New Jersey Clergy Abuse Lawyer

Helping Child Sexual Abuse Survivors Get Justice Against Clergy Members

Clergy sexual abuse has left deep scars on countless survivors, impacting their lives profoundly, especially after the abuse occurred. At Injury Lawyer Team, we are committed to supporting sexually abused survivors and providing compassionate and professional legal assistance. If you are in New Jersey and seeking justice, our dedicated team of New Jersey clergy abuse lawyers is here to stand by your side.

Injury Lawyer Team brings a wealth of experience and proven success in handling clergy sexual abuse cases with our dedicated sexual abuse lawyers. Our compassionate and dedicated priest sexual abuse attorneys ensure that clients receive the highest level of care and representation.

Our commitment to confidentiality and sensitivity ensures that your case will be handled with discretion and respect, especially for adult survivors. Our law firm provides the compassionate, professional, and effective legal representation you need on your journey to justice, especially in cases involving sexual assault.

Settlements Recovered by Our New Jersey Clergy Abuse Lawyers

$1,222,000 Lawsuit settlement for an adult man who was sexually assaulted as a child while attending a church-sponsored summer camp.
$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 a priest 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.
$1,101,000 Settlement for a woman who was sexually assaulted by a janitor at a Catholic School as a child. Any person at a school or religious establishment can be an abuser.

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Understanding Clergy Sexual Abuse

It refers to incidents where priests, religious leaders, or other members exploit their position of authority to engage in sexual misconduct with minors or other vulnerable individuals. This abuse encompasses a variety of actions, including inappropriate touching, sexual assault, and manipulation for sexual purposes.

What’s the Prevalence of Catholic Church Clergy Sex Abuse in New Jersey?

The prevalence of Catholic church sexual abuse in New Jersey has been a significant concern for many victims, drawing attention from advocacy groups, legal professionals, and the media.

More than 820 legal claims were lodged against Catholic dioceses and orders in New Jersey since December 1, 2019. This surge occurred following the state’s temporary suspension of the civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases.

Are There Notable Cases and Accused Priests in New Jersey Catholic Dioceses?

Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, once a leading figure in the church and former head of the Archdiocese of Newark, has been named in at least ten lawsuits accusing him of sexual abuse. His case has drawn national attention due to his high rank and the severity of the allegations.
Rev. Michael “Mitch” Walters, formerly of the Archdiocese of Newark, has been accused of abuse by multiple victims who claim the incidents occurred during his tenure in various parishes. At least one case was settled for $400,000.
Rev. Gerard Sudol, who served in both the Archdiocese of Newark and the Diocese of Paterson, has been accused by several individuals of engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior during his pastoral assignments. He continued serving as a priest even after several sexual abuse allegations.

What’s the Profile of Clergy Sexual Assault Victims?

They come from all walks of life, but they often share common vulnerabilities. They are typically abused children or adolescents, targeted because of their innocence, young age, and trust in authority figures. However, adults can also become victims, especially those seeking spiritual guidance.

The consequences for these individuals are severe and multifaceted, ranging from emotional and psychological trauma to difficulty in trusting others and maintaining relationships. Physical injuries may also occur in some sexual assault cases.

Are There Common Signs of Childhood Sexual Abuse Parents Should Watch for?

Recognizing the signs among child sexual assault victims is essential for early intervention and support. Common signs a child has been sexually abused include:

Behavioral changes
Academic changes
Physical symptoms
Sleep disturbances
Changes in eating habits
Age-inappropriate knowledge of sexual behaviors

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Eligibility to File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim in New Jersey

Both victims of child sex crimes and their parents can file a civil lawsuit against clerical members for sexual misconduct. Additionally, adults who suffered sexual abuse by sexual predators as minors, as well as adults who experienced abuse or assault in their adult years, are eligible to seek legal recourse years after the abuse occurred under New Jersey law.

The civil court system allows those who have survived sexual abuse to pursue financial compensation for the trauma they have endured. Whether the perpetrator was a Catholic priest or other clergy member, criminal charges may be filed, and sexually abused individuals must take action to protect their legal rights.

Liability in New Jersey Clergy Sex Abuse Lawsuits

In clergy sexual assault cases, individual liability focuses on the perpetrating clergy member’s actions. Church officials, including priests, guilty of perpetrating sexual abuse can face criminal cases that lead to imprisonment and fines. A civil lawsuit can also be filed, allowing victims to seek compensatory damages for the trauma they endured.

Institutional liability examines the accountability of religious organizations under various legal theories. Religious institutions, such as New Jersey Catholic dioceses, can be held responsible for negligent hiring or supervision under the law if they fail to properly vet or monitor church officials. Failure to report abuse and vicarious liability are additional grounds for institutional liability.

The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit in New Jersey

The civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims against all defendants is age 55 or seven years after discovering an injury caused by the abuse, even for claims that have already expired. (§ 2A:14-2a)

This new law is crucial for older victims and child sexual abuse victims in seeking compensation and helping survivors of such traumatic experiences.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Injury Lawyer Team is dedicated to representing victims of abuse by priests, pastors, and other members. These cases involve various forms of misconduct across different religious institutions, including Protestant churches and other faith-based organizations.

Specifically, we handle cases involving sexual contact in dioceses such as the Archdiocese of Newark. Each case is addressed with a tailored approach to ensure a thorough investigation and strong legal representation, empowering survivors to obtain the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve.

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Steps to Take if You are a Victim

If you are a victim of sexual abuse, seek a safe environment away from the abuser to protect yourself and contact local authorities or trusted individuals for assistance. Documenting the abuse is also vital; record details such as dates and times, along with any related correspondence or physical evidence.

Seeking legal help is one of the most crucial steps you can take after the abuse. Injury Lawyer Team can guide you in investigating allegations and securing compensation.

It may also be helpful to know that in New Jersey, survivors can access support from organizations like the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

How Our New Jersey Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

Our dedicated team offers unparalleled expertise and compassionate support for survivors of clergy member sexual abuse. Here’s how we can help:

We offer a free and confidential consultation to help you understand the details of your situation.
Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, gather crucial evidence, and interview witnesses to build a strong case.
We will file a lawsuit on your behalf, outlining the specifics of the abuse and seeking compensation.
Our law firm will negotiate a fair settlement and, if necessary, proceed to trial to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

The Cost of Hiring a New Jersey Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer

At Injury Lawyer Team, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front. Our fees are only collected if and when we secure a favorable settlement or verdict on your behalf.

Compensatory Damages Awarded to Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims

Victims of clergy member sexual abuse are entitled to receive financial compensation of various types, including costs for medical expenses, psychological counseling, and damages for emotional distress. Additionally, victims who have suffered for decades can seek punitive damages to punish the responsible parties, including individual clergy members and larger church institutions.

The amount of compensation is influenced by factors such as the severity of the abuse, the impact on the victim’s life, and the duration of the suffering. Allegations against other clergy members or the church as an institution can also affect the value and outcome of the claim.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Injury Lawyer Team is committed to providing compassionate and relentless advocacy for victims of clergy member sexual abuse. If you or a loved one has suffered from clerical abuse and emotional damage, don’t hesitate to seek justice and compensation. We are here to help you navigate this challenging time and ensure your voice is heard.

Call us at (888) 424-5757 or complete our online contact form.

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.