buffalo accountable, it must be proven that they had a responsibility to protect diocese members and failed to do so. It must also be demonstrated that they were aware of the abuse and did not act.

The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Civil Lawsuit in Buffalo, New York

You may still have legal options even if the clergy sexual abuse happened decades ago.

Under the CVA law, victims have until they are 55 years old to file a claim for abuse that occurred when they were under the age of 18. The CVA also removed the “notice of claim” provisions, which specified that you had to notify a public institution before you file claims.

In 2019, New York State lengthened the statute of limitations to 20 years for select sex crimes against adults. This affects cases going forward and is not retrospective.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Buffalo Clergy Abuse Lawyers

We assist individuals in taking action against religious leaders and institutions, including those in Buffalo, New York. This can include the Buffalo Catholic Diocese and Protestant churches in Western NY.

This can include cases against:

Priests
Nuns
Pastors
Parish members
Members of other religious orders
Churches
Dioceses
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim

It’s important to act quickly so as to ensure the victim’s safety and ensure you can take legal action. Follow these steps:

Get to a safe location away from the abuser
Report the abuse to the local authorities.
Keep records of the abuse, such as medical records and police reports.
Contact an experienced New York sex abuse lawyer for a consultation.
Access support through organizations like Buffalo Rising Against Violence at Erie County Medical Center.

We understand that filing a lawsuit can be intimidating. Our caring and compassionate lawyers will be here every step of the way. We will work with you to inform you of your legal rights, negotiate with the abuser or institution, and stand beside you if the case heads to trial.

How Our Buffalo Clergy Sex Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Our team will assist you with all aspects of the legal process, which includes:

Determining possible damages
Investigating the abuse and gathering evidence
Negotiating with the diocese and insurance company
Filing a lawsuit and trial representation, if necessary

Take legal action today

The Cost of Hiring a Buffalo Clergy Sexal Abuse Lawyer

Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case. All costs, including consultation and trial representation, will be covered upfront and deducted from your settlement only if we successfully secure compensation for you.

Compensation Awarded to Survivors of Sexual Abuse

In a civil case, you may be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages, which can include:

Medical expenses
Out of pocket medical costs, like therapy
Lost wages
Loss of future earning potential
Emotional distress
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life

If the case goes to trial, the court may award punitive damages, meant to punish the perpetrator and ensure that they do not reoffend. This may not always be applicable to every case.

There is no predetermined settlement amount, as it depends on the circumstances. Factors that influence settlements include the length of the abuse, the financial burdens, and the impact on the victim and their family.

Consult a Buffalo Clergy Abuse Attorney Today!

Jonathan Rosenfeld, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been a victim of clergy abuse in Buffalo, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney who understands the complexities of these sensitive cases. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our dedicated team is committed to helping survivors seek justice and hold those responsible accountable.

We offer compassionate legal guidance and will fight for the compensation you deserve for the trauma and damages you’ve endured. Our attorneys are ready to assist you through every step of the legal process on a contingency fee basis.

To schedule your free consultation, call (888) 424-5757 or contact us online.

Related Practice Areas

Resources: [1] WIVB-4, [2] WGRZ, [3] Syracuse.com, [4] Western New York Catholic, [5] WGRZ, [6] WKBW, [7] WKBW, [8] WKBW, [9] WKBW, [10] WGRZ, [11] National Library of Medicine, [12] The Linacre Quarterly, [13] Child USA, [14] Child Abuse & Neglect, [15] Child Abuse & Neglect

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.