Over several decades, the Diocese of Shreveport has allowed priests accused of sexually abusing minors to go free, protecting them from any consequences.
Injury Lawyer Team can help you hold religious institutions accountable for their failures to prevent child sex abuse in Louisiana, filing claims for financial compensation against churches and individuals.
Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team
We have worked with many survivors of clergy sexual abuse across the country, winning them millions of dollars in compensation. We combine years of experience in child sexual abuse cases with a compassionate approach that seeks to empower survivors.
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 |
Our goal is to help you gain closure through a civil court case and financial compensation. Having worked with childhood sexual abuse survivors, we understand the challenges they face and always strive to empower them in their healing path.
Prevalence of Clergy Sexual Abuse in Shreveport Diocese
Clergy abuse statistics in Shreveport demonstrate years of church officials ignoring sexual abuse allegations and putting hundreds at risk.
- Seventeen priests have been accused of sexually abusing minors in Shreveport before 1986 [1].
- ProPublica lists 26 clergy members (as of 2020) who have been credibly accused of abuse in the Diocese of Shreveport, including new credible allegations after 1986 [2].
- The Archdiocese of New Orleans, which includes the Shreveport diocese, has faced over 500 lawsuits related to sexual abuse that span decades [3].
- The Archdiocese filed for bankruptcy protection in 2020 and is now working on a $62.5 million settlement [4].
- In addition to bankruptcy, the Louisiana State Police began investigating the archdiocese for child sex trafficking in 2022, seizing records of all church staff earlier in 2024 [5].
Notable Roman Catholic Church Abuse Cases and Accused Priests
- Fr. William G. Allison – Allison, who worked in dioceses around the country, had multiple allegations of sexual abuse. A lawsuit was filed in 2020, naming him as an abuser. Allison died in 1987 [6].
- Fr. Sam Polizzi – Listed in the same lawsuit as Allison, Polizzi was accused of sodomizing a man staying with him at Northeast Louisiana University [7].
- Msgr. William O’Hanlon – O’Hanlon is accused of assaulting a minor between 6 and 7 years old between 1966 and 1968 [8].
- Seby Chemmampallil – This pastor from Bossier City was found guilty of possession of child pornography and sexual abuse of animals [9].
Common Forms of Clergy Sexual Abuse
- Grooming – This involves gaining a minor or vulnerable person’s trust in order to sexually abuse them.
- Child Sexual Abuse – Also called molestation, any sexual contact with a child, including showing them pornography or masturbating in front of them, is a form of abuse.
- Sexual Assault – Nonconsensual sexual contact or penetration is assault.
- Rape – Forcible penetration of the anus, mouth, or vagina is considered rape.
- Sexual Exploitation – Child pornography or using coercion to force sexual activity is exploitation.
- Sexual Harassment – This includes sexualized comments, stalking, unwanted advances, and unwanted touching.
Victim Profiles and Warning Signs in Child Sex Abuse Survivors
Research demonstrates the typical child sexual abuse victim in religious settings is a male under the age of 14 [10]. Specific demographics vary depending on reports. The John Jay Report, which studied clergy sexual abuse from 1950 to 2002, found that 81% of victims were male, and most were between 11 and 14 [11].
Victims may experience a loss of faith, social isolation, and distrust of authority figures due to the abuse [12].
According to RAINN, common symptoms of sexual abuse in children include [13]:
- Fear of being alone or away from a parent
- Avoiding certain people or places
- Regressive behaviors like thumb-sucking or bedwetting
- Unexplained injuries or STIs
- Nightmares and fear of being alone at night
- Poor school performance
- Anxiety and depression
- Loss of interest in activities
- Self-harming behavior
- Changes in personality
Eligibility to File Civil Lawsuits for Clergy Sexual Abuse
Our sexual abuse lawyers can assist children, parents, and adult survivors in gaining justice. This includes young people and their parents, adult sex abuse victims, and adult survivors who were sexually abused as children.
Liability in Church Sexual Abuse Cases
Depending on the specific abuse claims, we can pursue legal action against various parties.
The Louisiana clergy member who perpetrated the priest abuse may be liable for both criminal charges and civil claims for emotional damage. We can assist you in exploring your legal options against abusers in civil court.
Catholic clergy or other parties who were aware an individual was being sexually abused but did not report it may also be held liable.
The Roman Catholic church, the Diocese of Shreveport, and the Archdiocese of New Orleans can be held responsible under the theory of vicarious liability, which holds them accountable for the activities of their employees. If there were previous claims before hiring the priest, they could be accused of negligent hiring or supervision.
They may also be sued for failure to report abuse, especially if there were multiple claims.
The Time Limit to Pursue Legal Action in Shreveport
In 2021, Louisiana lawmakers passed a new law extending the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims until June 14, 2027. This is true even if the abuse occurred decades ago.
Contact our law firm as soon as possible to ensure we have adequate time to seek justice.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Shreveport Abuse Lawyers
We handle cases of sexual abuse in religious organizations of all denominations, including Roman Catholic dioceses like Shreveport, Louisiana.
Our team can pursue justice against Catholic bishops, priests, friars, nuns, church leaders, other clergy members, church staff, and administrators. We will also file civil cases against organizations like dioceses, parishes, and specific churches.
Injury Lawyer Team is experienced in seeking compensation against a variety of religious groups, such as Catholics, Protestants, Jewish synagogues, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and others.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
It’s crucial to ensure the victim’s well-being and safety directly after sexual abuse. Ensure abusers can no longer gain access to them.
Report the abuse as soon as possible to the proper authorities, including the Roman Catholic Church, so that they can open an investigation.
Survivors of clergy sexual assault should contact the Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center for access to resources, counseling, and support.
Afterward, contact our law firm to learn more about your legal rights. We will begin investigating the incident and advise you of the next steps. Our process starts with an initial consultation, where we will determine whether you have a case and then gather evidence against abusers and other parties.
How Our Shreveport Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help
Our goal is to help you seek justice by guiding you through a civil lawsuit against the responsible parties. This process includes the following steps:
- Gathering details about the clergy sexual abuse;
- Evaluating potential damages in a lawsuit;
- Investigating the particulars of the incident;
- Gathering evidence, like medical records, police reports, and witness testimony;
- Speaking to professionals for expert testimony;
- Crafting a demand letter for negotiations;
- Negotiating with the diocese;
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if necessary.
The Cost of Hiring a Shreveport Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorney
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we deduct our legal fees from your settlement. You owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Compensation for Clergy Sex Abuse Survivors
Compensation can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In a lawsuit, the court may award punitive damages to punish abusers.
The amount of compensation depends on factors like when the childhood sexual abuse occurred, how long it went on, and the amount of financial losses.
Contact a Shreveport Clergy Abuse Lawyer Today!
Injury Lawyer Team has secured millions of dollars in compensation for victims nationwide, representing them against powerful institutions like the Roman Catholic Church. We combine expertise with a trauma-informed approach to empower survivors and ensure their stories are heard.
To schedule your free consultation with a compassionate clergy abuse lawyer, call us 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
- New Orleans Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Resources: [1] Shreveport Times, [2] ProPublica, [3] The Guardian, [4] The Guardian, [5] The New Republic, [6] Shreveport Times, [7] Shreveport Times, [8] KALB, [9] KNOE, [10] National Library of Medicine, [11] United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, [12] Child Abuse & Neglect, [13] 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.
