Jonesboro Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Helping Child Sexual Abuse Victims in Jonesboro AR Get Justice

Jonesboro has had several abhorrent cases of clergy child sexual abuse, including a heartbreaking case of child pornography. No one should ever have to suffer abuse, which is why we offer compassionate support and skilled legal representation for survivors. A Jonesboro clergy abuse lawyer can help victims get compensation for their suffering.
If you or a family member survived abuse by a Jonesboro clergy member, the sexual abuse lawyers at Injury Lawyer Team will help you file a personal injury lawsuit and hold abusers and enablers accountable.
At Injury Lawyer Team, we have a proven track record of securing substantial settlements for those affected by clergy sexual abuse. Our expertise and dedication make us uniquely suited to handle these complex cases with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism.
Our attorneys have a deep understanding of clergy sexual abuse and how to file a civil lawsuit for clergy sexual abuse cases. Victims of sexual assault may be entitled to compensation. Survivors may be able to get an Arkansas judge to award them punitive damages or compensation for emotional pain.
Our mission is to deliver justice and facilitate healing for child sexual abuse survivors, ensuring they receive the compensation and closure they need. Our legal team is skilled and deeply compassionate, offering unwavering support and understanding throughout the legal process.
At Injury Lawyer Team, our priority is ensuring survivors of sexual abuse receive the financial compensation they rightfully deserve.
We understand the emotional toll abuse takes. This is why our sexual abuse lawyers provide compassionate, skilled support throughout the legal process. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, helping them address the financial aspects of healing.
Settlements Recovered by Our Jonesboro Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- $1,500,000 Recovery for a 55-year-old man against a deceased priest.
- $2,800,000 Settlement for abuse that occurred at a summer camp operated by church officials.
- $14,200,000 Recovery for six young men who were groomed and fondled by a priest at a religious school. The priest was hired at the school despite a known record of abuse at other parishes.
- $3,000,000 Settlement for a man who was abused as a child. This case was settled during litigation, despite the church’s repeated attempts to dismiss it on the grounds of an expired statute of limitations.
Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in Jonesboro
While the prevalence of clergy abuse in Craighead County isn’t known, around 80% of total child abuse cases the Arkansas CACD receives are sexual abuse cases, more than the state average of 70%. National-level statistics show 1 in 9 girls and 1 in 20 boys under the age of 18 experience sexual abuse or assault.
Are There Notable Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases and Accused Priests in Jonesboro?
Jonesboro has seen several publicly known cases of clergy child sexual abuse, with the Diocese of Little Rock being the most transparent with abuser names. Known perpetrators include:
- Edward Simpson – Blessed Sacrament, Jonesboro (1962-1963). Deceased.
- Robert Dagwell – Blessed Sacrament (1955-1958). Deceased.
- Nicholas Fuhrman, OSB – St. Bernard’s Hospital (1996-2002) Barred from active ministry in 2002.
- Anthony Waller – First Assembly of God Church in Jonesboro. Serving two life sentences for rape, 50 counts of video voyeurism, and one count of child pornography. There have been additional suspicions.
What is Considered Sexual Abuse?
Any sexual act without consent (or where the victim is a minor and cannot give consent) is considered sexual abuse, including:
- Sexual harassment – Any unwelcome advances, comments, and requests to participate in a sexual act;
- Sexualized materials – Sending, showing, or creating explicit images, videos, and texts;
- Grooming – Manipulating the victim to earn their trust;
- Sexual assault – Any unwanted sexual touching, including kissing, groping, and rape.
Eligibility to File a Civil Claim for Catholic Church Clergy Sexual Abuse
People who can file a civil lawsuit include:
- Child sex abuse survivors and their parents
- Adult victims of sexual abuse or assault
- Adult survivors who were sexually abused as minors
Liability in Civil Lawsuits for Clergy Sexual Abuse
Victims of sexual abuse can hold Institutions and individuals liable for any action or inaction that led to the abuse.
Individuals may face:
- Criminal charges – They can lead to prison time, fines, and registration as a sexual offender. As personal injury attorneys, we cannot represent you in a criminal case.
- Civil liability – A personal injury claim against a clergy member and institution seeks compensation for the consequences of the abuse.
Institutional liability is supported by several legal theories:
- Negligent hiring
- Negligent supervision
- Failure to report abuse
- Vicarious liability
However, victims of sexual abuse must establish a connection between the institution’s actions or inactions and the abuse.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Civil Lawsuit in Jonesboro
As of recently, there is no statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases in Arkansas. Also, an open revival window for previously expired claims remains in effect until January 31, 2026. You can discuss with a sexual assault lawyer how the statute of limitations may apply to your case.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Jonesboro Clergy Sexual Assault Lawyers
Dedicated attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team provide legal support to survivors in cases of abuse by priests, pastors, and other religious leaders in Jonesboro.
This includes the Catholic Church, all Protestant churches, and other religious institutions or affiliated organizations.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim of Sexual Abuse
If you’ve survived sexual abuse or assault, take the following steps to ensure your safety, health, and legal rights:
- Ensure you are safe – get away from the perpetrator, seek medical treatment, and talk to a person you trust.
- Document the abuse – Start building your case by saving evidence such as clothing, screenshots of conversations, and medical bills. Write down anything you remember, especially the dates and locations of the incidents.
- Do not share details about your case – To protect your case, keep details private while the process is ongoing.
- Seek legal assistance – Contact sexual abuse lawyers from Injury Lawyer Team for a free consultation. You don’t need money to ask for legal help from us.
- Use local resources and support networks – You can contact the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Arkansas State Police, and the Northeastern Arkansas Children’s Advocacy Center.
How Our Jonesboro Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help
Victims of sexual harassment and abuse need time to focus on healing. That’s why we take care of the entire legal process, including:
- Free, confidential case evaluation – Our sexual abuse lawyers will evaluate your case and explain your legal rights.
- Case investigation – This includes collecting evidence such as medical records, communications with the abuser, and witness statements.
- Expert consultations – We work with psychologists and expert investigators to further strengthen your case.
- Filing a personal injury claim – After we build a case, we file a claim to seek compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
- Help with legal procedures – We handle procedural requirements, including deadlines and paperwork.
- Negotiating the settlement – We will negotiate the settlement with the opposing side(s). If the outcome is unsatisfactory, we can take your case to court.
- Court representation – We present evidence, call witnesses, and advocate for our clients’ rights.
The Cost of Hiring a Jonesboro Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorney
Victims of sexual abuse deserve closure, no matter their financial situation. Our law firm works on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay a set percentage of your compensation if we win your case. You don’t pay anything unless we win.
Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
A sexual abuse attorney can help you recover compensation for:
- Economic damages – For costs like medical bills, therapy, and lost wages if the abuse affected your ability to work.
- Non-economic damages – This is compensation for emotional distress, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and pain and suffering caused by the abuse.
- Punitive damages – These may be awarded to punish the abuser or institution for gross negligence and discourage future misconduct.
While we cannot tell you exactly how much you can expect to recover, compensation amounts generally depend on:
- The severity of the abuse
- The duration of the abuse
- The age of the victim when the abuse started
- Evidence of institutional negligence
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
The experienced legal team at Injury Lawyer Team is here to provide victim advocacy and support throughout the legal process. We understand that clergy abuse is a heinous crime, and we are committed to holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring they are held liable. We will guide you through the legal system to pursue justice on your behalf.
Complete our online form or call us at (888) 424-5757.
- Arkansas Catholic Diocese Priest Abuse List
- Arkansas Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Fayetteville Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Fort Smith Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Little Rock Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Springdale Clergy Abuse Lawyer
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.








