Clergy sexual abuse has left deep emotional scars on individuals and communities throughout Fresno County. In recent years, the Diocese of Fresno has faced numerous allegations of clergy sexual abuse [1], underscoring the seriousness of this issue in the local area.
The trauma experienced by survivors in Fresno is profound, often requiring not just emotional healing but also legal action to hold perpetrators accountable.
If a member of the catholic clergy has sexually abused you, you need to seek legal counsel. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to standing with survivors in Fresno and nationwide. Our team provides compassionate legal counsel to help you attain financial recovery and hold responsible parties accountable.
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Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have built a reputation for successfully advocating for survivors of clergy abuse. We specialize in obtaining substantial settlements for victims, leveraging our expertise to handle these highly sensitive cases with the utmost care and professionalism.
| $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 |
We’re dedicated to helping survivors find closure through justice and fair compensation. Our approach balances legal expertise with deep compassion, recognizing that healing is personal.
Our team supports clients throughout the legal process, working tirelessly to hold sexual abusers accountable. We excel in navigating complex clergy abuse cases while remaining sensitive to the emotional impact on survivors.
Prevalence of Clergy Abuse in the Diocese of Fresno
The Diocese of Fresno has not been immune to the nationwide clergy abuse scandal. Numerous reports and investigations have uncovered a troubling history of sexual abuse in the area.
- Clergy abuse statistics indicate that thousands of survivors have come forward across the country many years after the abuse occurred, following heightened awareness and legal reforms.
- Several priests in the Diocese of Fresno have been publicly accused in lawsuits for alleged involvement in sexual abuse. [2]
- Accused priests such as Monsignor Anthony Herdegen have brought the issue of clergy abuse to the forefront in Fresno, sparking public outcry and demands for accountability. [3]
These statistics reflect the broader crisis within the Catholic Church, where hundreds of priests have been accused of sexual misconduct in dioceses across the nation.
Common Forms of Clergy Sexual Misconduct
Clergy sexual abuse can take many forms, including but not limited to:
- Inappropriate touching: Unwanted and inappropriate physical contact.
- Sexual assault: Any form of non-consensual sexual activity, including rape.
- Grooming behavior: Manipulative behaviors used by abusers to gain a child’s trust and prevent disclosure.
- Emotional manipulation: Exploiting a victim’s spiritual or emotional vulnerability to perpetrate abuse.
Each of these forms of sexual abuse leaves lasting trauma and requires a legal response to ensure justice for survivors.
Eligibility to File a Clergy Abuse Lawsuit
Survivors of clergy sexual abuse may be eligible to file a civil lawsuit to seek compensation. Eligible individuals include child victims and their parents, adult victims, and adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Regardless of when the abuse took place, it’s never too late to seek damages for the hurt. We urge survivors to consult with an experienced sexual abuse lawyer who can guide them through the process of pursuing legal action and compensation.
Liability in Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases
Legal liability in clergy abuse cases can take two major forms: individual liability and institutional liability.
Individual liability involves holding the offending clergy members personally responsible for the abuse. In many cases, criminal charges may also be pursued alongside civil claims.
Institutional liability, in this scenario, refers to religious institutions being held responsible for allowing sexual abuse to occur. Institutional liability can be established in several ways, such as proving negligent hiring, negligent supervision, failure to report abuse, or vicarious liability.
By proving that the religious institution’s negligence directly contributed to the abuse, survivors can seek financial compensation from both the individual perpetrator and the church.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing Claims in Fresno
Understanding the statute of limitations is crucial for survivors seeking justice. In California, recent legal changes have extended the timeframe in which survivors of child sexual abuse can file claims.
Survivors now have until the age of 40, or five years from the time they discovered their injuries, to take legal action. Additionally, a special three-year window allowed survivors of any age to file lawsuits.
The legal limitations have been extended significantly recently, especially for civil cases. We recommend consulting a specialized sexual abuse attorney to understand your rights and obtain justice.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Fresno Clergy Abuse Attorneys
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we handle a wide range of clergy sexual abuse cases, including those involving priests, pastors, and other religious leaders across various denominations, such as Catholic and Protestant churches. Our expertise extends to instances within the Diocese of Fresno and other local religious institutions in California.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
If you or a loved one has experienced clergy sexual abuse, there are several important steps to take to protect yourself and seek justice. Prioritize your safety first. Call 911 or your local emergency services immediately if you’re in danger. Next, document the abuse, seek legal assistance, and explore available local resources.
Survivors in Fresno can access support through organizations like the Fresno Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.
How Our Fresno Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys Can Help
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are dedicated to helping sexual abuse survivors seek justice. We begin with a free and confidential consultation to evaluate your case and outline your legal options.
Next, we conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. We then file a lawsuit on your behalf and skillfully handle settlement negotiations or trial proceedings. Throughout this journey, we advocate for your best interests at every step.
The Cost of Hiring a Fresno Clergy Abuse Attorney
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees unless we successfully secure compensation on your behalf.
Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors
Survivors of clergy sexual abuse may be entitled to various types of compensation, including medical expenses, punitive damages, and compensation for emotional distress.
The amount of compensation available in each case depends on the severity and duration of the abuse, the strength of the evidence presented, and its impact on the survivor’s life.
Contact Our Fresno Clergy Abuse Attorneys Today!
If you or someone close to you has been affected by clergy sexual abuse, whether in the present or historically in the form of childhood clergy sexual abuse, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are here to support you. Our team is fiercely dedicated to pursuing justice for survivors and ensuring those responsible are held undeniably accountable.
Call us at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form.
Related Practice Areas
- California Catholic Diocese Priest Abuse List
- California Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- Los Angeles Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- San Diego Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- San Francisco Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- San Jose Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Resources:[1] abc30 Action News [2] Dioces of Fresno [3] Bishop Accountability
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.
