Those abused by members of the clergy are betrayed by people they have been taught to trust and hold in esteem. The damage caused by this betrayal affects victims physically, emotionally, and psychologically, often sending their lives and well-being off course for years to come.
Connect with a Willimantic sexual abuse lawyer from Aeton Law if you or someone you love has suffered from this kind of devastating mistreatment. A caring, experienced Willimantic clergy abuse lawyer from our firm will fight tirelessly to get you justice and hold those who have hurt you accountable for their despicable actions.
Why You Need an Attorney
The best way to reach a favorable outcome for a clergy abuse case is to put your case in the capable hands of a Willimantic personal injury lawyer. The laws surrounding sexual abuse claims are complicated, and the process overall is emotionally taxing. A skilled, compassionate attorney will drive the legal aspects of your case while providing emotional support.
Statute of Limitations
The legal deadline for filing a claim is called a statute of limitations. In recent years, more and more victims have come forward with stories of appalling abuse, turning political leaders’ attention to the issue. Though more changes are needed to give all victims an opportunity to get justice, the increased attention has led to needed changes to the statute of limitations for filing sexual abuse claims.
Whether you are an adult who suffered abuse as a child or pursuing justice on behalf of a child recently abused, connect with a Willimantic clergy abuse attorney as soon as possible. Do not assume you are “too late” to get justice. Many abuse victims have come forward decades after their abuse and have successfully held their abusers accountable.
Formidable Legal Ally
Holding clergy members accountable often involves fighting against institutions. Institutions can be intimidating, protected by their own powerful legal representatives with ways of trying to convince victims to stay quiet. They may even offer a settlement to keep you quiet, avoid publicity, and “assure you” justice has been served–but these offers are typically far lower than what an attorney would fight for and a far cry from servicing justice.
A knowledgeable clergy abuse lawyer in Willimantic is a more-than-fair match for your abuser’s representative. The team at Aeton Law knows Connecticut law and knows how much your case is worth. Your lawyer will not be deterred by “shows of strength” or unethical tactics and will fight to make your abuser pay the highest settlement possible.
Skilled Investigator
Attorneys from our firm have experience investigating clergy abuse cases. We know what evidence to look for and will work diligently to find it. Victims do not always know what kinds of evidence are most convincing or have the resources or time to acquire it, but we do.
Your attorney will explore every possible source of evidence to support your clergy abuse claim. This may include tracking down witnesses, reviewing documents or communication referencing your abuse, or sorting through medical records reporting your injuries. Your lawyer may discover others knew about the abuse and, rather than stop it, covered it up, making them potentially complicit.
Careful Appraiser
Settlement amounts differ from one case to the next and are affected by a variety of factors, including the extent and severity of the abuse suffered and its impact on the victim’s life. Your abuser’s representatives will likely try to minimize both factors. Your lawyer will evaluate your damages with great care, demanding compensation and acknowledging them fully.
Trustworthy Advocate
It is not easy for victims of clergy abuse to come forward. Your clergy abuse attorney in Willimantic understands this and will approach your case with empathy, listening to your story with compassion and respect. As your case progresses, your attorney will continue to be a source of emotional support.
The team at Aeton Law realizes that victims of clergy abuse face long-term consequences. While we care about the legal outcome of your case, we also support your overall well-being. Your attorney can connect you with resources, therapies, and other interventions to support your recovery.
Demanding Justice Helps You and Other Victims
Speaking out for justice not only helps you but helps other victims of clergy abuse. As the adjustments to Connecticut’s statutes of limitations show, the collective power of many voices can prompt change. By making this collective voice louder, you help:
- Expose abusers and those who protect them. Abusers often get their power through secrecy.
- Protect potential victims. Exposure alerts potential victims to abusers and to situations that could become abusive. It can also lead to criminal charges, putting abusers behind bars
- Hold abusers accountable. While abusers may owe a debt to society, your abuser also owes you a very personal debt. By demanding compensation, you hold your abuser accountable for what they owe you
- Promote your own healing. A settlement is a form of financial justice. It can also give you access to treatments and other opportunities to facilitate recovery
- Brings change. Along with changes to the law, in response to outcry and awareness, institutions may change how they operate
How Clergy Abuse Cases Are Decided
Some clergy abuse cases never go to trial. They are settled through mediation. Each side presents its evidence and arguments to a mediator who communicates back and forth with each party until they arrive at a settlement agreement.
Attorneys at Aeton Law are skilled negotiators. We have achieved favorable outcomes when working with mediators skilled in clergy abuse cases. Our lawyers enter negotiations knowing the value of your damages and armed with strong evidence and knowledge of Connecticut law.
In some cases, the abuser’s representatives fail to put a good-faith effort into negotiations or offer insultingly low compensation. As a result, you may take your case to court. Your Willimantic clergy abuse attorney will provide fierce representation at every court proceeding.
Committed to Our Clients
Reach out to Aeton Law to connect with a Willimantic clergy abuse lawyer for the best outcome to your clergy abuse case. With extensive legal knowledge, experience, and great compassion, your attorney will give your case the individual attention it deserves. Your consultation is free, and we do not collect any fees until your settlement is secured. We are dedicated to getting you justice and fighting for a more hopeful future for you and others hurt by clergy abuse.