Clergy abuse has affected dozens of people over decades, and the impacts can be felt for the rest of the survivors’ lives. Lowell, Massachusetts, isn’t exempt from children being abused by clergy members.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are committed to fighting civil cases of clergy abuse to help survivors in Lowell and Middlesex County hold their abusers accountable and seek compensation for what happened to them.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
When it comes to fighting cases of clergy abuse, you need lawyers who have the experience and compassion to handle your case the right way. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers deeply understand the law and how to help hold abusers accountable for their actions. Our legal team has a proven track record of assisting clients in receiving maximum compensation for their injuries.
Priest grooming and handling
Deacon assault and rape
Clergy child abuse filed in adulthood
Volunteer-perpetrated Catholic church abuse
Religious school priest teen sexual abuse
Case filed against a deceased priest
We’ll handle your civil clergy abuse case with the care it deserves, thanks to our lengthy experience in Lowell and the surrounding areas. Our mission is to deliver justice and help clients heal with financial compensation for what they went through. With us as your clergy abuse lawyers, you’ll have our unwavering support every step of the way.
Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts, is part of the Archdiocese of Boston. When we look at the prevalence of clergy sexual abuse in Lowell, we take into account the negligence and abuse throughout the Archdiocese of Boston. Some clergy abuse statistics in his area include:
- The Massachusetts Attorney General reported that roughly 1,000 children were sexually abused by clergy members within the Archdiocese of Boston over six decades. [1]
- St. Patrick’s Church and Immaculate Conception Parish have been affected by a clergy member abusing children.
Notable Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases and Accused Priests in Lowell
There have been several clergy sexual abuse cases and accused priests in the Archdiocese of Boston over the years. The most notable ones in Lowell are:
- Richard O. Matte: The Archdiocese received an autonomous telling them about six men who he sexually abused. Several settlements were reached, and he was sued at least twice.
- Paul J. McLaughlin: He was accused of abusing three minors while working in Lowell in the 1960s and was placed on leave in 2003, even though he denied all charges. [2]
Common Forms of Clergy Abuse
Clergy sexual abuse comes in many forms, but the most common are:
- Grooming a child by building trust with their family makes it easier to abuse them sexually.
- Inappropriately touching children but disguising it as affectionate gestures.
- Exposing children to sexual material or sexual acts.
- Verbally sexually abusing children by making sexual propositions or comments.
- Sexually assaulting a child, ranging from groping to rape.
- Abusing one’s power to seek sexual favors.
The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
A clergy member can abuse anyone, but certain people tend to fit the profile of what we know as clergy abuse more than others:
- Most victims are children between the ages of 10-14, but they can be any age.
- Boys and girls can be sexually abused, but there’s a higher prevalence among boys.
- Children from single-family households or seeking parental guidance.
- Those with a strong trust in religious authority figures.
The consequences of clergy abuse range from survivor to survivor. They can be both physical and psychological:
- Severe emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
- Increased risk of suicide or self-harm.
- Crisis of faith or spiritual connection.
- Difficulty forming healthy and trusting relationships.
- Sexual dysfunctions once they’re adults.
- Academic or professional setbacks.
- Substance abuse issues as a coping mechanism.
Common Signs of Clergy Abuse Among Child Victims
Signs that someone might have been or is currently experiencing clergy abuse include:
- Sudden behavioral changes like withdrawing from loved ones and aggressive behaviors.
- Unexplained physical symptoms like bleeding, bruising, or pain in private areas.
- Anxiety and fear surrounding religion or religious leaders.
- Insomnia, bed-wetting, and nightmares.
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
- Inappropriate sexual knowledge for their age.
- A sudden decrease in school performance and interest.
Eligibility to File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim
In Lowell, you can file a civil lawsuit against a clergy member who’s sexually abused someone as long as you’re eligible:
- Parents or guardians of child victims can file on behalf of their kids.
- Adult victims of clergy sexual abuse.
- Adult clergy abuse survivors who were sexually abused as minors.
Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases
As we seek justice for clergy abuse survivors, we have to address liability. There’s individual liability, the perpetrator who committed the acts. Individuals can face criminal charges and lawsuits. Then, there’s institutional liability. We can potentially hold institutions liable on the grounds of:
- Vicarious liability means they’re responsible even if they weren’t negligent.
- Negligent hiring and supervising practices.
- Failing to report the allegations to the authorities or negligence when keeping clergy members active.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit in Lowell
Massachusetts has a statute of limitations when filing a clergy abuse civil lawsuit. Victims of childhood sexual abuse have until 35 years to file a civil suit, but that clock doesn’t start until they turn 18. That gives them until they turn 53 to seek justice.
There is the discovery rule, where the statute of limitations can be paused if adults who were abused have repressed memories of the abuse.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Lowell Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers
Our attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are capable of handling a range of clergy abuse cases in Lowell:
- Sexual abuse by priests, pastors, and other religious leaders.
- Abuse that occurs in Lowell institutions like St. Patrick’s Church and Immaculate Conception Parish.
- Cases involving religious institutions like the Catholic Church, Protestant churches, and more.
- Historical cases of abuse.
- Cases involving institutional cover-ups.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
If you’ve been a victim of sexual abuse by clergy members, consider taking these steps:
- Ensure your safety by getting away from your abuser if you can.
- Seek medical attention regardless of how minor you believe your injuries are.
- Document what you can about the abuse.
- Preserve any physical evidence you can.
- Seek support from loved ones or local resources like the National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (NAASCA) or the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP).
How Our Lowell Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help
As your trusted Lowell clergy abuse lawyers, we can help our clients in these ways:
- We offer a free consultation to share your story and learn your legal options.
- Thoroughly investigating your claim and gathering all the evidence we can.
- Crafting a legal strategy that showcases the scope of what happened to you.
- Filing the civil lawsuit on your behalf.
- Negotiating with opposing counsel to reach the maximum settlement possible.
- Representing you in trial if a settlement can’t be reached outside court.
The Cost of Hiring Our Lowell Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys
When you work with our clergy abuse lawyers, you don’t have to worry about paying any upfront fees. We operate on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t have to pay us anything unless we reach a settlement in your case.
Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
If you or a loved one have been a victim of clergy sexual abuse, you might be entitled to compensation like:
- Medical and therapy expenses.
- Pain and suffering.
- Lost wages.
- Emotional distress.
- Punitive damages.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
The amount of compensation you’ll receive is based on your case and depends on these factors:
- The severity and duration of the abuse.
- The overall impact the abuse caused you.
- The strength of the evidence presented.
Contact Our Lowell Clergy Abuse Attorneys Today!
If clergy members have sexually abused you or a loved one, seeking justice and compensation can be just what you need to begin healing. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are committed to fighting for the maximum settlement possible for what you’ve been through and will do so with compassion.
If you’re ready to fight for justice and seek compensation, contact us today for a confidential consultation at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form.
Related Practice Areas
- Massachusetts Catholic Diocese Priest Abuse List
- Boston Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Cambridge Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Springfield Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Worcester Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Resources: [1] New York Times, [2] AP News