Chicago Clergy Abuse Lawyer

The issue of clergy abuse (sometimes referred to as clerical sexual abuse) has inflicted immeasurable emotional injury on many innocent individuals, and these heinous acts are often hidden or ignored.

However, in May 2023, a groundbreaking report by the Illinois attorney general unveiled the shocking magnitude of this widespread sexual abuse. The investigation highlighted that approximately 451 religious officials in the state had sexually abused nearly 2,000 minors from as far back as 1950.  

This far exceeded the 103 individuals initially named by the church. It also made clear how religious institutions systematically failed to safeguard and advocate for their most vulnerable members. [1]

Read on to learn more about the limit to file claims, the damages that can be recovered by sexual abuse victims, and the legal options they can pursue, including proving liability and overcoming potential challenges when filing a claim.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Clergy Abuse Lawsuit?

There is currently no statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit pertaining to sexual abuse in Illinois. However, it’s essential to understand this law was enacted in 2014 and was not retroactive, so some older cases may still be subject to limitation periods. 

Determining if your clergy abuse case is subject to the older statute of limitations can be quite complicated, and the best way to determine if you have a valid claim is to speak with clergy sexual abuse lawyers as soon as possible.

Damages a Clergy Abuse Attorney Can Help You Recover

The recovery from sexual abuse is not only an emotional journey but can also pose significant financial challenges. Hiring an attorney to help gives many victims of sexual abuse a chance to claim compensation for the effects of childhood sexual abuse, which could include:

• Medical bills for physical injuries directly resulting from the abuse.
• Therapy and counseling costs to deal with the profound psychological effects of abuse
• Pain and suffering/emotional distress, compensating you for the physical pain you’ve endured as well as the emotional distress from the abuse 
• Loss of earning capacity for victims whose ability to continue their education or find gainful employment is affected 
• Loss of enjoyment of life and activities once enjoyed
• Loss of consortium, which compensates for the detrimental effects abuse has inflicted on a marital relationship later on in life 
• Punitive damages, which is awarded to deter future misconduct and punish the liable party

While there’s absolutely no amount of money that can make up for the abuse you’ve endured at the hands of someone you trusted, obtaining compensation and holding the liable parties accountable is a way to seek justice and gives abuse survivors the possibility of moving forward.

Financial Compensation Awarded in Clergy Abuse Claims

There aren’t standard amounts of financial compensation awarded in clergy child abuse cases—it fluctuates considerably according to individual case specifics. It’s essential to consult with clergy abuse attorneys for a more accurate estimate based on your situation. However, we can provide examples of past settlements our clients have received:

• We were able to recover $2 million in a settlement for a male victim who experienced assault by a priest while attending elementary school.
• In another case, we successfully secured nearly $2 million in compensation for another man who was assaulted over 40 years earlier. His award originated from the unique application of the repressed memory theory to argue his claim’s timeliness.
• In another case, we represented a nun who had been abused by a priest for several years. We successfully mediated a confidential settlement. It was quite significant, as we were able to do this before litigation even began.

Navigating the path to justice in these challenging circumstances can seem overwhelming, but you’re not alone. With an experienced legal team by your side, you have a strong chance of receiving compensation.

Common Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims and the Consequences They Suffer

Child victims of clergy sexual abuse often suffer extensive consequences stemming from these incidents. [5] This type of trauma can greatly affect many aspects of a survivor’s daily life, and can bring about the following:

• Psychological Trauma
• Pregnancy or Sexually Transmitted Diseases 
• Loss of Faith
• Relationship Issues
• Sexual Issues
• Drug and Alcohol Abuse
• Suicidal Thoughts/Behaviors
• Self-Harm 
• Social Withdrawal and Isolation
• Academic or Career Impact

Despite these adversities, it’s important to remember you are not alone. There are numerous resources available to help you navigate through this difficult time.

Common Forms of Clergy Sexual Misconduct

Clergy abuse refers to any sexual behavior or advances made by a clergy member that are inappropriate, unethical, or exploitative. This behavior violates the trust placed in clergy by individuals and communities, and it often takes advantage of the power imbalance between clergy and parishioners or others who look to them for spiritual guidance. 

Clergy sexual misconduct can take various forms, including but not limited to:

• Sexual Abuse of Minors
• Sexual Harassment
• Sexual Assault and Rape
• Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults
• Inappropriate Relationships
• Grooming Behaviors
• Possession or Distribution of Child Pornography
• Exhibitionism or Voyeurism
• Sexting or Inappropriate Communications

Sexual misconduct from Catholic priests and other religious leaders encompasses a wide variety of behaviors that inflict profound harm on many victims. Recognizing and confronting this widespread issue is crucial for the mental health and healing of those affected by these instances.

Legal Options a Sexual Abuse Victim Can Pursue

Victims of priest abuse have several legal pathways available to seek justice. These most often include one or multiple of the following:

• Filing Criminal Charges: You can report the criminal offense to law enforcement officials. If charges are filed and your case can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, this can result in serious penalties for the perpetrator, including lengthy prison sentences and mandated registration as a sex offender.
• Civil Lawsuit: Separate from any criminal case, victims also have the right to file a civil lawsuit against their abusers – and sometimes third parties like churches or schools – which could lead to substantial monetary compensation for the devastating consequences they suffered.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures: The aim of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures is to try and come to an agreement without resorting to litigation or before a lawsuit is even filed in civil court. This typically includes methods like mediation and arbitration, which are often faster, more cost-effective, and less antagonistic than traditional courtroom proceedings. 

After suffering the devastating ordeal of sexual abuse, you have several legal options at your disposal. Whatever you decide, make sure you explore these avenues with trusted and effective legal representation specializing in clergy abuse cases to ensure your rights are protected as much as possible.

Throughout a Catholic clergy abuse case, you may encounter many challenges, including:

• Proving the abuse and holding your abuser accountable can be difficult, as evidence may be considered weak if the incident occurred years or decades ago. 
• The statute of limitations could prevent you from filing your claim in some cases.   
• Many religious organizations aggressively defend those accused, posing further complications.
• The legal process may bring back painful memories and cause significant emotional distress, making this process very difficult. 

It’s crucial to be prepared for these challenges when pursuing a clergy abuse case, but remember, you are not alone. Working with an experienced clergy abuse attorney will help you navigate through this difficult process.

Filing a Civil Lawsuit With Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand the sensitivity involved in child sexual abuse cases, including those involving priest abuse, and we’re committed to guiding survivors through the legal process. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

• Free Consultation
• Confidentiality
• Evidence Collection
• Negotiation and Settlement
• Trial Representation

When you decide to seek justice through our experienced attorneys, you will receive a comprehensive, professional approach, giving you the best chance at a successful outcome.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Clergy Sexual Abuse Claims?

The pursuit of justice for sexual abuse victims often includes more parties than just the person perpetrating the abuse. Depending on the situation, the following parties can be held responsible for clergy child sex abuse:

• The Abusive Clergy Member: First and foremost, the perpetrating clergy member themselves is liable for their actions. They can face both criminal charges and civil liability, depending on the circumstances of the case.
• Religious Institutions: The religious institution – Catholic dioceses – in charge of the clergy member can be held liable in cases where they were aware of the abuse or failed to take proper action to prevent it. 
• Mandated Reporters: Certain professionals have a legal obligation to report suspicions of child abuse to authorities. These individuals, known as mandated reporters, could include teachers, doctors, nurses, and counselors. If it can be shown that a mandated reporter knew about the abuse but failed to report it, they too can be held liable for their inaction.

This is not an exhaustive list, but provides an overview of who could be responsible. By understanding the various entities that can be held accountable, survivors and their loved ones can work together with legal professionals to seek justice, closure, and recover financial compensation.

What to Do If You Have Experienced or Suspect Clergy Sexual Misconduct

If you’ve been sexually abused or suspect clergy/priest sexual abuse of someone else, here are some steps to follow:

• Recognize the Signs: Be aware of behavior changes in individuals who interact with suspected perpetrators such as sudden withdrawal from social or religious activities, a drop in academic performance, or a change of demeanor around certain clergy members.
• Encourage Open Communication: Create comfortable environments where victims of sexual abuse can share experiences without judgment or fear. 
• Report the Incident: If you’re experiencing clergy abuse, or have in the past, report it to law enforcement as soon as you feel comfortable doing so. 
• Preserve Evidence: Hold on to any physical or electronic evidence related to the misconduct, including emails, text messages, or photos, as these could be crucial in establishing credibility.
• Seek Professional Therapeutic Support: This can include a psychologist, therapist, or counselor to assist in managing the emotional trauma associated with the abuse. 
• Hire a Lawyer: Working with experienced sexual abuse lawyers in cases of priest abuse is instrumental in achieving justice. 

Navigating the aftermath of clergy abuse by a priest, Catholic bishops, or other clergy members can be devastating and difficult, but help is available. If you find yourself in this position or believe someone you love is experiencing this, consider taking the steps outlined above.

The Cost of Hiring a Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer

When seeking justice for church sexual abuse through a civil claim, one of the primary concerns you may have is the cost of hiring a lawyer. It’s important to understand that, typically, victims do not pay an upfront fee or hourly rates in these cases.

Our attorneys work on what is known as a contingency basis – this means legal fees are paid only if the case results in a settlement or court verdict. We then receive a percentage of the compensation as their fee. 

In other words, if you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Clergy Sexual Assault Case?

There’s no definitive timeline for settling clergy sexual assault cases. Every case is unique, and various factors can affect the length of time it takes to settle. These factors typically include the complexity of the case, how long ago the abuse happened, the amount of evidence available, the willingness of both parties to reach a resolution, and the legal strategy applied by your church sexual abuse attorney. 

It could take anywhere from a few months to a few years to reach a resolution in this type of case. For help with abuse at the hands of a Catholic priest or other church clergy member, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. 

History of Clergy Abuse Cases in Illinois

The prevalence of abuse in Illinois brings a tragic pattern to light. Some notable examples include:

• Father Daniel McCormack came under scrutiny for over 100 accusations before his arrest in 2006 for the assault of five minors in Chicago. [2] 

• Father Thomas Considine was an educator at a secondary institution based out of Elgin, and faced allegations of sexually assaulting an underage adolescent repeatedly. [3]   
• Another case involved Bruce Wellems, a priest previously associated with the Claretians missionaries assigned to Hispanic neighborhoods in Chicago for several years. He was accused of sexually abusing his victim on multiple occasions beginning in 1973. [4]

Clearly, the issue of sexual clergy abuse in Illinois is a serious problem, and those responsible need to be brought to justice.

Contact an Experienced Clergy Abuse Attorney Today!

If you’re a victim of clergy abuse, you have the right to pursue justice. Remember, you don’t have to navigate the difficult path alone. Our clergy sexual abuse lawyers are here to stand beside and guide you. We are fully committed to achieving justice for what happened and assisting in your healing journey inside the courtroom and beyond.

Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers anytime to schedule a free consultation by calling us at (888) 424-5757 or reaching out to us online. 

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

Resources: [1] PBS, [2] AP News, [3] Illinois Attorney General, [4] Chicago Sun Times, [5] NCBI