For many years now, religious institutions have deliberately covered up clergy abuse. However, this seems to have changed now. Law enforcement agencies in the U.S. have increased awareness of clergy abuse, leading to thousands of victims coming forward and telling their stories.
If you or a loved one suffered abuse from a clergy member, consider speaking to a Doral clergy abuse lawyer at Dolman Law Group. Your attorney will protect your legal rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
How a Doral Clergy Abuse Lawyer with Our Firm Can Help Your Case
Law enforcement agencies and media houses shed new light on clergy abuse every day. This coverage has helped change the general public's understanding of the subject. People now know that clergy abuse affects people of all ages. Currently, clergy abuse survivors have more support from the general public than at any other period in history. More organizations are pushing for religious institutions to hold themselves and the clergy accountable for these heinous actions.
As a clergy abuse survivor, one of the most beneficial things you can do is speak to a clergy abuse lawyer to help you navigate this legal process. It doesn't matter whether the abuse happened decades ago or recently. Coming forward to file a case against the perpetrators is an important step towards getting justice. It will motivate others to come forward and prevent other congregators from falling victim to similar actions.
Here are some tasks that a Doral clergy abuse lawyer on our team will do:
- Meet with you and explain the legal options available based on your story
- Gather evidence to prove that you were a victim of clergy abuse
- File a clergy abuse case on your behalf against the clergy member, the institution, and/or any other person involved
- Negotiate a fair settlement with the defendant's team
- Represent you in a court trial if necessary
Warning Signs of Clergy Abuse Among Survivors
Regardless of the kind of clergy abuse a victim had to go through, they deserve to tell their story and get justice. Whether the clergy abuse was acute or systematic, survivors tend to endure both physical and emotional hardships in their daily lives.
However, this does not guarantee that clergy abuse victims will behave in a particular manner; some may exhibit abnormal behaviors while others may not. The following are the most common signs and symptoms associated with clergy abuse:
- Anxiety disorders
- Bedwetting, especially among children
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Mistrust of authority
- An increase in unusual sexual behavior
- Eating disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Physical trauma around the genital area
- Fear of being alone
- Relationship and intimacy issues
- Confusion regarding faith and religion
Types of Sexual Misconduct by the Clergy
Church officials, congregants, and clergy members are required by the law to report clergy abuse cases within the places of worship. However, these incidents have been dismissed without further investigations by trained professionals, denying victims justice and adding to their anguish,
Clergy abuse includes any of the following cases:
- Indecent exposure
- Unwanted touching
- Statutory rape
- Sexual threats and harassment
- Child pornography
- Sodomy
- Lewd conduct
- Sexual assault or battery
Who Can File a Clergy Abuse Case?
Recovering compensation in a clergy abuse case will depend on various factors, including whether you have the right to take legal action against the wrongdoer. However, in general, the people who can file a clergy abuse case include child victims (with the help of their parents) and adult victims who suffered clergy abuse as minors.
Recoverable Damages in a Clergy Abuse Case
As a clergy abuse victim and survivor, filing a clergy abuse case allows you to hold all liable parties accountable for their actions and conceit. You may be eligible to recover compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses related to treating physical and mental hardships resulting from the abuse
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Difficulty holding employment
- Other financial damages resulting from the abuse
How Much Is a Clergy Abuse Claim Worth?
It's challenging to say how much a clergy abuse claim is worth. Every case is unique, so allow a lawyer on our team to help you evaluate the damages you've incurred from the abuse.
Factors usually considered when determining how much compensation a victim should receive include:
- Their age
- The extent of the harm
- Medical expenses incurred due to the abuse
- Nature of the abuse
Some victims may get to settle their cases outside of the courtroom. This situation is beneficial for the victim because court trials tend to be quite expensive. Also, the victim doesn't have to relive the entire experience again while undergoing a court trial.
What If the Victim Isn't Ready to Take Legal Action?
Deciding whether to take legal action against the clergy or a church official for sexual abuse is personal. You should never feel pressured to undergo a legal process if you're not ready.
However, if you have any questions about the legal process and the expectations for your case, you may want to speak to a Doral clergy abuse lawyer on our team. Our attorneys can answer all your questions and provide any clarifications you may require. This way, you can make a decision that you're comfortable with.
Contact Dolman Law Group for Legal Help with Your Doral Clergy Abuse Case
If you're a victim or a clergy abuse survivor, consider hiring a Doral clergy abuse lawyer on our team for legal help. At Dolman Law Group, we'll fight for you and work to ensure that you get the maximum compensation possible. Call for a free consultation today. Our attorneys will take your case on contingency, so you won't pay any fees or costs unless and until we secure compensation for you.
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
8400 NW 36th St Suite 450
Doral, FL 33166
(305) 930-7688