The Diocese of Paterson in New Jersey has protected priests from sexual abuse allegations and placed hundreds of vulnerable individuals at risk of child sex abuse for decades.
If you’ve been sexually abused in the Catholic Church, you deserve justice. The clergy sexual abuse lawyers at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you seek justice through a civil claim.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Our team has assisted hundreds of victims nationwide in lawsuits, securing them millions in financial compensation. We combine expertise with compassion to ensure victims are protected and their stories are heard.
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
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our goal is to help you heal with dignity by obtaining fair compensation in a civil case.
Clergy Abuse Statistics and Cases in the Diocese of Paterson
Sexual abuse by Catholic priests remains a rampant issue worldwide, including in New Jersey Catholic dioceses. These cases and statistics demonstrate the severity of the problem.
- In 2019, New Jersey’s Catholic dioceses released a list of 188 Catholic clergy and religious brothers who were credibly accused of sexually abusing minors based on an internal review [1].
- On that list were 11 individuals who worked in Paterson, New Jersey churches [2].
- Bishop-Accountability lists 48 individuals accused of sexual abuse in the Paterson diocese [3].
- The Diocese of Paterson is facing civil lawsuits related to former priest Sean Rooney, who was accused of sexually abusing students more than 100 times [4].
- Rev. William Cramer pleaded guilty to two counts of endangering the welfare of a child in 1988. These allegations arose from his time at Our Lady of the Lake in Sparta, New Jersey [5].
- Fr. Jose Alonso faced multiple allegations of molestation, which were included in a settlement by the New Jersey Roman Catholic dioceses in 2005 [6].
- Fr. James Scott was credibly accused of abusing at least one child while working at Pope John High School [7].
- Fr. John Pisarcik was convicted in 1992 of abusing two boys under the age of 13; he served three years of prison time. The Catholic Church sent him to New Mexico for psychological treatment. Lawsuits filed in 2019 accused him of molesting a child for multiple years [8].
Common Forms of Clergy Sex Abuse
- Grooming – Children sexually abused by Catholic priests may be manipulated for weeks, months, or years to accept molestation.
- Sexual Assault – New Jersey law defines this as penetration, no matter how slight, which uses physical force or coercion or in which the victim is incapacitated. This is also the state’s legal definition of rape.
- Child Sexual Abuse – This is any sexual activity with a child, even if there is no physical contact. This is also known as molestation.
- Sexual Harassment – Stalking, unwanted sexual attention, or sexualized comments are harassment.
Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse by Clergy
According to RAINN, signs that a child is being sexually abused include [9]:
- Regressive behaviors like thumb-sucking or bedwetting;
- Fear of being away from caregivers or alone with certain people;
- Age-inappropriate discussion of sexual activity;
- Signs of genital trauma or STIs;
- Night terrors or fear of being alone at night;
- Personality or mood changes;
- Becoming withdrawn, depressed, or anxious;
- Lack of interest in school, hobbies, and activities;
- Changes in eating habits;
- Self-harm;
- Excessive fear or worry.
Eligibility to File a Civil Lawsuit
Our law firm can help survivors of sexual abuse in New Jersey file claims against their abusers. This includes children and their parents, adult victims of assault, and adult survivors who were sexually abused as children.
Liability in Sexual Abuse Cases Involving Clergy Members
We can seek justice against a variety of parties. This includes the individual credibly accused of sexual abuse, who may also face criminal charges unrelated to the civil lawsuit.
Other clergy who did not report child abuse can be sued, as they are required to report any reasonable suspicions of child abuse under New Jersey statutes.
To sue the Diocese of Paterson, it must be shown they were negligent in hiring, supervising, or responding to sexual abuse allegations against a member of the Catholic Church. This means they must have known about the abuse and either did nothing to prevent it or tried to hide it. They are responsible for the actions of their employees under vicarious liability.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing Clergy Sexual Abuse Claims in Paterson
Under a 2019 New Jersey statute, the statute of limitations for sexual abuse of a child is until the victim is 55 years old or within seven years of the victim realizing they were harmed.
However, it is important to file lawsuits quickly to ensure we can find adequate evidence of the incident.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Paterson Clergy Abuse Lawyers
We handle cases involving individuals sexually abused by clergy in the Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey, as well as in other religious faiths like Protestant churches, Jehovah’s Witnesses institutions, Jewish synagogues, and Mormon temples.
Our legal team can pursue claims against priests, pastors, nuns, friars, religious teachers, and church administrators. We can also seek damages from Catholic dioceses, parishes, and churches.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
It’s crucial to act quickly to protect the victim from the abuser and ensure they are safe. Follow these steps as soon as possible:
- Report the incident to the police and the Catholic church.
- Document the abuse through photos, reports, medical records, and witness testimony.
- Contact our firm for a free consultation about your legal rights. After learning about the facts of the case, we will guide you through the next steps.
- Contact the Passaic County Domestic and Sexual Violence Center (PCDSVC) for access to counseling, advocacy, and survivor support.
How Our Paterson Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys Can Help
We will assist with all aspects of your case, including:
- Determining whether you have a case
- Evaluating potential damages
- Investigating the incident
- Gathering evidence
- Consulting with expert witnesses
- Writing a demand letter
- Negotiating with the Catholic Church
- Filing a lawsuit and providing trial representation
The Cost of Hiring a Paterson Clergy Member Abuse Lawyer
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Compensation Awarded to Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Damages you may receive include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
The court may also award punitive damages in a lawsuit.
Factors influencing compensation include the age of the victim, the length of time of the molestation, and the financial costs associated with the assault.
Contact a Paterson Clergy Abuse Attorney Today!
If you or someone you love has experienced abuse by clergy in Paterson, it’s important to seek justice and protect your rights. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal system and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Whether you’re looking to pursue legal action or simply understand your options, our experienced legal team is here to provide compassionate guidance and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us 24/7 at (888) 424-5757 or contact us online.
Related Practice Areas
- New Jersey Catholic Diocese Priest Abuse List
- Clifton Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Elizabeth Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Jersey City Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Newark Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Resources: [1] Marist Circle, [2] Paterson Times, [3] Bishop-Accountability, [4] NJ.com, [5] Patch, [6] Bishop-Accountability, [7] Patch, [8] Bishop-Accountability, [9] Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network,