The Archdiocese of New Orleans, Louisiana, has spent decades shielding religious leaders from consequences for molestation and assault. Adult and child victims of sexual abuse have now come forward to pursue legal action, leading to hundreds of lawsuits.
If you or a loved one have been sexually abused by a priest or other religious leader, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can assist you in filing a civil clergy abuse lawsuit.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have a proven track record of success in obtaining financial compensation in sexual abuse lawsuits against the Catholic Church and other religious organizations nationwide.
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 |
We combine decades of experience with a compassionate approach, making us uniquely qualified to assist victims of sexual abuse.
Our goal is to empower survivors and protect their legal rights throughout the civil lawsuit process. We hold religious institutions accountable for their failures and ensure survivors receive the compensation they deserve, helping them obtain closure.
Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Clergy abuse statistics demonstrate that the Archdiocese has silenced victims of sexual abuse and protected dangerous church leaders from repercussions for decades.
- As of April 2024, 550 victims have come forward with credible accusations of sexual assault or abuse by Louisiana clergy members [1].
- A 48-page memorandum obtained by The Guardian in 2023 detailed 70 clerics who sexually abused victims in New Orleans over decades [2].
- Further investigation by The Guardian that year found over 300 people employed in Roman Catholic institutions in New Orleans were accused of sexually abusing children or vulnerable individuals. Still, only 25% of these were ever placed on the archdiocese’s lists [3].
- The archdiocese has spent over $36.3 million litigating its bankruptcy, which began in 2020 [4].
- The Louisiana State Police has been investigating the New Orleans Archdiocese since 2022, specifically about former priest Lawrence Hecker. In April 2024, they served a search warrant at the Archdiocese, which included all personnel records for every clergy member, including those reassigned elsewhere [5]. The Archdiocese employs approximately 5,000 people [6].
- Bishop-Accountability, a nonprofit that collects the names of those accused of clergy sexual abuse, lists 101 individuals connected to the Archdiocese [7].
Notable Priest Abuse Cases in the Roman Catholic Church
Lawrence Hecker – Hecker was charged with physically overpowering and raping a New Orleans boy in 1975. He has been accused by over a dozen different victims, and he acknowledged at least 6 of them in a 1999 statement provided to archdiocesan superiors [8].
Br. Harold Ehlinger – Ehlinger is one of multiple priests accused of child sexual abuse that took place at two orphanages, which have been responsible for over 100 claims against the archdiocese [9]. According to one victim, Ehlinger and others would wear masks while raping boys so they could not be identified.
Deacon George Brignac – Brignac was accused multiple times of sexual abuse, including in 1978, 1980, and 1988, but escaped justice each time. He was arrested in 2019 on rape charges but died while awaiting trial [10].
Fr. Paul Calamari – Calamari was accused of molestation multiple times, both before and after being ordained. He was able to collect pension payments after being forced to retire due to allegations of sexual abuse [11].
Common Forms of Clergy Sexual Abuse
- Grooming – This involves an adult manipulating a minor into engaging in sexual activity.
- Sexual Harassment – Sexualized comments, stalking, unwanted sexual attention, and unwanted touching can all be sexual harassment.
- Rape – Any forcible penetration of the anus, mouth, or vagina without consent can be considered rape.
- Abuse of Authority – Louisiana clergy members who use their position as church officials to demand sexual activity or favors are abusing their authority.
- Child Sex Abuse – Any type of sexualized activity with a minor, even without touching, is sex abuse.
- Sexual Exploitation – Taking advantage of another person’s powerlessness, such as their age or vulnerable social status, to extract sexual favors is a form of exploitation.
The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
Reports suggest the typical victim is a male under the age of 18. A German study found that over 62.8% of victims were male, and 66.7% were under 14 [12].
The John Jay Report, which studied sex abuse in the Catholic Church from 1950 to 2002, reported that 81% of victims were male, and 51% were between 11 and 14 [13].
Survivors often experience severe trauma, loss of faith, and a sense of betrayal, in addition to post-traumatic stress disorder [14].
Common Signs of Clergy Sex Abuse Among Child Victims
According to RAINN, symptoms of sex abuse in young children include [15]:
- Sexually transmitted infections and genital trauma
- Regressive behaviors, like bedwetting or thumb-sucking
- Fear of being alone at night and night terrors
- Not wanting to be left alone with certain people
- Refusing to leave a parent’s side
- Changes in mood and personality
- Poor school performance
- Self-harm or disordered eating
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
- Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior
- Not talking as much
Eligibility to File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Our legal team will seek justice on behalf of anyone who was sexually abused, which includes children and their parents, adult victims of sexual abuse, and adults who were abused as children.
Liability in Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases
Both individuals and organizations can be held accountable for priest abuse.
Individual perpetrators may be criminally charged. Our team can file additional civil lawsuits to pursue damages related to the abuse.
Other clergy or church members who were aware that the abuse occurred but did not report it may be held responsible for their failure to prevent harm.
The archdiocese or the specific church may be liable if they were aware there was a potential for sexual abuse but did not adequately investigate or supervise their staff.
If the sexual abuse was related to the perpetrator’s duties as a clergy member, then the legal theory of vicarious liability may apply, which holds institutions responsible for the actions of their staff.
During our investigation, we will determine whether the archdiocese was aware of the allegations and how its actions or inactions may have implicated the organization.
The Statute of Limitations for Taking Legal Action in New Orleans
In 2021, Louisiana eliminated the statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit for childhood sexual abuse. The law also included a “look back” provision (recently extended), giving survivors of abuse until June 14, 2027, to seek justice, even if the abuse happened decades prior.
However, as this may change, it’s important to schedule your free initial consultation as soon as possible so we can begin exploring your legal options.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers
Our firm can assist with a range of cases, including those involving clergy sex abuse in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. In addition to Catholic sexual abuse cases, we help survivors with cases in other denominations, including Protestant, Jewish, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormon, and other faiths.
We can pursue settlements from priests, pastors, nuns, friars, and other religious leaders. We can also seek justice from the Archdiocese, parishes, and specific churches.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
Getting the victim to safety and ensuring the abuser cannot contact them is the crucial first step. Report the incident to the authorities to document the abuse, then call the archdiocese, the parish, and the local church authorities to ensure they’re aware of the situation.
Key evidence that both the police and our law firm will need include:
- Medical reports
- Witness statements
- List of dates related to the abuse
- Communication between the victim and perpetrator
- Photos of any injuries
- Expenses related to the incident
Survivors in New Orleans have a variety of resources available to them, which the City of New Orleans Health Department has listed on its website. These include counseling, victim advocacy, and health services.
How Our New Orleans Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys Can Help
We will assist in all aspects of your case, including:
- Determining whether you have a case
- Evaluating the case for damages
- Investigating the incident
- Gathering evidence
- Filing lawsuits
- Negotiating for a settlement
- If necessary, represent you in court
The Cost of Hiring Our Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Compensation for Clergy Abuse Survivors
Compensation you may be entitled to for Louisiana clergy abuse includes:
- Medical expenses
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In some cases, the courts will award punitive damages meant to prevent the abuser from reoffending.
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on many factors, including the age of the victim at the time of the abuse, how long the molestation went on, the emotional impact of the abuse, and financial losses related to the incident.
Contact Our New Orleans Clergy Abuse Attorneys Today!
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is passionate about advocating for victims, ensuring they receive both compensation and healing from the pain caused by sexual abuse. We have recovered millions in damages for clients nationwide and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we deduct our legal fees from your settlement. You owe us nothing unless we can win your case.
To schedule your confidential consultation with an experienced abuse attorney, 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
Lake Charles Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Resources: [1] Louisiana Record, [2] The Guardian, [3] The Guardian, [4] Louisiana Record, [5] WDSU, [6] Zippia, [7] Bishop-Accountability, [8] WWLTV, [9] The Guardian, [10] NOLA.com, [11] Bishop-Accountability, [12] National Library of Medicine, [13] United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, [14] Baylor University, [15] 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.
