Clergy Abuse Lawyer New York City NY | Injury Lawyer Team

From 2019 to 2021, over 9,000 individuals filed lawsuits under the New York Child Victims Act, which temporarily removed the statute of limitations [1]. Many were from New York City, which has over 4,000 churches [2].

If you were the victim of sexual abuse in a New York religious institution, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you seek justice. We are committed to helping child sexual abuse survivors tell their stories and receive financial compensation for the pain they suffered through a civil case.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers combines compassion with expertise to give you the best possible chance at receiving financial compensation. We have helped many victims sue large religious organizations, including Catholic dioceses and other denominations.

$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 will help you file lawsuits and explore all your legal options, using our understanding of local and state law to bolster your claim. Most importantly, we empower childhood sexual abuse victims by helping them access resources and share their stories. Our mission is to help you not just recover financial compensation but also gain closure after clergy sex abuse.

Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in New York City

New York City clergy abuse statistics uncover a troubling phenomenon of clergy members abusing their positions of authority – and the Catholic church covering up the cases.

• A group of Chubb Insurance agencies is suing the Archdiocese of New York to avoid paying for 1,500 different child sexual abuse lawsuits brought between 2019 and 2021 during the NY Child Victim’s Act statute of limitations freeze [3].
• A recent settlement between the New York Attorney General and the Diocese of Brooklyn found that in this NYC diocese, there were 33 clergy members accused of abuse, 18 of which were substantiated [4].
• In 2019, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York named 115 priests and 5 deacons who were accused of child sex abuse [5].
• The Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre on Long Island offered $200 million to 600 victims of child sexual abuse, the largest bankruptcy offer in diocesan history [6].

Notable Clergy Sexual Abuse Examples and Accused Priests

• Monsignor Alan Placa – A close friend of Rudy Giuliana, Placa was alleged to have sexually abused a teenager between 1975 and 1977. He took the boy to a beach home on Fire Island, drugged, and repeatedly molested him [7].
• Father John Paddack – Paddack, who taught at the Incarnation School in New York City, has been accused of molesting multiple young boys between the 1980s and 2000s, including during confessions [8].
• Linda Baisi – Baisi, a nun at St. Frances de Chantal, was accused in 1997 of sexually abusing a grammar school student between the ages of 12 and 17 [9].
• Fr. John C. Albino – Albino was one of 4 priests accused of molesting a 16-year-old boy at St. Simon Stock in the Bronx. They allegedly offered the boy money for sex, threatened him if he refused to comply, and masturbated in front of him [10].
• Fr. Edward M. Barry – In 2020, the Archdiocese of New York announced that the claims that Barry had sexually abused a child were credible. He was placed on administrative leave in 2019 [11].
• Br. Dominic Bokulich – Convicted in 2008 of child sexual abuse, Bokulich molested four boys from the ages of 4 and 11. Some of the sexual abuse took place at a retreat center operated by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal [12].

Common Forms of Clergy Abuse

• Grooming – In child sexual abuse cases, abusive priests may emotionally manipulate victims over weeks or months, gaining their trust and lowering their resistance toward sexual acts.
• Abuse of Authority – Religious leaders may utilize their position as members of religious institutions to demand sexual favors, threatening victims if they refuse to comply.
• Child Sex Abuse – Also known as molestation, this includes any sexual action toward a minor, which includes exposing them to pornography, making sexual comments in front of them, or physical touching.
• Rape – Under expanded New York laws, rape includes any nonconsensual oral, anal, or vaginal sexual contact [13].
• Sexual Harassment – Unwanted sexual attention, sexualized comments, or touching can all constitute harassment.
• Sexual Assault – Fondling, groping, or unwanted touching of intimate areas is considered sexual assault.

The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims

A member of the Catholic Church may sexually abuse anyone; however, a study from Germany suggests that most clergy abuse occurs to males under the age of 18 [14]. However, Pope Francis himself has acknowledged that the Catholic Church has a history of allowing priests to abuse women without consequence [15].

Approximately 70% of victims do not disclose within 5 years of the abuse, and 1 in 5 never disclose to anyone [16]. This can make it challenging to identify who may have been harmed by a Catholic priest and thus hold religious institutions accountable.

Survivors of sexual abuse may suffer physical and emotional trauma, which include post-traumatic stress disorder and a loss of trust in the religious organization that allowed a clergy member to abuse them [17]. Any survivor may also find themselves ostracized from the community for accusing church officials, who are trusted church members [18].

Common Signs of Clergy Abuse Among Child Victims

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, signs of childhood sexual abuse include:

• Regressive Behaviors – The child may begin thumb-sucking or bedwetting again or lose their toilet training.
• Avoiding the Place Where the Abuse Occurred – Children may become afraid of returning to the place where they were harmed; for clergy sex abuse, this can include the church or Sunday school.
• Fear of Being Left Alone With Certain People – Children may cling to their parents and show emotional distress when near alleged abusers.
• Self-Harm – The child may cut or burn themselves, or they may develop eating disorders.
• Changes in Behavior – A confident preteen may grow anxious, or they may begin to act out.
• Poor School Performance – Good students may stop applying themselves at school, leading to poor grades.
• Trouble Sleeping – Insomnia, fear of the dark, and night terrors can all be signs of sexual abuse.
• Unexplained Physical Symptoms – Children may complain of headaches, stomachaches, or pain without apparent cause [19].

Eligibility to File a Civil Lawsuit for Clergy Sexual Assault

Our law firm assists in civil claims for a variety of plaintiffs, which can include:

• Child victims and their parents
• Adult victims of abuse or assault
• Adult survivors who were sexually abused as children
• Let’s discuss the specifics of your case

Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases

Child sexual abuse claims may target several different individuals and institutions, which can include the following.

Predatory Church Officials

With clergy abuse allegations, the abuser is generally the primary defendant for legal claims. While you may also press criminal charges, our law firm will represent you in civil court to pursue compensation from the abuser.

Other Clergy Members

Though New York clergy are not mandated reporters [20], anyone with information that sexual abuse occurred has a fiduciary duty to protect the victim by reporting. Those who choose to shield their fellow religious leaders from consequences can be considered liable.

Churches and Other Religious Organizations

A parish or diocese may be held responsible for the actions of its employees through vicarious liability, mainly if the priest was acting as a church official. They may also be held accountable for negligent hiring or supervision, primarily if there were previous allegations against the individual before the sexual abuse.

If the church knew the allegations but protected the perpetrator from consequences, they could also be held responsible for failing to report.

To file a lawsuit against any party, it must be proven that they were negligent. Proving negligence includes four factors:

• Duty of Care – The individual or organization had a responsibility to protect the victim from harm.
• Breach of Duty – The defendant failed to do so, such as by hiring a known sex offender or acting inappropriately with a minor.
• Causation – This breach of duty was responsible, in whole or in part, for the sexual abuse.
• Damages – The plaintiff suffered financial or emotional losses as a result of the abuse.

The Statute of Limitations for Filing Sexual Abuse Claims in New York City

The 2019 New York Child Victims Act extended the statute of limitations for childhood sex abuse until the victim is 55 years old; however, this only applies to cases after February 14, 2019.

In the same year, New York passed the Adult Survivors Act, which extends the statute of limitations for certain assaults to 20 years. This is not retroactive and only applies to assaults that occurred after it passed.

Types of Cases Handled by Our NYC Clergy Abuse Lawyers

We can assist with clergy abuse cases, such as in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, which covers Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and several counties surrounding NYC. Our team can also assist with cases in the Diocese of Brooklyn or with sex abuse in different religious organizations, such as Protestant denominations or Jewish synagogues.

Our law firm will seek justice against any religious leader who has abused his or her position of trust in the church. This can include priests, nuns, friars, pastors, rabbis, or trusted church leaders like Sunday school teachers or Catholic school instructors.

Steps to Take if You Are a Victim

While the New York Child Victims Act has extended the time you have to file, it’s essential to act quickly to begin the legal process and move closer to healing. Follow these steps as soon as possible:

• Call the Authorities – Always report abuse, both to the church and to the police.
• Ensure the Victim’s Safety – Make sure that the abuser no longer has access to the victim.
• Document All Abuse – Take the victim to the hospital for a medical examination, and keep any records of communications between the survivor and the alleged abuser.
• Contact Legal Counsel – You can contact us anytime for a free and confidential consultation. We will guide you through the legal process, including collecting evidence, entering negotiations with the church, and filing a lawsuit if necessary.
• Reach Out for Support – NYC has a variety of rape crisis and sexual assault counseling centers that can assist. In addition to the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP), you can contact the Safe Horizon Program, which can provide counseling and help you apply for financial assistance.

How Our New York City Clergy Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Our team will hold the religious institution accountable through a civil case, guiding you every step of the way. We can assist you with the following services.

• Free Consultation and Case Evaluation – We’ll determine whether we believe you have a strong case and how much it may be worth.
• Investigation – We’ll meticulously gather evidence to support your claim using our resources. This includes interviews, expert testimony, medical reports, and communication records.
• Settlement Negotiations – We will first attempt to settle the case out of court with the diocese’s insurance company, representing you in all negotiations so that you can focus on healing.
• Trial Representation – While we can often settle out of court, taking the case to trial may be necessary. In that case, we will handle the paperwork and represent you in court, ensuring your story is heard.

The Cost of Hiring a NYC Clergy Abuse Attorney

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we win your compensation. This makes world-class legal advice available to everyone, regardless of their means.

Compensation for Clergy Abuse Victims

Your settlement may include economic and non-economic damages meant to compensate you both for financial losses and the emotional suffering imposed by sexual abuse. This can include:

• Medical bills
• Out-of-pocket medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning potential
• Emotional injuries
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

There is no predetermined settlement amount; it depends on the specific factors of the case. This includes financial losses like therapy costs, how long the abuse took place, the age of the victim, and the overall impact it had on your life.

Contact a New York City Clergy Abuse Attorney Today!

Call us 24/7 at (888) 424-5757 or complete our online contact form.

Related Practice Areas

New York Catholic Diocese Priest Abuse List
New York Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Buffalo Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Rochester Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Syracuse Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Yonkers Clergy Abuse Lawyer

References: [1] Associated Press, [2] Rentech Digital, [3] OSV News, [4] The Tablet, [5] NPR, [6] Catholic News Agency, [7] MSN, [8] Al Jazeera, [9] New York Daily News, [10] BishopAccountability, [11] BishopAccountability, [12] BishopAccountability, [13] PBS News, [14] National Library of Medicine, [15] Reuters News, [16] Child USA, [17] Child Abuse & Neglect, [18] Child Abuse & Neglect, [19] Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, [20] Victim Rights Law Center.

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.