Unwanted sexual contact from anyone is a distressing and traumatic experience. When sexual abuse is inflicted by a trusted clergy member, a victim’s faith and trust can be shattered as well. Religious leaders and church members hold positions of great trust with churchgoers. Anyone impacted by sexual abuse in any type of church setting should contact an experienced Fort Washington clergy abuse lawyer to review their legal options. Legal remedies, including financial compensation, can be available to clergy abuse victims, but state laws and timelines can apply. Reach out to our compassionate sexual abuse attorneys today to schedule a consultation.
How Does Clergy Abuse Happen?
At home, school, and church, people learn from a young age to respect their elders and authority figures. Religious leaders like priests, pastors, ministers, rabbies, imams, and other clergy figures are not only held in high regard; they hold positions of strong influence over churchgoers.
Sadly, religious leaders sometimes use their influence and control to perform devastating acts of sexual abuse on the very people that trust them. Abusers will use their positions to take advantage of the opportunities available to them. Clergy abuse is not limited to the highest-ranking members of a church, as other positions that can be used to exploit victims include:
- Church elders
- Youth pastors
- Worship leaders
- Choir directors
- Nursery workers
- Sunday school educators
- Facilities managers
Essentially, anyone with a position of authority in a religious organization can perpetrate harm on people around them. Those involved in this situation can reach out to our clergy abuse attorneys in Fort Washington to discuss their full range of options.
Statute of Limitations for Clergy Abuse Injury Claims
Misconduct by clergy members can have long-term and even permanent impacts on the lives of people they affected. However, those who were harmed face deadlines to file a lawsuit against those responsible. Pennsylvania sets these key deadlines for a clergy abuse lawsuit:
- For child sexual abuse survivors who experienced abuse after November 2019, they have until they reach 55 years old to file a lawsuit under the law.
- For child victims who were injured before 2019, a two-year statute of limitations from discovery of the injury applies. Although this seems to make filing a lawsuit impossible, important exceptions can apply, such as delayed discovery, duress, and fraud.
- For adult victims of clergy sexual abuse, a standard two-year statute of limitations applies. Again, some exceptions can come into play based on the circumstances.
Regardless of which deadline might apply (even if you think it has passed), it is crucial to consult with one of our knowledgeable clergy abuse injury lawyers to determine your legal rights.
Proving Clergy Abuse in Court
Generally, to prove a claim of clergy sexual abuse, claimants need to show evidence of abuse, which can include medical records, church records, witness statements, and other ways of documenting a claim. Evidence may include the name of the abuser, location, and timeframe.
To pursue damages in a clergy abuse lawsuit in Fort Washington, plaintiffs also need to show they suffered emotional distress, physical harm, damage to their education or career, medical expenses, or reduced quality of life. Our personal injury team will investigate the facts and work to prove damages in your claim.
Contact Our Clergy Abuse Injury Lawyer in Fort Washington Today
Overcoming sexual abuse at the hands of a trusted religious figure is an overwhelming challenge. A lawsuit can’t take away the pain, but it can help you recover damages and hold an abuser accountable. Contact a compassionate and proven Fort Washington clergy abuse injury lawyer from Friedman Schuman Layser to learn more about your options today.