24/7 Free consultation

(888) 424-5757
Contact

Free Consultation (888)-949-0011

Pittsburgh Clergy Abuse Lawyer 

Passion, Trust, Results.
$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

Pennsylvania, including the city of Pittsburgh, became the subject of shocking news as a Grand Jury report uncovered decades of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. The report included hundreds of credible allegations against each of the state’s dioceses. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is committed to helping clergy abuse survivors through highly specialized legal representation.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is dedicated to helping Pittsburgh victims of sexual abuse seek justice and secure financial compensation from their perpetrators. We have a proven track record and offer those impacted by the Catholic Church sexual abuse cover-up access to knowledgeable, compassionate legal representation.

$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

Case filed against a deceased priest

We aim to serve justice and ensure sexual abuse survivors can access the resources they need to heal. Our legal team is sensitive to each victim’s need for legal support and understanding. We’re here to represent you and your family each step of the way, guiding you toward healing and recovery.

Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in Pittsburgh

Child sexual abuse and cover-ups are rampant in Pennsylvania, as found by a Grand Jury Report. Here are a few critical clergy abuse statistics to know:

  • A 900-page Grand Jury Report implicated over 300 priests for criminal or morally reprehensible conduct, including 99 right here in Pittsburgh [1].
  • Payouts to sexual abuse victims in Pittsburgh began before the release of the Grand Jury Report. The diocese paid $841,000 from its insurance fund and $1.2M from insurance carriers between 1994 and 2003 [2]. 
  • The Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese paid an additional $19.2M to settle 224 more clergy abuse claims after the initial settlements [3].
  • 90% of the claims against the Diocese of Pittsburgh occurred before 1990. However, additional child abuse victims continue coming forward, which may impact these numbers [4]. 

Notable Catholic Church Abuse Cases and Accused Priests

Numerous religious leaders from Pittsburgh and other parishes have been credibly accused of sexual abuse. Here are a few notable cases against priests in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:

  • Donald Wuerl: Cardinal Donald Wuerl served as the bishop of Pittsburg from 1998 to 2006 and allegedly shuffled priests from church to church in an attempt to cover up reports of sexual abuse allegations. His predecessor was accused of doing the same thing but died before the report [1].
  • Charles J. Chatt: Chatt was accused of sexually abusing a young boy from 1970-1971. Additional victims came forward, reporting similar sexual abuse. Chatt settled with the victims out of court.
  • Rosendo F. Dacal: Dacal was charged and convicted for sending obscene photographs to what he thought was a minor but was an undercover police officer. He pled guilty.
  • Richard J. Dorsch: Dorsch was convicted of sexual abuse of a 13-year-old. He was sentenced to less than one year in prison. Other child sex abuse survivors have since come forward, claiming similar assault from Dorsch.
  • Lawrence A. O’Connell: O’Connell was accused of sexually abusing a child. Later, three additional women came forward, claiming they were also sexually abused by him as children. O’Connell settled outside of court.

Common Forms of Sexual Abuse Perpetrated by Clergy Members

Clergy or priest sexual abuse can occur in various forms, including the following:

  • Sexual Conversations: Inappropriate sexual conversations with nonconsenting victims or children may be considered sexual abuse.
  • Unsolicited Sexual Photographs or Texts: Unsolicited sexual photographs or texts are a form of sexual abuse.
  • Unwanted or nonconsensual Sexual Activity: Sexual activity with a minor or nonconsenting adult can lead to a criminal case or civil charges.
  • Psychological Abuse: Threatening or coercion may lead to manipulation and is considered a type of psychological abuse. Psychological tactics are commonly used alongside sexual abuse.

The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims

Predator priests typically abuse those who they have power or influence over, such as clergy members, youth group students, or altar boys. Many of the known abusers had a close relationship with the abused, leading to them being credibly accused.

Those sexually abused may experience various consequences, including pain, STDs, pregnancy, anxiety, PTSD, or depression. The psychological impacts of sexual assault may follow a child into their adult lives, affecting their employment, relationships, and other essential aspects of life.

Common Signs of Clergy Abuse Among Child Victims

To protect children, it’s important to report child abuse as soon as possible. Here are a few common signs of clergy abuse among children:

  • Sexual themes in play, stories, or drawings
  • Isolation from family or friends
  • Other children reporting claims of sexual abuse
  • Unexplained cuts or bruises on the child’s body
  • Fear of abusers, such as religious leaders or other clergy members
  • Persistent sadness or irritability
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Academic difficulty

Eligibility to File a Clergy Abuse Lawsuit

Sexual abuse claims can allow victims to recover the compensation they need to access healing tools or resources. Anyone who is a clergy abuse survivor may qualify for a civil lawsuit. 

A parent may file a lawsuit on behalf of their minor child. Adult victims who suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a clergy member as a child may file a lawsuit, depending on the circumstances of the sexual abuse committed. Adult victims recently abused can also file a legal claim against their abusers.

Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases

Multiple parties can be liable when sexual abuse occurs in the church. Individual liability covers the actions of church leaders or church officials, such as Catholic priests. These individuals can be charged criminally and sued civilly.

Institutional liability also covers the negligence of the institution as a whole. It may include irresponsible hiring or training practices, failure to monitor church leadership, or not reporting sexual abuse claims.

Vicarious liability claims hold a person or company liable for the actions of another. However, in these types of claims, it’s necessary to provide evidence of a strong connection between the institution’s negligence and the abuse.

The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Clergy Abuse Lawsuit in Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania has a strict statute of limitations in place that determines how long a victim can file a civil claim. Typically, sexual abuse victims in Pennsylvania have two years to file a claim. 

Recent legislative change, however, extends the timeline of those sexually assaulted as a child until their 30th birthday. This law only applies to abuse after the new law, which was January 1, 2019.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Pittsburgh Clergy Abuse Lawyers

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is well-versed in seeking justice for those abused or assaulted by Pennsylvania clergy. We have a proven track record of filing successful claims against Catholic dioceses, including religious leaders like priests and pastors.

Many Pennsylvania Catholic dioceses have been under investigation, and we also have a strong record of representing survivors of clergy abuse from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Diocese of Pittsburgh Pastoral Center, and the Diocese of Altoona Johnstown.

Our Catholic clergy abuse lawyers are also familiar with your legal options as they relate to other religious institutions. Whether you were abused in the Catholic, Protestant, Methodist, or Baptist church, we have the expertise you need during this time.

Steps to Take if You Are a Victim

Here are a few key steps to take if you or a loved one is the victim of abuse by a Pennsylvania clergy member:

  • Report the Abuse: File a claim and report the abuse immediately. Reporting sexual abuse brings light to a bigger problem and helps other child sexual abuse survivors gain the courage they need to also come forward.
  • Collect Evidence: Evidence is essential to your civil claim. Evidence may include text messages, photographs, witness statements, or claim reports of the abuse.
  • Talk With a Clergy Abuse Lawyer: A clergy abuse lawyer can help victims seek compensation through a comprehensive investigation and expert-level representation.
  • Seek Support: Continue supporting your mental well-being during this time. Pittsburgh support services are available through the United Way of Pennsylvania and the Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR).

How Our Pittsburgh Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has the expertise to pursue a clergy abuse claim successfully. We offer a confidential consultation to explore your legal options. From here, we’ll investigate the claim and begin collecting evidence while staying within the state’s statute of limitations.

Filing a lawsuit can lead to a settlement offer, or you may decide to go to trial. Accepting a settlement offer from Pennsylvania dioceses often signs away future rights to compensation. For this reason, it’s best to discuss your case with a lawyer first. We’ll negotiate on your behalf or assist you through the trial process.

With so many victims coming forward, it’s easy to get lost in the list. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to provide survivors with the representation they deserve.

The Cost of Hiring a Pittsburgh Clergy Abuse Attorney

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is committed to helping Pennsylvania clergy member victims, and we know how the cost of legal services may impact your decision to step forward. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you never pay anything unless we win your case.

Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims

Both non-economic and economic damages are available to survivors of clergy abuse. The law allows victims to seek compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, punitive damages, pain and suffering, and counseling services.

How much you receive will depend on many factors, including when and how the abuse occurred, what evidence is available, and the details of the incident(s).

Contact Our Pittsburgh Clergy Abuse Lawyers Today!

Jonathan Rosenfeld, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered from clergy abuse in Pittsburgh, it’s essential to know that you are not alone, and help is available. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can provide the support and legal expertise you need to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. 

With extensive experience in handling sensitive cases like these, our legal team is committed to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. 

Call us 24/7 at (888) 424-5757 or contact us online.

Related Practice Areas

Resources: [1] NPR, [2] BishopAccountability, [3] TRIBLive, [4] CNN

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

Submit a Law Firm Client Review


Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606

Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer | Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC | 24-7 Service

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Copyright © 2024, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC

Call Consultation Text