Clergy abuse has left a significant impact on countless individuals, causing deep emotional and psychological trauma. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are committed to supporting the survivors of such abuse and are dedicated to ensuring that every client receives the justice and compensation they deserve.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Choosing Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers means partnering with a firm that has a proven track record of achieving significant results for survivors of clergy abuse. Our commitment to justice is evidenced by our numerous successful settlements and arbitration awards.
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
Clergy abuse case filed against a deceased priest
Our compassionate and dedicated legal team understands you deserve justice, as well as the emotional and psychological challenges involved, and is dedicated to providing sensitive and confidential support throughout the legal process.
Understanding Clergy Abuse
Clergy abuse refers to any inappropriate or harmful sexual behavior by a member of the clergy towards a parishioner, which can encompass actions ranging from unwanted advances to outright assault.
Prevalence of Clergy Member Sexual Abuse in Texas
An extensive investigation of Catholic directories revealed over 332 Catholic clergy members in Texas, predominantly priests, accused of child sexual abuse. [1] The true extent of clergy abuse is challenging to ascertain due to ongoing cover-ups and lack of transparency.
Notable Clergy Member Sexual Abuse Cases in Texas
James Hanlon was accused of abusing a 16-year-old boy in late 1982, and his case was settled for $12,500 in 1997. Hanlon, who was HIV positive, died in 1990 at age 38, with alcoholism contributing to his death. Allegations claim the diocese shielded him and other abusers, leading to multiple lawsuits and settlements between 2006 and 2009. [2]
Richard T. Brown faced numerous accusations of sexual misconduct with minors while stationed in Houston. A lawsuit from 2022 claims that the Catholic Diocese of Dallas and a Plano church failed to protect a young girl from priest Richard Thomas Brown, who repeatedly assaulted her between ages 5 and 9. The lawsuit seeks over $1 million in damages. [3]
Stephen Tarleton Dougherty, a former South Texas Catholic priest, was convicted of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2018. He was sentenced to 60 years in prison for aggravated sexual assault. [4]
Common Forms of Clergy Abuse
The following list outlines the common forms of clergy abuse, demonstrating the various ways in which clergy members have violated their positions of trust:
- Sexual assault
- Continuous sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
- Financial exploitation
- Grooming
The Profile of Church Clergy Abuse Victims
Clergy sexual abuse victims come from diverse backgrounds, ages, and genders but often share certain characteristics. Typically, victims are vulnerable individuals seeking guidance or support from clergy members, including children, adolescents, and even adults.
Many victims are targeted due to their emotional, spiritual, or familial circumstances, which abusers exploit to establish control and trust. Most victims are male.
Those who have suffered sexual abuse often endure severe emotional and psychological trauma, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Physical injuries can also occur, especially in cases involving direct sexual violence. Additionally, the abuse can lead to long-term issues like difficulty forming relationships, low self-esteem, and spiritual distress.
Texas Dioceses
Common Signs of Clergy Abuse Among Child Victims
Recognizing the common signs of clergy abuse among child victims is crucial for intervention and support. Common ones include:
- Sudden changes in behavior or mood
- Unexplained fear of specific individuals or places
- Regression to earlier childhood behaviors
- Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
- Unexplained physical injuries or discomfort
- Reluctance to be alone with certain individuals
Eligibility to File a Civil Lawsuit for Clergy Abuse in Texas
Individuals eligible to file a clergy sexual abuse claim generally include:
- Child victims and their parents
- Adult victims of abuse or assault
- Adult survivors who were sexually abused as minors
The eligibility to file a clergy sexual abuse claim depends on individual circumstances, and you should always contact a clergy abuse lawyer to help you determine if you have a claim.
Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases
Understanding liability in clergy abuse cases involves both individual and institutional responsibilities. An individual perpetrator—like clergy members and individuals from any other religious organization—can face charges in the criminal justice system, such as sexual assault or abuse. They can also face civil liabilities, including claims for damages by victims.
Institutional liability addresses the accountability of religious organizations. These institutions can be held liable under legal theories like negligent hiring or supervision, failure to report known abuse, and vicarious liability.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit in Texas
The Texas statute of limitations sets the timeframe within which a Texas clergy abuse lawsuit must be filed. For child sexual abuse claims in Texas, the civil statute of limitations permits victims to file a lawsuit until they reach the age of 48.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Texas Clergy Abuse Lawyers
Our Texas clergy sexual abuse lawyers are experienced in handling a wide range of cases involving child sex abuse committed by priests, pastors, and other religious leaders.
We address abuse cases within various religious organizations, including Roman Catholic dioceses such as the Diocese of Corpus Christi, the Diocese of Austin, and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. We also handle cases involving church leaders within Protestant churches.
Your case will be managed by attorneys well-versed in personal injury trial law, ensuring that sexual abuse survivors receive the help they deserve.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
If you are a victim of clergy sexual abuse in Texas, it is crucial to take these immediate steps to ensure your safety and well-being:
- Prioritize Your Immediate Safety: Remove yourself from any situation where you may be in danger.
- Document the Abuse: Keep a detailed record of incidents, including dates, times, locations, and individuals involved.
- Consult a Clergy Abuse Lawyer: Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for experienced and compassionate legal representation.
- Utilize Local Resources: Texas offers numerous local resources and support groups for survivors. For example, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) offers support and advocacy for survivors. [5]
How Our Texas Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has the expertise and dedication necessary to navigate the complexities of these sensitive cases. Here’s how we can help:
- Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: We offer a confidential initial consultation to understand your situation, evaluate your case, answer questions, and outline legal options.
- Investigation and Gathering Evidence: A clergy abuse lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation, collecting documentation, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts to build a strong case.
- Filing a Lawsuit and Potential Outcomes: Once we have sufficient evidence, your Texas sexual abuse lawyer will file a lawsuit and explain the potential outcomes, including possible compensation.
- Settlement Negotiations and Trial Process: Our lawyers negotiate for fair settlements and, if necessary, are prepared to take your case to trial to seek justice.
The Cost of Hiring a Texas Clergy Sex Abuse Attorney
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand that financial concerns can be a significant barrier to seeking legal help, especially in sensitive cases like clergy sexual abuse. To alleviate this burden, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses.
Our attorneys only receive a fee if we successfully secure a settlement or verdict in your favor. This approach ensures that our interests are aligned with yours, allowing you to focus on your recovery and healing while we dedicate ourselves to achieving justice on your behalf.
Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
Victims of clergy sexual abuse may be eligible to pursue damages through a personal injury lawsuit. The types of financial compensation available can include medical expenses, non-economic damages for physical and psychological injuries, and punitive damages.
Factors influencing the amount of compensation can include the severity of the abuse, the extent of psychological injuries, and the involvement of institutions like the Catholic Church or any other clergy member.
Our goal is to secure a fair settlement to ensure victims can recover damages and move forward. We will work directly with the defendant’s insurance company to maximize our clients’ compensation for child sexual abuse committed by the Catholic Church or other religious institutions.
Contact a Texas Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today!
If a member of the clergy has sexually abused you or a loved one, coming forward with is crucial so the responsible parties are held accountable. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping victims achieve financial recovery through a civil case. Our attorneys have decades of experience in handling cases not only involving the Catholic Church but also other churches where such atrocities have occurred.
Call us at (888) 424-5757 or reach out online.
Resources: [1] kxan Investigates, [2] BisophAccounability.org, [3] The Dallas Morning News, [4] Caller Times, [5] SNAP