Raped by a Catholic Priest?
Allegations of childhood sexual abuse by many churches have resonated all around the world, prompting more and more brave survivors to find ways to seek justice.
However, you should not take the law into your own hands. Ehline Law’s experienced sexual abuse attorneys care about you and know how to hold at-fault parties accountable under California law.
Los Angeles Clergy Abuse and Sexual Assault Cases
In recent years, clergy members from several religious institutions have faced lawsuits or been involved in sexual abuse scandals in California, such as:
- The Catholic Church, including the Archdiocese of Los Angeles
- Evangelical Christians
- Jehovah’s Witnesses
- The Church of Scientology
- The Church of Latter Day Saints or Mormons
- Baptist Congregations
- United Methodist Church
- Protestant churches
- Muslim congregations
- Orthodox Judaism or Yeshivas
- And more.
According to Bishop Accountability, which advocates for child and adult survivors of clergy abuse, there are detailed records of accusations against priests and other members of the dioceses throughout California.
Religious institutions involved in sexual abuse scandals include the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, which oversees the Los Angeles clergy and parishes in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange in Orange County.
What to Do If I Am a Victim of Clergy Sexual Abuse?
If you or a child has been sexually abused by a clergy member, you should seek professional advice from a clergy abuse lawyer. Each case is different, and there is always a new law to deal with as these cases evolve. Therefore, determining the steps to take legal action against a religious institution will depend on its unique facts, illness resulted, and extent of the cover-up. However, Ehline Law’s tenacious lawyers offer a free consultation to speak with and help as many survivors as we can.
- We offer legal assistance to abuse survivors and all victims of abuse, including:
- Child victims
- Parents of children who have been affected by a priest’s sexual misconduct
- Adult survivors of sexual abuse or assault
- Adult survivors or people who were sexually abused as minors.
When Can I File Legal Claims for Clergy Sexual Abuse?
Most clergy abuse survivors wonder how long they have to take legal action against a perpetrator. According to the statute of limitations, claimants can file a child sexual abuse suit up to eight years after they reach the age of majority until they are 26 years old.
If they were of legal age, victims have up to two years from the date of the childhood abuse or three years from the date of discovery to start a clergy sexual abuse case.
However, with the new clergy abuse statute in California, effective January 1, 2020, adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse can file a civil lawsuit against clergy and at-fault or negligent parties even years or decades after the abuse occurred. This clergy abuse statute extends to those individuals previously detained by the statute of limitations.
Who Can Be Held Accountable for Childhood Sexual Abuse?
Some survivors think they can only take legal actions against the direct perpetrator. However, California law establishes that every person involved in a Los Angeles clergy abuse case may be held liable, even the Archbishop.
Those who were negligent and covered up the abuse cases or the organizations that were supposed to prevent the sexual assault can be held accountable, too. Who can you trust without accountability for negligence and intentional abuse?
Some examples of clergy members and other organizations that may face penalties for childhood abuse are:
- Church
- The Diocese
- The Archdiocese
- Archbishops, including those of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles
- Priests
- Bishops
- Deacons.
Damages and Other Legal Remedies for Clergy Abuse in California
Are you a survivor of sexual assault, or has a loved one been the victim of a clergy member’s sexual misconduct or cover-ups? Clients can file claims to obtain financial restitution and compensation for all the damages suffered at the hands of the abuser.
At Ehline Law, you can find a sexual abuse lawyer who goes to great lengths to get you the financial compensation you deserve. We fight for fair compensation that includes:
- Pain and suffering
- Current and future medical and mental health expenses
- Current and future medical and mental health treatment
- Illness resulting from the abuse
- Psychological injury
- Spiritual harm
- Emotional anguish
- Other economic and non-economic damages.
Why Choose Our Law Firm?
At Ehline Law, we understand that you are not only seeking justice but that you want to stop the abuse. We already know you hope no one else will live the horrific experience you endured in the past. Therefore, we offer a confidential consultation for all victims of sexual abuse and other survivors.
We help you to know all your legal options and time limits to file a suit. We have the resources to protect your interests over any devastating psychological injury or illness. We will gather evidence and make the perpetrators (priest, clergy, nun) are held liable and face the punishments for their crimes.
An abuse attorney from our firm will act to do whatever it takes to help you obtain maximum compensation. If the cases reach California courts, we fight for a fair financial resolution for all victims, protecting their bottom line.
What Can a Clergy Abuse Lawyer from Ehline Law Do for You?
Most perpetrators take advantage of their authority position to abuse children or vulnerable people in churches and other religious organizations. Ehline Law Firm holds the clergy accountable for sexual harassment against minors and does everything possible to help parents, children, and survivors. Michael Ehline has aided child and adult victims of sexual abuse and rape build strong cases against churches, facing negligent clergy members in court if necessary.
Our Awards and Accolades Include
- The Superlawyers Rising Star Award to Michael Ehline from 2006 to 2015.
- Newsweek magazine’s “Premier Personal Injury Lawyers” to Ehline Law Firm’s attorneys in 2015.
- Interviews with Michael Ehline on CNN and Nancy Grace on CBS about his experiences in law.
Call Us Today and Get a Free Consultation from Superior Priest Abuse Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA
Speaking with us means a pro will listen and help you focus on your bottom line. We help you seek justice and have the courage to file suit against the pastor or flock if necessary! At Ehline Law, we build a respectful attorney-client relationship because we care about victims! Thus, for that reason, we offer a no-obligation consultation to anyone seeking legal guidance from a compassionate advocate and committed clergy abuse attorney to file a sexual harassment claim against your abusers.
Obtaining justice during this challenging time is much easier with our advice and legal services. Call us today in confidence at (833) LETS-SUE! You can also use our online website contact form over email to discuss your important rights with a swift response.
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