24/7 Free consultation

(888) 424-5757
Contact

Free Consultation (888)-949-0011

Rockford 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

If you or someone you love has suffered from clergy sexual abuse, it’s crucial to understand that the emotional and psychological scars left behind can be severe and long-lasting. Such trauma undermines trust in institutions meant to provide sanctuary and guidance, leaving victims in need of healing both inside and out. 

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are committed to supporting adult and child sexual abuse survivors on their journey toward justice, leveraging deep legal expertise with compassion as we advocate for those affected by these grave transgressions.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers if you’re seeking a compassionate ally and skilled advocate in the painful aftermath of Catholic clergy sexual abuse. We bring extensive experience with a track record of success to every case, navigating the complexities unique to this sensitive terrain.

$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

Our firm’s unwavering dedication lies in offering confidential and empathetic legal services. We always prioritize your recovery above all else.

What Is Clergy Sexual Abuse?

Clergy sexual abuse involves inappropriate, unlawful sexual behavior by clergy members, religious leaders, or individuals in positions of spiritual authority within religious organizations. This type of abuse exploits the trust and power vested in spiritual figures to manipulate and take advantage of vulnerable followers under their care. 

Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in Rockford

A comprehensive investigation into clergy member sexual abuse in Illinois, including Rockford, uncovered startling information.

The state’s top prosecutor reported that 451 clergy in Illinois had sexually abused 1,997 children since 1950, while the church had acknowledged only 103 individual abusers before the investigation began in 2018.

The Illinois Attorney General report disclosed that the Rockford Diocese initially named 15 offenders. Through a more extensive investigation, the Attorney General identified 9 additional abusers, bringing the total number of known offenders within the Rockford Diocese to 24. [1]

Notable Clergy Abuse Cases and Accused Priests in Rockford

The following cases represent some of the most significant incidents of clergy member sexual abuse within the Rockford Diocese:

  • Leo Petit was named in 2020 as having credible allegations against him regarding the sexual abuse of minors. His name appeared on the Diocese of Rockford’s list of accused Catholic priests that same year, highlighting the historical nature of underreported abuse within this Illinois diocese. [2]
  • Originally from Colombia, Alfredo Pedraza-Arias joined the Rockford Diocese in 2013. He faced charges in February 2016 after being accused of criminal sexual abuse involving two girls. He pleaded guilty and was ultimately deported to Colombia after being suspended from ministry. [3]

Common Forms of Clergy Abuse

Clergy abuse manifests in various appalling behaviors that betray the sacred trust between religious leaders and their congregants. Here are some common forms of such abuse: 

  • Grooming: A manipulative process where an abuser establishes a trusting relationship with the intent to exploit it for sexual purposes; this often involves special attention, gifts, or fulfilling a seemingly mentor-like role.
  • Sexual Assault and Battery: Any non-consensual contact of a sexual nature – from groping to rape.
  • Emotional Manipulation and Abuse: This occurs when clergy members use their position of power to coerce compliance through guilt, shame, or threats of spiritual consequences.
  • Child Sexual Abuse: Child sex abuse targets minors who are especially vulnerable due to their age and emotional development.
  • Sexual Harassment: Persistent unwelcome behavior that creates an intimidating environment, including suggestive remarks or propositions by clergy members. 

Each form of adult or child sex abuse constitutes severe moral and legal violations aimed at taking advantage of those seeking guidance and can have long-lasting effects on victims’ lives.

Clergy Abuse Victim Profile

The typical profile of clergy abuse victims is heartbreakingly diverse, spanning all ages, genders, and walks of life. However, quite often, they are children or young adults who have placed their trust in church leaders. 

These survivors commonly endure deep-seated injuries that extend beyond physical harm to encompass profound emotional and psychological trauma. The lasting impact might include depression, anxiety disorders, loss of faith, and trust issues, which can disrupt their personal relationships and sense of stability. 

Common Signs of Clergy Abuse Among Child Victims

Recognizing the common signs of child sexual abuse by clergy members in the Catholic church or other religious institutions is critical in identifying and helping child victims who might be suffering in silence. Look for these concerning behaviors that may signal a need for closer attention:

  • Sudden changes in behavior: New fears, unexplained crying or anger, or regression to earlier childhood behaviors can arise from the trauma of child sex abuse.
  • Withdrawal: Children who once were outgoing might become introverted and avoid social interactions due to the impact of priest sexual abuse.
  • Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior: Gaining knowledge beyond what would be expected for their age can indicate exposure to inappropriate experiences.
  • Trouble sleeping: Nightmares or persistent insomnia may reflect anxiety linked with traumatic events.

Children won’t always vocalize their distress openly. It’s imperative to be vigilant about their well-being and do everything we can to keep them safe from child sex abuse. 

Eligibility to File a Civil Claim for Clergy Member Sex Abuse

Child victims can seek justice by filing a child sexual abuse claim through their parents or guardians, and adult victims of sexual abuse or assault have the right to bring their own lawsuits against perpetrators and potentially against a religious institution that may have enabled or concealed the abuse. Additionally, adult survivors who were abused as minors can also pursue legal action against church leadership and other clergy members.

Liability in Priest Sexual Abuse Cases

In clergy abuse cases, both individual and institutional liabilities play crucial roles. Clergy members may face criminal charges and a criminal conviction for their unlawful actions alongside civil lawsuits that seek to compensate the sexual abuse survivors for their monetary damages. 

Additionally, religious institutions are not immune; we can help hold church leaders accountable if it’s shown that they acted negligently. Legal theories like negligent hiring, failure to report known abuse, and vicariously liability may apply.

Central to these cases is establishing the connection between the practices of the institution and instances of abuse. 

The Statute of Limitations for Clergy Sexual Abuse Claims in Rockford

If you’ve been harboring the pain and trauma of child sexual abuse in Rockford, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit against your abuser and anyone else responsible. In Illinois, there is no statute of limitations for civil childhood sexual abuse claims. 

Types of Cases Handled by Our Rockford Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are dedicated to providing legal representation to survivors of abuse perpetrated by Catholic priests, pastors, and other religious leaders. We handle cases involving abuse in various religious institutions, including but not limited to Catholic dioceses, Protestant churches, and other denominations.

Specifically, we have experience representing clients in cases involving Catholic clergy abuse within the Diocese of Rockford in Illinois. Our team is well-versed in the specific challenges faced by sexual abuse survivors in our community and is committed to seeking justice and accountability from those responsible for these heinous acts. 

Steps to Take if You Are a Victim

If you are a sexual abuse victim of clergy members in Rockford, IL, it is crucial to take immediate and assertive steps to protect your rights and well-being.

  • Immediate Safety: Ensure your immediate safety by contacting local authorities or emergency services if you are in danger. Seek shelter with trustworthy family or friends to ensure you’re away from the abuse.
  • Documenting Abuse: It’s vital to document the abuse you have experienced. Keep detailed records of incidents, including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses. Save any related communications such as emails, messages, or letters that could support your case.
  • Seeking Legal Help: Consult with a qualified Illinois clergy sexual abuse lawyer like those at Rosenfeld Injury  Lawyers. We can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your legal rights and what to expect during the legal process, including potential compensation and court proceedings.
  • Local Resources and Support Groups: Sexual abuse survivors in Rockford can access support through organizations like Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling (RSAC), which offers confidential counseling and advocacy services. [4]

How Our Rockford Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

If you’re considering taking legal action for clergy sexual abuse in Rockford, an experienced sexual abuse attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can assist you through every step. Initially, we offer a consultation to assess your case’s merit. Next comes the investigation phase, where we gather all necessary evidence to support your claim.

We will then guide you through filing a lawsuit and explain possible outcomes based on the specifics of your situation. Our team will skillfully negotiate settlements on your behalf and is prepared to represent you at trial if an acceptable agreement cannot be reached out of court. Having professional legal guidance ensures that someone is advocating for your rights throughout this challenging process. 

The Cost of Hiring a Rockford Clergy Abuse Attorney

Hiring the experienced attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers doesn’t require you to pay any upfront fees. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means that our payment is contingent upon winning your case in court or securing a settlement for you. 

If we are successful in recovering financial compensation on your behalf, our fee will be a percentage of the amount awarded or settled upon. If we don’t recover any compensation for you, you don’t owe us attorney fees. This arrangement ensures that you can pursue justice and accountability without financial strain.

Compensation Awarded to Clergy Abuse Victims

Survivors of adult and childhood sexual abuse can seek various types of compensation to address the multifaceted impact of their experiences. This compensation includes:

  • Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for medical treatments, including physical injury care and mental health services like therapy and counseling.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work, both past and future earnings.
  • Pain and Suffering: Financial compensation for emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and other psychological impacts resulting from priest abuse.
  • Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the negative impact on relationships with a spouse or family members due to the abuse.
  • Legal Fees: Coverage for the costs associated with hiring an attorney and pursuing legal action.
  • Punitive Damages: In some cases, the court may award punitive damages to penalize the offender and deter similar sexual misconduct in the future.

The compensation amount depends on several critical factors, including the severity and duration of the abuse, the relationship between the abuser and the victim, and the substantiated evidence presented. 

Other considerations include the victim’s age at the time of the abuse and the extent of the psychological and physical harm endured. Legal representation plays a significant role in ensuring that all these factors are thoroughly addressed to maximize the compensation awarded.

Contact Our Rockford Clergy Abuse Attorneys Today!

Jonathan Rosenfeld Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been a victim of clergy abuse, Rosenfeld Injury Lawers is here to support you through every step of the legal process. We understand the profound impact this type of abuse can have, and we are committed to helping survivors seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. Our attorneys provide a safe, confidential environment for you to share your story, and we will work tirelessly to secure the compensation and closure you deserve.

Call us now at (888) 424-5757 or complete our online form to get started with a free initial consultation with our Rockford clergy abuse attorney.

Related Practice Areas

Resources: [1] Illinois Attorney General Report, [2] Illinois Attorney General Report, [3] Illinois Attorney General Report, [4] Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling

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