Clergy Abuse Lawyer Maine | Injury Lawyer Team

Clergy abuse in Maine has left a lasting impact on countless lives, causing emotional and physical trauma that can take years to heal. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are deeply committed to supporting sex abuse survivors in their pursuit of justice.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers stands out for our unwavering dedication to securing justice and significant compensation for victims of abuse by a clergy member. Our attorneys have a proven track record of success in handling clergy child sexual abuse cases, achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.

$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

Choosing the right legal team is crucial when pursuing justice for clergy abuse. Our firm has a proven track record of overcoming obstacles, such as expired statute of limitations claims, to achieve substantial settlements for our clients. We handle all legal filings and seek financial compensation on your behalf.

We understand the emotional toll that clergy abuse can take on victims. Our compassionate and dedicated legal team provides support and guidance throughout the legal process. Prioritizing our clients’ privacy, we handle all cases with the utmost confidentiality and sensitivity, ensuring a safe environment for survivors to seek justice.

What Is Clergy Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse by a clergy member can take many forms and refers to inappropriate and harmful sexual behavior by religious leaders towards minors or adult congregation members. This abuse can occur in various forms and typically involves a breach of trust and power dynamics that leave victims struggling to find their voice.

Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in Maine

In 2004, the Maine Attorney General’s Office released findings of a statewide investigation into 75 years of abuse allegations by Maine priests, which found that the diocese failed to inform parishioners of these allegations. However, the AG concluded there was no criminal liability for the Catholic diocese. [1] This makes it difficult to ascertain legitimate statistics.

Here’s what we currently know about Maine clergy abuse statistics:

• As of 2023, there were at least 30 lawsuits open related to clergy sex abuse. [2]
• Six civil lawsuits were recently filed against the Roman Catholic Bishop of Portland, alleging childhood sexual abuse. [2]
• The complaints detailed in these new legal documents span incidents at churches and diocesan schools from 1954 to 1988. [2]

Notable Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases and Accused Priests in Maine

There were many Catholic church incidents involving child sex abuse in Maine, including:

• Rev. James Vallely: Vallely served at several parishes in Maine and is accused of sexually abusing multiple minors over the span of several decades. Despite numerous allegations, he was never prosecuted due to the statute of limitations, though there was a significant settlement. [3]
• Rev. Ronald Michaud: Michaud was accused of abusing minors during his time in Maine, with allegations dating back to the 1970s. He was later listed by the Diocese of Portland as a credibly accused clergy member. A former altar boy who said he was sexually abused by Michaud was awarded more than $4.4 million. [4]
• Rev. John J. Curran: Curran was implicated in numerous instances of sexual abuse involving young boys during his tenure in Maine. Despite his death in the 1970s, several victims have come forward to share their experiences. [5]

Common Forms of Clergy Abuse

Clergy abuse manifests in several ways, each leaving deep and lasting scars on the victims. Common examples include:

• Sexual Assault
• Molestation
• Grooming
• Exploitation

These heinous acts not only violate the victims’ rights but also shatter their trust in religious organizations.

The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims

Child sexual abuse victims come from diverse backgrounds and age groups. However, children and minors are often the most vulnerable due to their impressionable nature and the authority figures’ manipulation.

Victims of clergy abuse often endure severe emotional and psychological trauma. This can manifest as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trust issues that can affect their personal and professional relationships. Physical injuries may also be present, depending on the nature of the abuse.

Common Signs of Clergy Abuse Among Child Victims

Identifying the signs of clergy child sex abuse among child victims is crucial for early intervention and support. Common ones include:

• Withdrawal from activities
• Behavioral changes
• Fear of certain individuals
• Unexplained injuries
• Regressive behaviors

Recognizing these signs of clergy sexual misconduct can facilitate early intervention and treatment for children.

Who Can File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim?

Filing a clergy sexual abuse claim is a crucial step in holding perpetrators accountable and seeking justice for the victims. Here’s who can typically file cases:

• Childhood sexual abuse victims with the help of their parents
• Adult victims of Catholic church abuse or assault
• Adult sexual abuse survivors who were abused as minors

Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases

Determining liability in clergy abuse cases requires a thorough understanding of the complex legal and institutional structures involved.

Individual liability pertains to the responsibility of the clergy member directly involved in the abuse. This can include criminal charges brought by the prosecutor as well as civil liability, where the abuser is held accountable for their actions.

Religious institutions can also be held liable under various legal theories:

• Negligent Hiring or Supervision: Failing to properly vet or supervise clergy members.
• Failure to Report Abuse: Not reporting known or suspected abuse to authorities.
• Vicarious Liability: Holding the institution responsible for the actions of its employees.

Proving the connection between the institution’s actions or inactions and the abuse is crucial in these childhood sexual abuse lawsuits.

The Statute of Limitations for Filing Sexual Abuse Claims in Maine

One of the most critical aspects of pursuing legal action is understanding the statute of limitations, which dictates the deadline by which a sexual abuse lawsuit must be filed.

Maine has removed the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims. This means that all claims against defendants are permanently revived, regardless of when the abuse occurred.

This change is crucial for victims whose previously time-barred sexual abuse lawsuits can now be brought to court. It’s a significant step forward in providing justice for those who suffered abuse decades ago.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Maine Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Our experienced Maine clergy sexual abuse lawyers are here to empower survivors through the legal filings with sensitivity and expertise.

We handle cases involving abuse by priests, pastors, and other religious leaders at all different parishes, encompassing all denominations. Representing victims from various faiths, we address the unique challenges faced by survivors in local communities, such as the Portland Diocese in Maine.

We use our experience with abuse cases involving Catholic and Protestant churches to ensure that victims receive the support and representation they deserve.

Steps to Take if You Are a Victim

If you have experienced clergy abuse, taking the following steps can help ensure your safety and strengthen your legal case:

• Immediate Steps to Ensure Safety and Well-Being: If you feel unsafe, contact local authorities or a crisis hotline for help as soon as possible.
• Importance of Documenting Abuse: Documenting the abuse can be crucial for building a strong legal case. Write down detailed accounts of the incidents, including dates, locations, and any witnesses.
• Seek Legal Help: Seeking legal help is an important step towards justice. During this initial meeting, we will evaluate your case, explain the legal process, and outline potential outcomes.

Survivors in Maine can access support through organizations like the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA) and other local support groups. [6] These resources provide emotional support and practical assistance, helping victims on their path to healing.

How Our Maine Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

The Cost of Hiring Our Maine Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys

We understand that financial concerns can be a barrier to seeking legal help. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront fees, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our priority is to provide accessible legal representation for all victims.

Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims

Victims of clergy sexual abuse may be entitled to various forms of compensation, like

• Medical expenses
• Emotional distress:
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Punitive damages

Several factors can influence the amount of compensation awarded in a sexual abuse lawsuit, including the severity of the abuse, the impact on the victim’s life, and the strength of the evidence. Our attorneys will work diligently to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

Complete our online form or call us at (888) 424-5757

Resources: [1] WGME, [2] WMTW, [3] AP News, [4] Bangor Daily News, [5] FOX23, [6] MECASA

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.