Clergy sexual abuse has left a devastating impact on countless individuals and families, including many in Los Angeles. An independent investigation of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles revealed that over 200 priests had been accused of clergy abuse within the diocese, highlighting the need for survivors to come forward and seek the justice they deserve.
If you are a victim of childhood abuse by a clergy member, you need to seek legal counsel. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are committed to standing with clergy abuse survivors, offering compassionate legal support to help them claim the compensation they deserve.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we specialize in representing clergy abuse survivors, providing the support they need to navigate the complexities of the legal process of filing civil actions. Our clergy sexual abuse attorneys have secured significant settlements for victims, ensuring they receive compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm they’ve endured.
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 |
Our legal team combines extensive experience with deep empathy, recognizing the sensitivity these cases demand. We approach each claim with care and respect, ensuring sexual abuse survivors feel heard and supported. Our mission is to deliver justice and facilitate financial recovery for clergy abuse survivors in Los Angeles, standing by your side throughout the entire process.
Prevalence of Clergy Abuse in Los Angeles
Sadly, clergy abuse is not an isolated issue. Los Angeles has seen many allegations over the years, shedding light on the widespread nature of this tragedy within a religious institution. Some clergy abuse statistics include:
- According to a 2019 report, over 200 priests within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles were accused of childhood sexual abuse and other forms of misconduct. [1]
- The Archdiocese has paid over $740 million in settlements to survivors of clergy sexual abuse. [2]
- The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) found that Los Angeles had one of the highest numbers of reported cases of abuse by clergy in the United States.
These statistics highlight the alarming prevalence of sexual abuse in religious institutions and the pressing need for survivors to come forward and hold these institutions accountable.
Notable Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Cases and Accused Clergy Members in LA
Over the years, numerous high-profile abuse cases relating to religious organizations have emerged in Los Angeles. Some notable cases include:
- Father Michael Baker: Accused of molesting over 20 boys between 1974 and 2000. He was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
- Cardinal Roger Mahony: Allegedly covered up multiple sexual abuse cases during his tenure, resulting in significant settlements.
- Father Lawrence Lovell: Convicted of molesting two boys in the 1980s, his case was one of many that led to major changes in how the Church handled abuse allegations.
These cases are only a few examples of the systemic problem of California clergy abuse, underscoring the importance of pursuing legal claims to hold the church accountable.
Common Forms of Clergy Misconduct
Clergy misconduct can take many forms, and survivors often experience a wide range of violations, including:
- Sexual assault: This includes any form of unwanted sexual contact or advances by a clergy member.
- Grooming behaviors: Clergy members may manipulate or groom their victims, establishing trust before exploiting them.
- Psychological manipulation: Some clergy members use their position of authority to control or exploit vulnerable individuals emotionally.
The Profile of Clergy Abuse Victims
Clergy abuse can affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. However, victims often share some common characteristics. Clergy misconduct usually targets vulnerable individuals.
Many survivors experienced abuse as children or adolescents, falling victim to childhood sexual abuse. Adult victims frequently include those seeking spiritual guidance, who instead found themselves exploited by trusted religious figures.
The consequences of childhood clergy sexual abuse are profound and long-lasting. Survivors often struggle with emotional trauma in the form of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, difficulty trusting others, and feelings of shame and guilt.
Common Signs of Clergy Child Sexual Abuse
Childhood sexual abuse can be difficult to detect, but some common signs to watch for include:
- Behavioral changes: Such as withdrawal from social activities or extreme anxiety.
- Nightmares or trouble sleeping: A child may struggle with distressing thoughts related to the abuse.
- Avoidance of religious activities or individuals: A reluctance to attend church or be near certain clergy members.
- Unexplained injuries: Bruising or other signs of physical abuse could be a red flag.
- Age-inappropriate knowledge of sexual behavior: This knowledge may indicate the child has been exposed to sexual situations or child pornography.
Eligibility to File a Clergy Abuse Civil Lawsuit
Survivors of clergy abuse may be eligible to file a civil lawsuit to seek monetary compensation. Those who can file include child victims and their parents, adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, and adult victims of abuse or assault. When a minor has been subjected to sexual abuse, both the child and their parents may have grounds to sue.
Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases
Liability in clergy abuse cases can extend to both individual perpetrators and the institutions overseeing them. Individual clergy members may face criminal charges and civil liability for their actions. Religious institutions can be held responsible under various legal theories, including negligent hiring or supervision, failure to report abuse, and vicarious liability.
Proving the connection between an institution’s negligence and the abuse is critical to holding these organizations accountable.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing Civil Lawsuits in Los Angeles
California has made significant changes to the statute of limitations for clergy abuse cases. As of 2024, adult survivors can file civil lawsuits until age 40 or within five years of discovering the psychological injury was caused by childhood sexual abuse, whichever is later.
Additionally, recent legislation (AB 218) also opened a three-year “look-back” window from 2020 to 2022, allowing victims of any age to file claims regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Types of Cases Handled by Our LA Clergy Abuse Attorneys
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we handle various types of clergy abuse cases:
- Abuse by priests, pastors, and other religious leaders: We represent survivors of abuse in Catholic, Protestant, and other religious institutions.
- Cases involving specific dioceses: Our firm handles cases involving clergy abuse in dioceses such as the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, here are the steps to take to ensure your well-being. First, prioritize your immediate safety by contacting emergency services if in danger.
Next, document any instances of abuse thoroughly, including dates, times, and details. Then, seek legal help by contacting a Los Angeles clergy abuse lawyer for a confidential consultation to understand your options.
If you’re based in Los Angeles, take advantage of local resources, such as the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which offers support for survivors. Organizations like Peace Over Violence provide additional support and counseling services for abuse survivors in Los Angeles.
How Our Los Angeles Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our experienced attorneys are committed to supporting you throughout your legal journey. Our law firm will provide a free initial consultation and case evaluation to understand your situation and explain your options. If you proceed, we will begin an official investigation to gather evidence.
Once the investigation is complete, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in settlement negotiations to secure fair compensation. We’re fully prepared to represent you at trial if necessary, always advocating for your best interests.
The Cost of Hiring a Los Angeles Clergy Abuse Attorney
We work on a contingency fee basis at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, meaning you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.
Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
Survivors of clergy abuse may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, punitive damages, and emotional distress. The amount of compensation received will depend on the nature of the abuse and the severity of the damages.
Contact a Los Angeles Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today!
If you have been affected by the devastating and immoral act of clergy abuse, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today for a free, confidential consultation. We will provide compassionate and professional support to help you seek justice and receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Call us at (888) 424-5757 or complete our contact form.
Related Practice Areas
California Catholic Diocese Priest Abuse List
California Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Fresno Clergy Abuse Lawyer
San Diego Clergy Abuse Lawyer
San Francisco Clergy Abuse Lawyer
San Jose Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Resources: [1] Archdiocese of Los Angeles [2] 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.
