Michigan Clergy Abuse Lawyer

Helping Catholic Church Victims Seek Justice in Michigan

Clergy sexual abuse is a deeply troubling issue for sexual abuse survivors, causing lasting distress for countless survivors and leading to lifelong challenges. A Michigan clergy abuse lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. At Injury Lawyer Team, we are committed to supporting Michigan survivors seeking justice. Our experienced team provides compassionate legal representation to ensure survivors receive justice and closure.

At Injury Lawyer Team, our attorneys specialize in handling complex cases, leveraging our extensive legal expertise to navigate the unique challenges these cases present.

Settlements Recovered by Our Michigan Clergy Abuse Lawyers

Our law firm has recovered billions in settlements for injury victims, including clergy cases. A few settlements we’ve helped those who have been sexually abused receive include:

$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.
$4,100,000 Settlement for a woman who was assaulted and raped by a deacon at a large Midwestern church.
$3,000,000 Settlement for a man who was 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.
$1,500,000 Recovery for a 55-year-old man against a deceased priest.

Consult a Michigan clergy abuse attorney today

What Is Catholic Clergy Sexual Abuse?

It involves any inappropriate sexual misconduct made by a church member, including priests, towards a parishioner or subordinate, often leading to emotional trauma. This can encompass a wide range of actions, including, but not limited to, inappropriate touching, sexual harassment, coercion into sexual acts, and rape.

How Common is Clergy Sex Abuse in Michigan?

The prevalence of sex abuse in Michigan highlights a critical issue that requires both awareness and action. A detailed two-year examination by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office revealed significant findings.

Accusations and Victims: The investigation by the Michigan Attorney General identified 454 priests accused of abuse and 811 victims affected by these abhorrent actions.
Legal Actions: So far, approximately 9 clergymen have been charged and convicted.
Document Seizures: Authorities seized 220 boxes of paper documents and over 3.5 million digital documents from all seven Catholic dioceses in Michigan.

Are There Notable Catholic Church Cases and Accused Priests in Michigan?

Several notable clergy cases in Michigan have drawn coverage over the years and underscored the need for systemic change within religious organizations.

Father Robert J. DeLand: Convicted in 2019, DeLand was a priest in the Diocese of Saginaw. He was sentenced to 2 to 15 years in prison after pleading no contest to second-degree criminal sexual conduct and gross indecency.
Father Vincent DeLorenzo: Formerly a priest in the Diocese of Lansing, DeLorenzo faced multiple charges of criminal sexual conduct in 2019. He was accused of sexually abusing minors over several decades, with allegations spanning from the mid-1980s to the early 2000s.
Father Patrick Casey: A priest in the Archdiocese of Detroit, Casey was sentenced in 2019 to 45 days in jail for an inappropriate sexual relationship with a grieving man he was counseling.
Father Timothy Murray: Previously serving in the Diocese of Grand Rapids, Murray was charged with multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct regarding incidents that occurred in the 1980s. In 2014, he was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison.

What are the Different Forms of Sex Abuse?

One of the most distressing aspects of this crime is the variety of forms it can take, making healing difficult for survivors. Some of the most common include:

Inappropriate Touching
Sexual Harassment
Rape
Emotional Manipulation
Grooming

What’s the Profile of Victims That Priests abuse?

While anyone can fall prey to such abuse, certain profiles tend to be more common:

Children and Adolescents
Adults in Emotional Distress
Devout Followers

Victims of clergy sex abuse typically suffer a range of consequences, including, but not limited to:

Psychological trauma
Trust issues
Guilt and shame
Physical injuries
Spiritual crisis

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What Common Signs of Sexual Abuse Among Child Victims Should I Look for?

Identifying the signs of abuse among child victims is essential for timely intervention. Here are common indicators:

Sudden changes in behavior
Decline in academic performance
Regressive behaviors
Fear of certain places or people
Physical symptoms
Sleep disturbances
Secrecy and isolation

Many survivors try to move on with their lives, but often still have symptoms. You don’t have to sit by and watch your child suffer. Many of our clients are adults who want to file a suit on behalf of their kids. You don’t have to wait until your little one is a certain age to hold someone accountable for breaking the law.

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Who Can File Civil Abuse Cases in Michigan?

Individuals eligible to file a clergy sex abuse claim generally include:

Minors, with the help of their legal guardians, have the right to pursue legal action for the harm suffered. Guardians can work with law firms or abuse attorneys for the minor.
Adults who have experienced such misconduct can file a civil lawsuit to seek a financial settlement and justice.
Adults who were sexually abused as minors can also file civil claims, recognizing the lasting impact and delayed reporting often associated with such abusive acts. We often work with clients who realize the impact of the crime on their lives years later.

Determining liability in these cases involves examining various factors to establish who is legally responsible for the abusive acts. Experienced sexual abuse lawyers can help.

Individual Liability

Criminal Charges: Those who engage in abusive, harmful, or inappropriate behavior may face criminal charges, including sexual assault and other related offenses.
Civil Liability: In addition to criminal charges, they can be held civilly liable for the harm they cause. Survivors may pursue lawsuits seeking a financial settlement for damages suffered due to the abuse.

Abuse attorneys can help determine your legal options, including who is held liable.

Institutional Liability

Negligent Hiring or Supervision: Religious institutions can be held accountable for failing to properly vet or supervise clergy members, leading to instances of abuse.
Failure to Report Abuse: Institutions that neglect to report known or suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities can be held legally responsible.
Vicarious Liability: Under this theory, institutions can be held liable for the actions of their employees if it is proven that the abusive behavior occurred within the scope of their duties.

Proving a connection between the institution’s actions or inactions and the abuse is essential in these cases. Establishing this link is critical for holding institutions accountable and ensuring justice for victims.

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The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit in Michigan

Under Michigan law, victims can file a child sex abuse case up until they reach the age of 28.

In 2018, the state implemented an important legislative change to help survivors further, adopting a three-year statutory discovery rule. This law permits the filing of lawsuits within three years from the date the victim discovers or reasonably should have discovered the injury and its causal relationship to the criminal sexual conduct, even if the victim is past the age of 28.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Michigan Clergy Sex Abuse Legal Team

Our Michigan clergy sex abuse law firm handles a wide range of cases involving various religious leaders to ensure survivors receive justice. We address crimes by individuals in various religious roles, including Catholic priests, pastors, ministers, and other clergy members. Our firm represents victims against many religious institutions, including the Catholic Church, Lansing Diocese, and Protestant churches.

We have significant experience dealing with Michigan dioceses, including the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Diocese of Gaylord.

If you suffered from clergy sex abuse, immediate steps should be taken to ensure your safety and well-being. It is crucial to seek a safe environment and access medical care if necessary. This includes mental health care to help address the emotional trauma the event has caused. Documenting the abuse is essential for building your case.

Seeking legal help is the next critical step; consult with an experienced attorney to understand your rights and the legal process. During this time, you will receive guidance on what to expect, with the utmost care, from filing civil lawsuits to what will happen in court proceedings if we are unable to reach a settlement agreement.

For those who have faced sexual abuse in Michigan, several resources are available to offer support and assistance, such as First Step, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Michigan. These vital resources can help survivors or a loved one work towards healing from the trauma the abuser caused. Reaching out for help is an essential step for survivors.

Consult our clergy sex abuse lawyers today

How Our Michigan Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

At Injury Lawyer Team, we have unmatched experience and a track record of success in handling clergy sex abuse claims for survivors of sexual abuse. Our compassionate and dedicated legal team is committed to supporting survivors with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality. With nationwide representation and extensive resources, we ensure that our clients receive the best possible legal assistance no matter where they are located.

Our Michigan sexual abuse law firm offers comprehensive support, starting with an initial consultation and case evaluation to assess the merits of your case. We conduct thorough investigations and gather critical evidence to build a strong legal argument. Once we file your claim, we guide you through potential outcomes, including settlement negotiations and the trial process.

We represent those who have been sexually abused in the following religious institutions:

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The Cost of Hiring Our Michigan Sexual Abuse Attorneys

At Injury Lawyer Team, we understand the financial burden that legal cases can impose, which is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not incur any upfront costs to hire a sexual abuse lawyer from our team, and we will only collect a fee if we successfully secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf.

Our priority is to make legal representation accessible to many survivors, ensuring that financial constraints do not impede your pursuit of justice.

Compensation for Victims

Victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including current and future medical expenses, emotional distress, and punitive damages. The amount of compensation is influenced by factors such as the severity of abuse, the impact on the victim’s life, and the strength of the evidence presented.

At Injury Lawyer Team, we are dedicated to advocating for the rights of child sexual abuse survivors in Michigan. Our experienced and compassionate team is equipped to provide the legal expertise and support necessary to pursue justice against the abuser, holding Catholic clergy accountable for inappropriate sexual contact. If you or a loved one has been impacted by clergy sex abuse, do not hesitate to reach out.

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.