When we attend church, we expect to be able to trust the clergy with our safety and well-being. Sadly, many people, including minors, have found themselves facing sexual abuse at the hands of clergy members. This leaves lasting physical and emotional scars on the abuse victim.
If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a clergy member, you may have grounds to seek a lawsuit. An experienced Enfield sexual abuse lawyer at Aeton Law offers the support and legal experience needed to hold them accountable, including a deep knowledge of the specific laws impacting clergy abuse cases. Reach out for a free consultation when you need an Enfield clergy abuse lawyer on your side.
Warning Signs of Clergy Abuse
One of the first steps towards taking a stand against clergy abuse is to know when it is happening. Clergy abuse often occurs behind closed doors, and it may be difficult to spot if you do not know what to look for, especially if the victim is afraid to speak out. However, if you notice any of the following signs, it may be worth seeking out a dedicated clergy abuse attorney in Enfield to investigate the case:
- Unexplained injuries
- Inappropriate physical contact
- Withdrawal, depression, or anxiety
- Clergy members insisting on private time with a minor
- Evidence of sexual assault
If you have noticed any of the above signs in your children or others, it may be time to reach out and seek help from an Enfield personal injury lawyer. Your clergy abuse lawyer in Enfield, with Aeton Law, can guide you through the process of gathering evidence, contacting the appropriate authorities, and preparing for a lawsuit. This approach can even lead to criminal charges against the at-fault party, which can provide closure to the victims.
You Can Take a Stand Against Clergy Abuse in Enfield
When it comes to filing a claim for clergy abuse, many people feel afraid of taking a stand. Coming out as a sexual abuse victim can be difficult, especially when you are facing pushback from the Catholic Church. However, taking a stand and taking action for victims, whether you or your child was injured, is vital.
When someone’s negligence hurts you, you have grounds for a lawsuit. Whether they intended to harm you or not, you may have suffered because of their actions. When you take action with an attorney, you have a chance to get the compensation you need to make a full recovery.
Taking action now may also result in holding the church accountable for these actions. Financial penalties can hurt the church, leading to a need to change policies around sexual abuse reporting. By taking action now, you may be able to help make changes that prevent suffering like yours.
Multiple Parties May Share Liability for Your Child’s Trauma
When we think of clergy abuse, we often think of a single priest committing sexual abuse by using their status. However, liability may not be so simple. In fact, multiple people may be responsible for your or your child’s abuse.
A church typically has multiple members of the clergy who should be watching out for abuses of power. That includes sexual abuse, but sadly, these issues are often overlooked and unreported. However, these workers are expected to report any suspicions of clergy abuse.
Because of this, you may have grounds to sue multiple parties if they fail to step in and protect their congregation. While they may never have committed sexual assault themselves, they may have been complacent in allowing it to happen. Talk to your attorney about identifying any other parties who may be liable for your lawsuit.
How Enfield Clergy Abuse Cases Unfold
Reporting sexual abuse by clergy members is only the beginning of your clergy abuse case. In Connecticut, once you file a lawsuit against a clergy member or the church, you then begin the rest of your case. That starts with discovery.
Discovery is a portion of your court proceedings where you and the defense have an opportunity to seek evidence that supports your version of events. That includes physical evidence, photos of injuries, or eyewitness testimony, among other types of evidence. Your attorney can help gather this evidence and build a strong case that holds the at-fault party liable for your injuries.
Once this process is done, your case may then go to court. In the courtroom, your attorney will represent you, speaking on your behalf and presenting your claim. Once both sides have had a chance to argue their case, the judge will then decide on whether to dismiss the lawsuit or to provide compensation for your suffering.
Demand Justice and Maximum Financial Compensation
When you or your child has suffered sexual abuse because of a clergy member, you may have grounds for a lawsuit that helps you recover financially and have the support you need as you heal emotionally. This compensation is based on your damages or the suffering you have experienced, both economically and mentally. Calculating both of these types of damages is vital and might include:
- Medical bills
- Loss of earning capacity
- Cost of mental health treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Fear and anxiety
Keep in mind that these economic and non-economic damages also include current and future damages. That means you may be due compensation for physical recovery steps that have not yet happened. Talk to your attorney if you believe you are eligible for any of the previously mentioned damages.
Statute of Limitations for Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
When you have suffered clergy abuse, either as a family member or as an abuse victim, recovery can be complex and difficult. While many people have successfully sued clergy members or a church for the suffering they have experienced, many believe they do not have grounds for a case or that too much time has passed. However, state laws are being updated all the time to help abuse victims get the compensation they deserve.
Connect with Enfield’s Most Empathetic and Experienced Clergy Abuse Law Firm Today
At Aeton Law, we understand that facing a sexual abuse case can be daunting. That is why we work hard to protect our clients through representation and advocacy, striving to protect their emotional and financial well-being. We want to make it as easy as possible for sexual abuse victims to get justice.
When you need an Enfield clergy abuse attorney on your side, reach out to our team for a free consultation. We offer the tools needed to identify and sue for clergy abuse. When you are ready to act, reach out by calling or filling out our online contact form.