Clergy abuse in Maryland has had a devastating impact on countless individuals and their families, leaving lifelong emotional and psychological scars. Survivors of such abuse can seek justice and healing by filing a civil lawsuit. The legal team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is dedicated to providing compassionate and expert legal support to those affected by clergy abuse.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Selecting Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers means choosing a team with extensive experience and a proven track record in handling clergy sexual abuse cases.
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
Clergy abuse case filed against a deceased priest
We offer unparalleled experience and success in handling clergy sexual abuse cases. Our compassionate and dedicated legal team ensures that survivors receive the utmost care and support. With nationwide representation and resources, we are equipped to handle cases across the state of Maine.
We are deeply committed to maintaining confidentiality and sensitivity throughout the legal process, ensuring that our clients feel safe and respected at every stage.
What Is Clergy Sexual Abuse?
Clergy sexual abuse refers to wrongful acts of a sexual nature committed by religious leaders or officials against members of their congregation or community. This abuse exploits the power and trust vested in these leaders, causing profound harm to the victims.
Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in Maryland
A report released by the Maryland Attorney General revealed alarming statistics concerning clergy sex abuse within the Archdiocese of Baltimore:
- More than 150 Catholic priests and associates were implicated in the abuse of over 600 children spanning 80 years. [1]
- Church authorities were found to have systematically covered up the abuse, protecting the perpetrators. [1]
- The Baltimore archdiocese has disbursed over $13.2 million for the abuse of 301 abuse victims since the 1980s. [2]
Notable Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases and Accused Priests in Maryland
Among the numerous cases of abuse by Catholic church clergy members in Maryland, two notable ones stand out for their severity and the extensive impact on the community.
The Attorney General’s report identifies Joseph Maskell as having abused at least 39 victims. Despite the overwhelming evidence and numerous allegations against him, Maskell consistently denied these accusations until his death in 2001. He was never criminally charged. [2]
In 1964, Father Laurence Brett admitted to sexual abuse of a teenager at a Catholic university in Connecticut. He was sent to New Mexico under the pretense of receiving hepatitis treatment and was relocated to Sacramento, where another teenager accused him of abuse. [2]
Brett was later assigned to the Archdiocese of Baltimore, where he served as chaplain at a Catholic high school for boys and abused over 20 victims. After several students accused him of abuse in 1973, Brett was permitted to resign under the pretense of caring for a sick aunt. [2]
School officials failed to report the abuse to authorities. Dozens of other victims eventually came forward. Brett died in 2010, having never faced criminal charges. [2]
Common Forms of Clergy Abuse
Clergy abuse manifests in various forms, reflecting the diverse and often insidious ways in which offenders exploit their victims. Common types include:
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual assault/rape
- Grooming
- Exploitation
Maryland Catholic Church Dioceses
The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
These victims can be of any age, gender, or socio-economic status, though many are children or adolescents due to their impressionability and the inherent power dynamics with religious leaders, and many are male.
Consequences and Injuries Suffered
The repercussions of childhood sexual abuse are profound, impacting victims physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Common injuries include trauma-related disorders such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trust issues.
Victims may also experience difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships, suffer from low self-esteem, and may turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism.
Common Signs of Clergy Abuse Among Child Victims
Maryland child victims who have been sexually abused often exhibit a variety of signs and behavioral changes that can indicate they are being harmed, including:
- Sudden behavioral changes
- Academic decline
- Reluctance to attend religious activities
- Physical symptoms
- Nightmares or sleep disorders
- Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge
Who Can File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim?
Adult and child sexual abuse survivors eligible to file a clergy sexual abuse claim include child victims and their parents (or guardian family members), adult victims of abuse or assault, and adult survivors who were sexually abused as minors. These claims can be made to pursue compensation for the profound impacts suffered due to the abuse.
Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases
In cases of clergy abuse, both individual and institutional liabilities can come into play.
Individual liability involves holding the individual perpetrators directly accountable for their actions, which can include facing criminal charges and civil lawsuits. Clergy members found guilty of abuse may face imprisonment, fines, and other penalties, alongside civil damages awarded to victims.
Institutional liability pertains to the responsibility of the religious institutions overseeing the clergy. Institutions can be held liable under various legal theories, such as negligent hiring or supervision, failure to report abuse, and vicarious liability.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Maryland Clergy Sex Abuse Lawsuit
The statute of limitations for filing a Maryland clergy abuse lawsuit has been significantly altered by a recent law. On April 11, 2023, Governor Wes Moore signed the Maryland Child Victims Act into law.
This legislation permanently removes the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases, thereby reviving all claims against all defendants. This new law means childhood sexual abuse survivors can pursue legal action regardless of when the abuse occurred, allowing innocent children to seek justice and financial compensation.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Maryland Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers
For individuals seeking accountability and justice, our Maryland clergy sexual abuse lawyers handle a broad spectrum of cases involving abuse by Catholic priests, pastors, and other church leaders. These cases span various religious institutions, including but not limited to Catholic and Protestant churches.
Specifically, we have experience managing cases involving clergy abuse in dioceses such as the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Diocese of Wilmington. No matter the religious affiliation or institution, we are equipped to provide the necessary legal expertise and support to survivors pursuing justice.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
If you are a victim of clergy sexual abuse, it is crucial to take immediate steps to ensure your safety and well-being.
First, seek a safe environment away from the abuser and consult a trusted individual or organization for immediate support. Documenting the abuse with as much detail as possible, including dates, locations, and descriptions, is essential for any potential legal action.
Next, seek legal help by contacting an experienced attorney specializing in clergy abuse cases. The legal process typically involves an initial consultation where you discuss your case, followed by an investigation and potential litigation.
Survivors in Maryland can access support through organizations like the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA) [3] and the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP). [4]
How a Maryland Clergy Abuse Attorney From Our Team Can Help
Our Maryland clergy sexual abuse lawyers provide comprehensive support through a variety of services.
We begin with a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options. Our team conducts thorough investigations to gather pertinent evidence and build a strong case. We handle all legal documentation and filings, ensuring you understand all potential outcomes and strategies.
While we strive for a fair settlement, your Maryland clergy abuse attorney from our team will be well prepared to represent you in court to secure justice if necessary.
The Cost of Hiring a Maryland Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our clergy sexual abuse lawyers understand that the financial burden of legal proceedings can be overwhelming for many survivors. Therefore, we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will not incur any upfront legal costs.
You will only pay your Maryland clergy sex abuse attorney if they secure settlement negotiations or verdicts in your favor. This approach ensures everyone has access to justice, regardless of their financial situation.
Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
Victims of clergy sexual abuse may be entitled to various forms of compensation, each tailored to address the unique impacts of their experiences. Types of compensation available include:
- Medical Expenses: Covering the costs of physical and psychological treatment, including therapy and counseling.
- Emotional Distress: Compensating for the immense emotional and mental anguish endured by survivors.
- Punitive Damages: Aimed at punishing the offending individual or institution and deterring future misconduct.
Several factors can influence the amount of compensation awarded, such as the severity of the abuse, the duration over which it occurred, and the lasting effects on the victim’s life. Additional considerations may include the age of the victim at the time of the abuse and the degree of negligence exhibited by the religious institution.
Each case is unique, and our experienced legal team is dedicated to ensuring that every survivor receives the fair and just compensation they deserve.
Contact a Maryland Clergy Abuse Attorney Today!
If you or a loved one have been a victim of abuse involving catholic priests or other members of the catholic church, it is imperative to take action to protect children and seek justice. We understand the sensitive nature of coming forward with such allegations, and our dedicated Maryland clergy abuse attorneys are here to provide the support and legal expertise you need.
Our team is committed to holding wrongdoers accountable and ensuring that survivors receive the compensation they deserve. Don’t face this challenging journey alone. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today for a confidential consultation and begin the path toward healing and justice.
Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form.
Related Practice Areas
- Maryland Catholic Diocese Priest Abuse List
- Baltimore Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Columbia Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Germantown Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Silver Spring Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Waldorf Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Resources: [1] AP News, [2] Politico. [3] Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault. [4] Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests