New Developments in California’s Clergy Abuse Lawsuits
A few years ago, this level of misconduct in California’s Catholic church would have been unthinkable. Today, residents of Los Angeles are slowly coming to realize that there was widespread abuse behind the scenes at countless churches in the city. And the most unsettling thing of all? We have not even seen the full extent of it. Stories are continuing to evolve, more people are coming forward with allegations of clergy abuse in Los Angeles, and lawsuits are being filed on a regular basis.
If you have experienced clergy abuse in the past, you have every right to sue the Catholic Church and pursue justice. Not only can this provide you with a sense of closure, but it can also provide you with a settlement for your damages. In addition, lawsuits help deter further instances of abuse in the future. If you are interested in taking legal action, get in touch with a qualified attorney who has experience with clergy abuse lawsuits.
Priest Arrested in California
On October 12th of 2021, it was reported that a priest had been arrested in Littlerock, California for sexual assault. He had fondled at least one youth in Michigan, and he also provided this individual with drugs and alcohol. The victim’s identity was never released, but he is between the ages of 13 and 16. This priest faces life imprisonment and a felony charge. This shows that even if priests attempt to flee from their home states in order to avoid punishment, they will inevitably be caught and brought to justice.
The Diocese of Sacramento Accepts Allegations Against Five Former Priests
It has now reached the point where the highest authorities within the Catholic Church have stopped trying to deny allegations. They seem to have accepted the fact that they will have to pay billions of dollars to victims who have suffered at the hands of abusive clergy members, and they have already paid out billions across the United States to settle lawsuits.
On September 29th of 2021, it was reported that that five former priests had been accused of child sexual abuse. These are five new names on a continuously growing list. These priests were assigned to areas like Sacramento, Woodland, Vacaville, Winters, Vallejo, Redding, and other areas throughout California. However, at least two of the priests remain fugitives, and two more have passed away. Another priest was dismissed from the church back in 2016.
It is important to understand that victims of these priests were encouraged to come forward largely because the statute of limitations did not apply. Normally, victims are not allowed to hold their abusers liable if a certain amount of time has passed. However, due to a unique program, victims of clergy abuse are given a window during which they can come forward and file lawsuits, regardless of how much time has passed.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney who can help you with your clergy abuse lawsuit, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. With our help, you can approach this difficult situation with confidence. A lawsuit can provide you with compensation for a range of damages, including all the money you might have spent on psychological counseling in the past. Book your consultation today, and we can immediately start working on an action plan together.
