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Massachusetts Clergy Abuse Lawyer

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$450+ Million Recovered



Legally Reviewed by:

Jonathan Rosenfeld

J.D

  • Over $450 Million worth of case results

  • Awarded The Best Lawyer in 2024 by U.S. News

  • Nationally Recognized in Legal Community

Clergy sexual abuse has left a profound impact on many individuals and families, causing immense emotional and psychological trauma. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are committed to supporting survivors of such egregious misconduct. 

Our team is dedicated to seeking justice and providing compassionate care to those affected in Massachusetts. We understand the specific challenges faced by abuse survivors in this state and are here to offer the legal support needed to navigate this difficult journey. 

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to delivering justice for victims of clergy abuse. Our experience and commitment to client advocacy have resulted in significant settlements.

$14,200,000

Priest grooming and handling

$4,100,000

Deacon assault and rape

$3,000,000

Clergy child abuse filed in adulthood

$2,475,000

Volunteer-perpetrated Catholic church abuse

$2,250,000

Religious school priest teen sexual abuse

$1,500,000

Clergy abuse case filed against a deceased priest

Choosing Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers ensures that you have a dedicated team of professionals who specialize in advocating for the rights of abuse survivors. Our law firm has an extensive track record of successfully handling civil cases, providing invaluable expertise to survivors seeking justice.

We prioritize the well-being of our clients, offering unwavering support and personalized attention throughout the legal process. We provide comprehensive support across the United States, utilizing a wide range of resources to build strong cases for survivors in Louisiana.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand the delicate nature of these child sex abuse cases and are committed to maintaining confidentiality and sensitivity under all circumstances. Trust our expertise and compassionate approach to guide you through this challenging time and help you achieve the justice and closure you deserve. 

What Is Clergy Sexual Abuse?

Clergy abuse refers to any inappropriate sexual conduct or advances made by a clergy member towards a congregant, often involving an abuse of power and trust. This can include a range of actions, from unwanted sexual remarks to physical sexual acts.

Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in Massachusetts

A new report concerning clergy child sexual abuse in Massachusetts was released. Unlike similar reports published by other dioceses, this one did not include the names of the credibly accused priests. [1]

This new report is an update to a previous Attorney General report from 2004, which covered the period from 1950 to 2004. According to the new report, there were 209 allegations of priest sexual abuse over this between 1950 and 2022. Among these allegations:

  • 173 were credible [2]
  • 28 were unsubstantiated [2]
  • 8 were false/withdrawn [2]

These Massachusetts clergy abuse statistics highlight the critical importance of transparency and accountability within the Church to address and prevent further abuse. 

Notable Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases and Accused Priests in Massachusetts

Below are some of the most notable cases of clergy sexual abuse and the accused priests in Massachusetts:

  • A former priest of the Archdiocese of Boston, John J. Geoghan was accused of molesting over 130 boys during his 30-year career. The Boston Globe and other news outlets broke a story about Cardinal Bernard Law, who had moved Geoghan from parish to parish throughout the years. The article also highlighted the 10 million dollar settlement the church had already made with victims and their families. Geoghan was convicted and killed in prison. [3]
  • Also from the Archdiocese of Boston, Paul R. Shanley was known for his work with at-risk youth. He was convicted in 2005 for raping a boy. He spent 12 years in prison and was released for good behavior. [4]
  • A priest in the Diocese of Fall River, James R. Porter admitted to sexually abusing at least 100 children in the 1960s. He was ultimately convicted of abusing the babysitter of one of his children and was sentenced to prison. He died in 2005. [5]

Common Forms of Clergy Abuse

Clergy abuse can manifest in various forms, each with its own distinct characteristics and ramifications. Common forms include:

  • Sexual harassment
  • Sexual misconduct
  • Pervasive sexual abuse
  • Grooming

The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims

Clergy sexual abuse victims often include vulnerable groups such as children and adolescents, although adults can also be affected. These individuals, frequently subjected to child sexual abuse, suffer profound physical, emotional, and psychological injuries. 

Many victims report symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD as a direct consequence of their abuse. Church officials and leadership often fail to address these abuses adequately, perpetuating the harm. 

Common Signs of Clergy Child Sexual Abuse

Recognizing the signs of clergy abuse among child victims is essential for early intervention and support to protect children. Common signs include:

  • Unexplained anxiety or fear
  • Withdrawal from activities
  • Changes in behavior or mood
  • Academic struggles
  • Physical symptoms
  • Reluctance to attend religious services

Who Can File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim?

Filing a clergy sexual abuse claim is a right available to many individuals who have experienced abuse by a member of the clergy, including:

  • Child Victims and Their Parents: Parents or guardians of minors who have been subjected to sexual misconduct by Catholic church members are eligible to file clergy sexual abuse claims on behalf of their children.
  • Adult Victims of Abuse or Assault: Individuals who were sexually abused or assaulted as adults by clergy members also have the right to seek justice and file clergy sexual abuse lawsuits.
  • Adult Survivors Who Were Sexually Abused as Minors: Adult survivors who suffered childhood sexual abuse by clergy members can still file claims, even if the abuse occurred many years ago. Although statutes of limitations may vary, our experienced attorneys can help navigate these legal challenges to ensure your case is heard.

Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases

Liability in clergy abuse cases can be categorized into individual and institutional liability.

In the context of individual liability, clergy members, including those from the Catholic Church and other religious organizations, can face both criminal charges and civil liability for their actions. 

Criminal cases may include offenses such as sexual assault or abuse, which can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment. Civil liability allows survivors to seek financial compensation for the harm suffered through a clergy sexual abuse case.

Institutional liability revolves around the responsibility of religious institutions for the actions of their clergy members and other personnel. Religious institutions, such as the Catholic Church, can be held accountable under various legal theories. These may include negligent hiring or supervision, failure to report abuse, and vicarious liability.

In proving institutional liability, a critical element is establishing the connection between the institution’s actions or inactions and the abuse. This often requires demonstrating that the institution’s negligence or failure to act directly contributed to the occurrence of the abuse. 

Law firms specializing in childhood sexual abuse cases play a vital role in building these connections, using evidence and expert testimony to substantiate civil claims.

The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts clergy abuse statute of limitations for civil claims gives child sexual abuse survivors seeking justice an extended period of time to come forward. Specifically, survivors have until the age of 53 to file a Massachusetts clergy sexual abuse lawsuit against their abusers, thanks to the revival statute that allows civil lawsuits to be brought up until this age.

Additionally, there is a 7-year discovery rule that permits survivors to file Massachusetts clergy abuse lawsuits within seven years of recognizing the connection between their abuse and the resulting harm. This is applicable to all defendants, including religious organizations and other religious communities where sexual abuse occurs.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Massachusetts Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Our Massachusetts clergy sexual abuse lawyers handle a broad array of cases involving abuse by priests, pastors, and other religious leaders. These cases span various religious institutions, ensuring that survivors receive the justice and compensation they deserve regardless of the specific context of the abuse. 

Our team specializes in cases involving sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy members of various ranks and denominations. This includes priests in the Catholic Church, pastors in Protestant churches, and leaders in other religious organizations.

Specifically, we handle cases involving clergy abuse in dioceses such as the Archdiocese of Boston in Massachusetts. Our local knowledge and experience enable us to navigate the legal landscape effectively, ensuring comprehensive support for survivors.

Steps to Take if You Are a Victim

If you are a victim of clergy abuse in Massachusetts, taking immediate and informed steps can significantly impact your path to justice and recovery.

  • Immediate Steps to Ensure Safety and Well-being: Your immediate priority should be your safety and well-being. Seek a safe environment where you can process what happened without immediate threats. 
  • Importance of Documenting Abuse: Record details about the clergy member involved, instances of sexual contact, locations where the abuse occurred, and any other clergy members who may have witnessed or known about the acts.
  • Seek Legal Help: Consult the experienced clergy sexual abuse attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers to discuss your situation confidentially. Our team will guide you through the legal process, explain your rights, and help you understand the statute of limitations applicable to your case in Massachusetts.
  • Local Resources and Support Groups: Survivors in Massachusetts can access support through organizations like the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), which offers a supportive community for victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church and other religious communities. [6] Additionally, local resources such as The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center provide comprehensive services, including counseling and advocacy. [7]

How Our Massachusetts Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

Our Massachusetts clergy sexual abuse lawyers offer comprehensive support to victims at every stage of the legal process. During the initial consultation and case evaluation, we provide a confidential and compassionate environment to discuss your case and assess its merits. 

Our team then conducts a thorough investigation, gathering crucial evidence to build a strong case. Once the evidence is collected, we guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit, clearly outlining potential outcomes based on the specifics of your situation. 

Our lawyers are skilled negotiators dedicated to achieving a fair settlement. However, if going to court becomes necessary, our trial attorneys are fully prepared to represent you, ensuring that your rights are upheld and justice is served.

The Cost of Hiring Our Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand the financial challenges that victims of clergy sexual abuse may face. Therefore, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure a financial recovery on your behalf. 

Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims

Victims of clergy sexual abuse are entitled to various types of compensation to address the profound impact of their experiences. This compensation can cover medical expenses for physical injuries and psychological treatments for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. 

In some clergy child sexual abuse lawsuits, punitive damages are also awarded to punish the perpetrators and deter future misconduct. The amount of compensation can be influenced by factors such as the severity, duration, and impact on the victim’s life.

Contact a Massachusetts Clergy Sex Abuse Attorney Today!

If you suspect that your child or someone you know is a victim of clergy abuse, or you have been sexually abused by a Catholic priest or another member of a religious community, it is crucial to act swiftly and seek professional legal support. 

Jonathan Rosenfeld, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

The Massachusetts clergy abuse attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential, and effective representation. We understand the profound impact such abuse can have on victims and their families and are committed to holding perpetrators accountable. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation, and let us help you pursue justice and closure.

Call us at (888) 424-5757 or reach out online.

Related Practice Areas

Resources: [1] AP News, [2] Massachusetts Clerical Abuse Update, [3] Bishopaccountability.org, [4] NPR, [5] The Sun Chronicle, [6] SNAP, [7] Boston Area Rape Crisis Center

Client Reviews

Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of my questions or concerns. I was very happy with the end result and I highly recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld.

– Michonne Proulx

Extremely impressed with this law firm. They took control of a bad motorcycle crash that left my uncle seriously injured. Without any guarantee of a financial recovery, they went out and hired accident investigators and engineers to help prove how the accident happened. I am grateful that they worked on a contingency fee basis as there was no way we could have paid for these services on our own.

– Ethan Armstrong

Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of my questions or concerns. I was very happy with the end result and I highly recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld.

– Giulia

This lawyer really helped me get compensation for my motorcycle accident case. I know there is no way that I could have gotten anywhere near the amount that Mr. Rosenfeld was able to get to settle my case. Thank you.

– Daniel Kaim

Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother’s death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial.

– Lisa

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Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
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