Catholic Churches throughout Pennsylvania have been under investigation for sexual abuse dating back decades. This abuse can impact victims for the rest of their lives. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is committed to helping victims of clergy sexual abuse with filing claims and seeking justice.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

When it comes to seeking justice and recovering compensation following clergy abuse, you need a legal team with specialized expertise and dedication. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers understands the sensitive nature of sexual abuse cases, and we offer survivors a discreet, compassionate approach to justice.

$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

Compensation may not heal pain and suffering, but it can help provide your family with the resources they need to recover. We are committed to holding perpetrators accountable and offering you the support you deserve.

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Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Various Grand Jury reports investigated child sexual abuse claims in the Catholic Church dating back to the 1950s. These reports reviewed church leaders in Pennsylvania, with a high prevalence in Philadelphia. Here are key clergy abuse statistics:

Over 62 named religious leaders from the Philadelphia diocese are on the Grand Jury Report [1].
The most recent 2018 Grand Jury Report found over 300 accused Roman Catholic priests, with more than 1,000 cases of child sexual abuse. The Philadelphia diocese was investigated before this report, discovering even more cases of child sexual abuse [2].
Pennsylvania dioceses paid over $84M to 564 clergy abuse victims [3].
The average payout across all Pennsylvania dioceses is $148,000 per child or survivor [3]. However, some Philadelphia victims have received as much as $3.5M [4].

Notable Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases and Accused Catholic Priests

The Philadelphia Archdiocese includes a long list of church officials and leaders accused of sexually abusing children spanning several years ago. Here are a few notable clergy sexual abuse cases in Philadelphia:

Armand D. Garcia: Garcia pled guilty to sexually abusing and corrupting a minor [5].
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia: The Archdiocese of Philadelphia settled a child sexual abuse case in 2023 for covering up a case of child sexual abuse by a now-deceased priest [6].
William G. Ayres: Ayres was sued for allegedly molesting a minor in the late 1990s. During his service, he was removed from two parishes.
John F. Bowe: Bowe has been accused of sexual abuse with minors. His case is pending investigation.
Edward M. DePaoli: DePaoli was convicted of possession of child pornography and abuse of a minor in 1970.

Common Forms of Clergy Abuse

Clergy abuse may include various forms of abuse, with some of the most common including the following:

Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse involves unwanted sexual activity or any sexual activity with a minor.
Rape: Insertion of a body part or object into a sexual orifice without consent.
Exploitation: Using someone else for personal benefits or gratification, including sexual gratification.
Intimidation: Intimidation involves compelling others using threats or coercion, which may lead to sexual abuse.
Grooming: Many clergy members groom young victims before abusing them to gain their trust, making them less likely to report sexual crimes.

The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims

Predatory church officials generally take advantage of those they have power over, such as altar boys or younger clergy members.

Victims of clergy abuse may suffer from generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. Being the victim of child sexual abuse can impact future relationships. Many victims may feel as if their childhood was taken from them prematurely.

Common Signs of Clergy Abuse Among Children

It’s crucial to report clergy or child sexual abuse as promptly as possible. Here are a few common signs of clergy abuse among children:

Withdrawal from activities or relationships once enjoyed
Academic struggles
Anger or irritability
Unexplained fears
Persistent sadness or hopelessness
Sleep disturbances
Unexplained physical pain or discomfort
STDs or pain
Fear of adults, religious leaders, or other persons of power
Sexual expression through art, story, or play

Eligibility to File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim

Filing a clergy sexual abuse claim requires meeting a few eligibility criteria.

Adult victims who were subject to child sexual abuse can file a civil lawsuit against the Catholic Church or religious leaders responsible. Parents can also file a claim on behalf of their minor children. Adults who are sexually abused or assaulted as adults can also file a claim against the religious organization or church leader.

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Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases

Clergy sexual abuse lawsuits can be filed against anyone responsible for the abuse, including priests, Sunday school teachers, church officials, another clergy member, or religious organizations. Individual liability against an abusive person can lead to criminal charges and civil liability.

The religious organization is also expected to keep its clergy members safe, which includes responsible hiring and supervising. They are responsible for reporting sexual abuse. Failure to do any of these things could be considered negligent, leading to a civil lawsuit against the institution through vicarious liability.

It’s important to note that seeking compensation from religious institutions requires a clear connection between negligence and abuse. Working with an experienced law firm is crucial to building a case.

The Statute of Limitations for Filing Civil Lawsuits in Philadelphia

Pennsylvania law allows sexual abuse victims to file a civil lawsuit against their perpetrator for up to two years from the date of the abuse. The state recently changed the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse victims, which now extends the timeline until their 55th birthday. However, this only applies to abuse cases after the January 1, 2019 law change.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has expertise in helping Philadelphia survivors seek justice and recover compensation. Our law firm handles various case types, including those against priests, pastors, or other religious leaders.

We have successfully represented victims of sexual abuse from the Catholic Churches in Pennsylvania, including the Diocese of Harrisburg, the Diocese of Scranton, and the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

While much of the news recently has been about sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, it does occur in other religious organizations. We have the experience to assist with abuse in the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Methodist, Baptist, or any other church type. We are here to guide you through the legal process, regardless of the kind of religious entity.

Steps to Take if You Are a Victim

Here are a few essential steps to take if you or a family member is the victim of clergy sexual abuse:

Ensure Safety and Well-Being: The victim’s safety and well-being should be the most important priority. If needed, seek medical help.
Report and Document the Abuse: Report the abuse to the local authorities and the diocese. Document the abuse, including its date, details, and a list of those you may have reported it to.
Consult with a Clergy Abuse Lawyer: Consulting with a clergy abuse lawyer can help you explore your legal remedies. Schedule a free consultation with Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers.
Seek Support: Protect your mental well-being by taking advantage of local resources through the Victim Assistance Program of Philadelphia or the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP). These programs are designed specifically for sexual abuse victims.

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How Our Philadelphia Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help you through the civil claims process. A free initial consultation and case evaluation allows you to explore your legal options free of risk. If we work together to seek justice against your abuser, our team will conduct a thorough investigation and collect evidence.

We’ll file a lawsuit, typically leading to a settlement offer. Many religious leaders attempt to settle to avoid the high court costs and minimize publicity. However, our legal team has the experience to take your case to trial if you’re not offered fair compensation.

The Cost of Hiring Our Philadelphia Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers works on a contingency fee, which means you don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation on your behalf. With a free consultation, there is no risk in exploring your legal options.

Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims

Being the victim of abusive sexual activity can have many short- and long-term consequences, many of which are life-changing. Those who are sexually abused may require medical care, especially if the abuse leads to STDs or pregnancy.

Even years or decades after child sexual abuse occurs, the survivor may suffer from sleep disturbances, anxiety, PTSD, or depression. Both economic and non-economic damages are available in priest sexual abuse cases.

Compensation in a civil claim against the church varies depending on the abuse’s type, length, and impact. Available evidence can also affect how much money you receive.

Contact Our Philadelphia Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys Today

Jonathan Rosenfeld, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is dedicated to helping those impacted by the widespread sexual abuse committed by the Catholic Church in Philadelphia. Whether the incident occurred many years ago or recently, we encourage you to take a step toward healing and reach out to our compassionate and well-experienced legal team.

Call us at (888) 424-5757 our fill out our contact form.

Related Practice Areas

Resources: [1] BishopAccountability, [2] NPR, [3] PennLive, [4] CNN, [5] National Catholic Reporter, [6] WHYY PBS

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.