Chicago Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Helping Clergy Abuse Survivors in Chicago Recover Financial Compensation

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our Chicago clergy sexual abuse lawyer team is dedicated to providing compassionate, trauma-informed representation for survivors across the city and throughout Illinois. 

We understand the profound impact this abuse can have, and we are committed to holding religious institutions fully accountable for the harm they cause. Whether the abuse occurred in a church, school, retreat, or other faith-based setting, we stand with survivors, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected as we pursue the financial compensation and justice they deserve.

Clergy Abuse Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

• $14,200,000 Settlement – Our firm represented six survivors who were groomed and sexually abused by a clergy member at a Chicago-area religious school. The perpetrator had a documented history of abuse at other parishes, yet was hired without adequate screening. The settlement reflected the severe emotional trauma, institutional negligence, and years of systemic cover-up that allowed the abuse to continue.
• $4,100,000 Settlement – We secured justice for a woman assaulted by a deacon at a large Midwestern church with ties to the Chicago area. The case was strengthened by corroborating witness statements, prior misconduct reports, and evidence of the church’s failure to remove the deacon despite multiple complaints.
• $3,000,000 Settlement – A male survivor came forward decades after experiencing child sexual abuse by a clergy member in a suburban Chicago parish. The church attempted to have the case dismissed under statute of limitations arguments, but we successfully demonstrated that the trauma’s lasting impact and institutional concealment warranted moving forward.
• $2,800,000 Settlement – Our legal team obtained a substantial recovery for a survivor who endured sexual abuse at a summer camp operated by church officials. The case involved multiple acts of misconduct by clergy members and camp staff, highlighting the institution’s failure to follow safety standards and protect consumers of its youth programs. Evidence of prior complaints, ignored by property owners and church leadership, demonstrated systemic negligence within the construction and operation of the camp’s facilities.
• $2,800,000 Settlement – For a survivor who suffered sexual abuse at a summer camp operated by officials from a Catholic Church. The case exposed how the institution failed to protect children in its care and allowed a member of the clergy to maintain access to vulnerable youth.
• $2,475,000 Settlement – For a victim sexually abused by a volunteer at a Catholic Church on the West Coast. Our law firm demonstrated that church leaders ignored prior substantiated allegations and failed to implement proper safeguards.
• $1,500,000 Recovery – For a 55-year-old man who experienced clergy sexual abuse decades earlier at the hands of a deceased priest. Despite the statute of limitations defense, our trial lawyers secured compensation based on evidence of institutional negligence.
• $1,222,000 Settlement – Clergy abuse lawsuit for an adult man sexually assaulted while attending a church-sponsored summer camp. The case revealed systemic failures in the Catholic dioceses’ oversight of members of the clergy.
• $1,101,000 Settlement – For a woman who was sexually assaulted by a janitor at a Catholic school as a child. We proved that the church had ignored warning signs and failed to act to prevent further abuse.

What Makes Us the Best Clergy Abuse Attorneys in Chicago

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our top-rated Chicago sexual abuse lawyers have spent decades standing up for abuse victims who have been harmed by a religious institution or a member of the clergy. We know that priest abuse cases require not just legal skill but also compassion, discretion, and a trauma-informed approach that puts survivors first.

Our team has been recognized by organizations such as Super Lawyers, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and the American Association for Justice for delivering outstanding results. We’ve recovered over $450 million in financial compensation for survivors who suffered sexual abuse as children or adults, and we have the resources to take on powerful religious organizations that try to avoid accountability.

When you hire our experienced attorneys, you get dedicated advocates who will investigate the abuse, uncover evidence of sexual misconduct or institutional cover-ups, and fight tirelessly to ensure you can seek justice while protecting your privacy and dignity.

What Are the Most Common Forms of Clergy Member Sexual Abuse in Chicago?

In our work representing survivors, we have seen that clergy sexual abuse in Chicago takes many forms, including:

• Sexual abuse or assault of minors in religious settings – This can happen in churches, religious schools, youth programs, or during events sponsored by religious organizations.
• Grooming and exploitation of vulnerable adults – Some clergy members use their position of trust to manipulate and exploit adults facing personal or spiritual crises.
• Sexual misconduct during counseling or confession – Survivors have reported being abused in one-on-one spiritual or pastoral settings where boundaries were deliberately violated.
• Abuse involving positions of trust or authority within religious institutions – This includes misconduct by clergy who use their influence in a parish, diocese, or affiliated school to target victims.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Child Sexual Abuse?

From our experience working with survivors of clergy sexual abuse, we know that the harm goes far beyond the moment the abuse occurred. Common long-term impacts include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – Nightmares, flashbacks, and heightened anxiety can persist for decades.
• Depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation – Survivors may struggle with deep emotional pain that can make daily life overwhelming.
• Substance abuse and self-harm – Some turn to drugs, alcohol, or self-injury as a way to cope with unresolved trauma.
• Difficulty maintaining relationships and trust – The betrayal by a trusted clergy member or institution can make it hard to form healthy connections.
• Physical injuries resulting from assault – These may require ongoing medical care and can leave lasting pain or disability.
• Loss of enjoyment of life and diminished quality of life – Even joyful moments can be clouded by the shadow of what happened.

What Damages Can Clergy Abuse Victims Recover in Chicago?

When survivors of clergy sexual abuse choose to pursue a clergy abuse claim, our goal is to recover every form of compensation the law allows, including:

• Economic damages – These cover direct financial losses such as therapy costs, medical bills, lost income, and relocation expenses if a survivor needs to move for safety or healing.
• Non-economic damages – Survivors often experience profound emotional distress, pain and suffering, and a loss of enjoyment of life. These damages acknowledge the deep, non-financial harm caused by the abuse.
• Punitive damages – In cases involving egregious misconduct or an institutional cover-up, Illinois law allows additional damages meant to punish wrongdoers and deter similar conduct in the future.

What Is the Average Clergy Sexual Abuse Payout in Chicago?

In our experience representing clergy abuse victims in Chicago, settlements and verdicts typically range between $2.7 million and $5 million, with a median of $3.2 million and an average of about $3.63 million.

Several factors influence these amounts, including:

• The severity and duration of the abuse
• The survivor’s age when the abuse occurred
• The long-term emotional and physical impact, including diagnoses such as post-traumatic stress disorder
• Evidence of institutional negligence or a cover-up by a religious institution
• The survivor’s ongoing need for therapy, medical care, or relocation for safety

Example Clergy Abuse Cases in Cook County

One Cook County clergy sex abuse case involved a former student at Our Lady of the Westside School (now St. Agatha Academy) who endured repeated sexual abuse by Catholic priest Daniel McCormack over a two-year period in the early 2000s. 

Despite a documented history of abuse allegations at other parishes, McCormack was placed in a position of trust, coaching the boys’ basketball team and teaching at the school. The survivor suffered ongoing nightmares, trust issues, and paranoia. Roughly six weeks before trial, the Archdiocese of Chicago agreed to a $3.2 million settlement, with $300,000 placed in escrow for future services.

In another case, brothers John A. Doe (16) and John B. Doe (14) alleged they were sexually abused on a weekly basis by McCormack during after-school programs, basketball tournaments, and other church-related activities. 

The lawsuit claimed the Archdiocese of Chicago knowingly promoted McCormack despite prior abuse allegations and failed to investigate or protect students. Both brothers suffered from depression, anxiety, and substance abuse as a result of the trauma. The case resolved in a $2.7 million settlement, with John A. receiving $1.55 million and John B. receiving $1.15 million.

Why You Need an Experienced Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Clergy sexual abuse claims are complex and often involve powerful religious institutions working to protect church officials. In many of these cases, abuse victims face intimidation, delayed investigations, or a lack of substantiated allegations.

Our clergy abuse attorneys use a trauma-informed approach to support survivors. We work with experts to document post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and hold every member of the clergy and institution accountable. Our focus is on delivering justice and securing fair financial compensation through a strong civil claim.

How Common Is Catholic Church Sexual Abuse in Chicago?

As of February 10, 2025, the Archdiocese of Chicago lists 81 clergy members with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Of those, 43 clergy members have been laicized (removed from the priesthood), 25 are deceased, and the remainder have been restricted from ministry or removed from public ministry but not laicized.

There are two deacons on the list, as many priests who are not incardinated in the Archdiocese of Chicago but were granted faculties to minister by it, as well as one religious order priest who was a member of a specified religious order and was granted faculties to minister by the Archdiocese of Chicago. 

However, a 2023 report on catholic clergy child sex abuse in Illinois by the Office of the Illinois Attorney General revealed 275 abusive priests and religious brothers, many of whom are facing criminal charges.

Where Does Clergy Sex Abuse Most Often Occur in Chicago?

As Chicago clergy sexual abuse lawyers, we know that many allegations in the Archdiocese involve abuse occurring in trusted community spaces. In Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, substantiated allegations have been linked to:

• St. Agatha Catholic Church
• Our Lady of the Westside School 
• Quigley Preparatory Seminary 
• St. Mary of Perpetual Help 
• St. John de la Salle School 
• and many others.

Many clergy sexual abuse cases also stem from incidents during youth retreats, parish-run sports programs, and counseling sessions with clergy. These locations and programs are operated by religious institutions that have a legal and moral duty to protect parishioners from harm.

What Laws Govern Clergy Abuse Claims in Chicago?

Survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Chicago have important legal protections under Illinois statutes, federal law, and court decisions. 

The Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325 ILCS 5/) requires religious leaders, teachers, and other mandated reporters to notify authorities when they suspect abuse, with 325 ILCS 5/4.1 making failing to report a criminal offense.

Case Law also plays a role in how these cases are handled. In Hobert v. Covenant Children’s Home, No. 3-99-0371 (Ill. App. 3d Dist. 2000), the Illinois Appellate Court held that liability can extend to a religious institution that failed to protect a child, even if it was not the direct abuser. 

In some cases, federal civil rights statutes can also apply to clergy abuse cases, particularly when institutional misconduct violates a survivor’s constitutional protections. These laws work together to hold both individual perpetrators and the church or religious organizations accountable, ensuring survivors can seek justice and recover damages for the harm they’ve endured.

How Long Do I Have to File a Civil Lawsuit in Illinois?

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202.2, those who experienced child sexual abuse have up to 20 years after turning 18—or 20 years from the date they connect their harm to the abuse—to file a civil claim. 

For adult survivors, the standard personal injury statute of limitations—typically two years—applies under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, unless exceptions are triggered, such as delayed discovery of harm or concealment by the institution. 

Because deadlines in clergy abuse cases are complex and can depend on specific facts, working with an experienced clergy sexual abuse lawyer ensures your rights are preserved and that you do not lose the chance to seek justice against the perpetrator or responsible institution.

Who Is Legally Liable for Clergy Sexual Abuse in Chicago?

In many clergy abuse cases, responsibility extends beyond the individual member of the clergy who committed the harm. The perpetrator can face a civil claim for sexual abuse and sexual misconduct, but the religious institution—such as a church or diocesan governing body—may also be held liable for negligent hiring, supervision, or retention. 

Associated schools, youth programs, and other religious organizations under the institution’s control can share legal responsibility if they failed to act on warning signs or allowed abuse to continue. 

In some situations, liability may extend to church members, administrators, or other religious leaders who enabled or concealed misconduct. An experienced priest sexual abuse lawyer can identify every potentially responsible party to ensure survivors have the strongest possible path to financial compensation and justice.

Common Defenses in Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases

Defendants in clergy abuse cases—including individual members of the clergy and the religious institutions that employed them—often rely on well-worn strategies to avoid accountability. They may argue the statute of limitations has expired, despite changes in Illinois law that extend filing deadlines for child sexual abuse claims. 

Others challenge the survivor’s credibility, citing the passage of time or lack of physical evidence. Some religious organizations deny institutional knowledge, claiming they had no awareness of the sexual abuse or sexual misconduct. In more aggressive defenses, church members or administrators may shift blame to unrelated events to distract from the core wrongdoing. 

Our team counters these tactics with documented timelines, witness testimony, and historical patterns of abuse, ensuring survivors have the best possible chance at justice.

How to Strengthen Your Clergy Sexual Abuse Case in Chicago

For survivors of clergy sexual abuse, taking steps early can make a major difference in the outcome of your clergy abuse claim. 

First, seek immediate counseling from a crisis rape center or medical care from trauma-informed providers, and keep all related records. 

Document every detail of when and where the assault happened, including the identity of the member of the clergy involved and any church members who may have witnessed concerning behavior. Preserve physical evidence, written correspondence, or journals that describe the sexual abuse. 

If possible, report the matter to law enforcement and child protection agencies in Chicago. Many survivors also share information with trusted religious community members or advocacy groups. Avoid direct contact with the accused or the religious institution without speaking to a clergy sexual abuse lawyer first. 

Our firm can help interview witnesses, gather corroborating evidence, and take the legal action needed to protect your legal rights and secure financial compensation.

How Our Chicago Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Our clergy abuse attorneys combine legal skill with trauma-informed advocacy to guide survivors through every stage of a clergy abuse claim. We provide confidential consultations, explain your legal options, and ensure your voice is heard. 

Our team investigates allegations, works with experts to document the harm you’ve suffered, and pursues legal action against both the perpetrator and the religious institution that allowed the sexual misconduct to occur. 

We understand the tactics church officials and their insurance company may use to avoid accountability, and we counter them with strong evidence and relentless advocacy. Whether negotiating a settlement or presenting your case in court, our goal is to deliver justice and secure the financial compensation you deserve.

FAQs

What are the warning signs of sexual abuse among children?

Warning signs can include sudden changes in behavior, withdrawal from church members or friends, unexplained injuries, self-isolation, or self-harm. In some cases, a child may show fear toward a specific member of the clergy or avoid certain religious leaders.

Which priests have been accused of abuse in the Archdiocese of Chicago?

Some of the clergy members with allegations of sexual abuse of a minor in the Archdiocese of Chicago include:

• Daniel McCormack
• Joseph Bennett
• Richard Bartz
• Robert Becker
• Leonard Bogdan
• Peter Bowman
• David Braun
• Daniel Buck
• John Calicott
• Thomas Craig
• Norman Czajka
• Francis Dilla
• Richard Fassbinder
• Raymond Skriba
• Richard Theisen

What is the typical clergy abuse offender profile?

The overwhelming majority of clergy abuse cases involve male offenders who hold positions of trust and authority within the religious community, most often as priests, pastors, or youth ministers. Studies show that only a small percentage have diagnosable disorders such as pedophilia or ephebophilia, yet many score high on narcissistic personality assessments, a trait that can amplify the misuse of power. 

These offenders operate within tight-knit communities, where stigma and institutional protection often prevent victims from reporting abuse. Even when an abuse victim discloses misconduct, the chances of law enforcement receiving the report can be low due to pressure, intimidation, and internal handling by church leadership.

Offenders often use calculated grooming tactics—befriending victims, offering special privileges, and building trust with their families. They may deliberately isolate victims, undermine their support systems, and create a “trauma bond” that fosters secrecy. In some cases, they manipulate other community members to doubt or even ostracize the victim. 

These behaviors make it difficult for survivors to come forward until years later, which is why many states, including Illinois, have adopted laws to protect consumers of institutional services and extend the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims.

How much does a clergy sexual abuse attorney cost in Chicago?

Our sexual abuse lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we win your case. This allows survivors to seek justice without upfront costs.

Will my identity be kept confidential during the case?

Yes. Our law firm prioritizes survivor privacy. In many clergy abuse cases, the court allows the use of pseudonyms to protect abuse victims.

Who can file a wrongful death claim if abuse leads to suicide?

If suffered abuse results in a wrongful death, Illinois law allows certain family members to file a civil claim. This can hold the perpetrator and religious organizations accountable for the harm that led to the loss.

Consult a Chicago Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near You!

If you or someone you love has experienced abuse by a member of the clergy, a church leader, or another trusted figure within a religious institution, you do not have to face this alone. Many victims suffer deep emotional wounds, lasting mental health issues, and the pain of knowing that the Catholic Church or other religious leaders failed to protect them. 

Our experienced trial lawyers have a proven record of holding Catholic dioceses and other institutions accountable for priest abuse, clergy sexual abuse, and other forms of sexual assault.

Our law firm offers a free consultation to help you understand your legal options. We handle clergy sex abuse cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we win your case. Whether the abuse happened recently or years ago, our legal professionals can review your situation, explain the statute of limitations in Illinois, and take action to pursue justice.

Contact us today to speak confidentially with a Chicago personal injury lawyer who is dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring your voice is heard.

Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

We also serve clients from Champaign, Evanston, Peoria, Springfield and throughout Illinois.

Related Practice Areas

• Illinois Catholic Diocese Priest Abuse List
• Illinois Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer
• Aurora Clergy Abuse Lawyer
• Joliet Clergy Abuse Lawyer
• Naperville Clergy Abuse Lawyer
• Rockford Clergy Abuse Lawyer

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.