Multiple Catholic clergy members from the Lake Charles Diocese in Louisiana have been accused of sexually abusing minors in cases going back decades. These heinous crimes leave devastating impacts on victims. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is dedicated to helping survivors of childhood sexual abuse in religious institutions seek justice.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has a proven track record of earning substantial settlements for victims of child sex abuse across the country. Our years of experience in filing claims against Roman Catholic dioceses nationwide, when combined with our trauma-informed legal process, make us uniquely qualified to assist those sexually abused in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
| $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 |
When we pursue legal action, we aim to empower survivors and ensure their legal rights are always protected. Through seeking financial compensation, we help victims of sex abuse gain closure and healing.
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Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in the Diocese of Lake Charles
Clergy abuse statistics in the Diocese of Lake Charles and the Archdiocese of New Orleans demonstrate a longstanding history of protecting predatory priests at the expense of many victims.
- In 2019, the Diocese of Lake Charles released a list of 12 individuals who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse in Louisiana or various dioceses around the country, including New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Iowa [1].
- The Archdiocese of New Orleans, which oversees the Diocese of Lake Charles, has been sued by 550 different survivors who were sexually abused in Louisiana. These credible allegations span several decades [2].
- In 2020, the Archdiocese filed for bankruptcy protection to protect itself from numerous survivors choosing to file civil lawsuits against the Catholic Church. 37 different dioceses have filed for bankruptcy due to sex abuse claims since 2002 [3].
- Over 300 people employed by the Archdiocese of New Orleans have been accused of sexually abusing minors, but only 25% have been placed on the archdiocese’s list of credibly accused abusers [4].
Notable Roman Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Cases and Accused Priests
- Fr. Mark A. Broussard – Broussard was found guilty of 2 counts of aggravated rape and 52 counts of sexual battery in 2012. He has at least five known victims and was sentenced to 50 years in prison in 2016 [5].
- Fr. Gregory Mosca – Alleged to have molested an altar boy between the ages of 10 and 15 [6].
- Br. Edmund Normantowicz – Included on the diocese’s list of credibly accused, he has been prohibited from ministry due to multiple claims of molestation [7]
- Fr. Juan Alers – Alers moved repeatedly throughout dioceses across the United States and Puerto Rico; he was accused of molesting multiple individuals while in Puerto Rico [8].
Common Forms of Clergy Sexual Abuse
Research demonstrates that while most clergy sexual abuse survivors are males under the age of 18 [9], other groups may also be vulnerable as well.
Survivors of sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic Church may experience a loss of faith, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social consequences for making public accusations against their abusers [10].
Typical forms of sexual abuse include:
- Child Sexual Abuse – This includes any form of sexual activity with a minor, including penetration or exposing them to sexual content.
- Grooming – Individuals may begin to manipulate children into accepting sexual activity before the abuse occurs.
- Sexual Abuse – This is sexual activity that happens under duress or without consent. It can include both exposing individuals to sexual content or touching them in intimate areas.
- Rape – Rape includes anal, oral, or vaginal penetration without consent.
- Sexual Harassment – Sexualized comments, sex-based discrimination, stalking, and unwanted sexual advances are harassment.
- Abuse of Authority – Abusers may use their position of power in the Catholic Church to manipulate victims or to force them into silence about allegations.
Common Signs of Sexual Abuse Among Children
According to RAINN, signs of child sexual abuse include [11]:
- Fear of being alone
- Not wanting to be alone with certain individuals
- Regressive behavior like thumb-sucking or bedwetting
- Behavioral and mood changes
- Poor school performance
- STIs or genital trauma
- Becoming quiet and withdrawn
- Night terrors or fear of sleeping alone
- Changes in eating habits
- Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior
Eligibility to File a Civil Lawsuit for Clergy Sexual Abuse
Our law firm can assist a variety of plaintiffs, including victims of childhood sexual abuse and their parents, adult victims of clergy sexual abuse, and adults whose abuse occurred as children.
Liability in Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases
Sex abuse victims can seek justice against a variety of individuals, including Catholic clergy, other religious leaders, and religious institutions.
The perpetrator, in addition to being criminally charged, may also be sued in civil court for damages stemming from the sexual abuse.
Others who knew that the perpetrator had sexually abused someone but who failed to report can be sued for failure to report.
The Diocese of Lake Charles, the New Orleans Archdiocese, and the specific Catholic church may also be parties to lawsuits. This stems from vicarious liability, which argues that institutions are responsible for the actions of their clergy.
The diocese could be sued for negligent hiring or supervision if there were previous allegations. If church officials were aware of the abuse, they may be held liable for failing to report it.
Additionally, if they covered up the abuse, it can be considered a breach of fiduciary duty, wherein an institution fails to protect individuals. However, our legal team must demonstrate that they were aware of the sexual abuse and did not stop it.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing Civil Lawsuits in Lake Charles
A new law has extended filing deadlines to June 14, 2027, even for abuse that happened long ago. However, similar laws have been challenged in federal courts, so it is crucial to act quickly. You can contact us anytime for more information about your legal options.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Lake Charles Clergy Abuse Lawyers
We provide legal representation to those sexually abused in the Diocese of Lake Charles in Louisiana, as well as to those throughout Louisiana who suffered child sexual abuse in religious organizations. This can include abuse by priests, pastors, nuns, friars, and other spiritual leaders.
Our team has experience in handling cases from a variety of religious denominations, including Catholic, Protestant, Jehovah’s Witness, Mormon, and Jewish sexual abuse.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
It is crucial to safeguard the victim and prevent further contact by the abuser. Next, contact the local authorities and the Diocese of Lake Charles to report the incident.
In addition to being interviewed by police, victims should gather evidence, such as text messages, medical reports, and contact details of potential witnesses. Our team can use this to develop a strong case.
Sexual abuse survivors in Lake Charles should reach out to their local LaFASA crisis center for support.
How Our Lake Charles Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers will assist you with all aspects of your sexual abuse case, including:
- Determining whether you have a case
- Evaluating potential damages
- Investigating the history of the perpetrator
- Gathering evidence
- Consulting with expert witnesses
- Crafting a demand letter
- Negotiating with the diocese
- Filing a lawsuit and providing trial representation if necessary
The Cost of Hiring a Lake Charles Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorney
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win you compensation.
Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- In some cases, a court will also award punitive damages to punish the perpetrator and prevent reoffending.
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on factors like the age of the victim, the frequency and severity of the abuse, and the challenging financial losses incurred.
Contact a Lake Charles Clergy Abuse Attorney Today!
If you or a loved one has suffered from sexual abuse within the Diocese of Lake Charles, it’s vital to know your legal options. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and seek justice. With recent changes to the law, even those who experienced abuse years ago may have the opportunity to file a claim.
To book a confidential consultation, call us 24/7 at (888) 424-5757 or contact us online.
Related Practice Areas
- Louisiana Catholic Diocese Priest Abuse List
- Louisiana Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- Baton Rouge Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Lafayette Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- New Orleans Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Shreveport Clergy Abuse Lawyer
References: [1] KPLCTV, [2] NOLA.com, [3] NOLA.com, [4] The Guardian, [5] Bishop-Accountability, [6] Bishop-Accountability, [7] Bishop-Accountability, [8] Bishop-Accountability, [9] National Library of Medicine, [10] Child Abuse & Neglect, [11] Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
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.
