If you were abused by a clergy member, here’s the most important thing to know: you can hold them responsible. A Las Vegas sex abuse lawyer from Van Law can build your case and pursue closure in the form of compensation. While financial recovery can’t undo what occurred, it can offer a pathway for rebuilding your life and getting a fresh start.
Below, we’ve outlined some considerations as you think about taking legal action. For information tailored to your unique circumstances, feel free to connect with Van Law and start your free, confidential consultation.
Filing Deadlines May Apply
More and more states are waiving civil statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases. This means if you experienced abuse as a child, you could file a lawsuit against the responsible party whenever you’re ready. While you benefit from initiating prompt legal action, the state would not bar you from litigation.
The same flexibility does not apply if you experienced sexual abuse as an adult. In that instance, how long you have to file depends on your situation. Here, you should consider consulting with an attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can explain how long you have to file a lawsuit and take action accordingly.
For a free legal consultation, call (725) 900-9000
You Need Documentation to Have a Successful Sex Abuse Case
While weighing your legal options, you might not know where to gather certain pieces of evidence—and that’s okay. When you entrust your case to a sex abuse lawyer, they can review your case’s facts and secure supporting documentation, which may include:
- Eyewitness testimony. You may be one of many people who experienced sex abuse from a single party. If so, we could use statements from those claimants to bolster your case.
- Correspondence. We could use information disclosed in emails, text messages, and other forms of written communication to strengthen your claim. For instance, if you reported the abuse to a religious authority (but they didn’t act), this could compel the judge and jury to award compensation.
- Church records. Your lawyer could subpoena internal church records that prove the institution knew about instances of abuse but failed to address them. These records could include disciplinary files, minutes from hearings, and written statements.
You also need evidence that supports the amount you’re requesting. Therapy records, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, and medical bills can help your lawyer do this.
You May Have to Sign a Confidentiality Agreement
The news only reports a fraction of the clergy sex abuse lawsuits that get filed. Countless more get resolved out of the public eye, usually through negotiated settlements.
Yet, you never hear about these matters because claimants sign confidentiality agreements. This generally means that in exchange for securing compensation, you won’t disclose the details of the abuse to the public. If you’re offered compensation (and a confidentiality agreement), run these details past your lawyer. We can ensure the agreement is fair and the compensation offered meets your needs.
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Many States Don’t Limit How Much You Can Recover
Many states recognize the severity of clergy sex abuse and the need for survivors to get financial justice. So, many don’t limit how much survivors can recover through personal injury claims or lawsuits. Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, could make up a significant portion of your case’s value.
Many states also don’t limit the types of damages you can seek. With our law firm’s help, compensation in your clergy sexual abuse lawsuit could include:
- Healthcare costs
- Lost income and job-related revenue
- Emotional trauma and mental distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future earning capacity
- The cost of anything you spent out of pocket
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A Religious Organization’s Denial Isn’t the End of Your Case
In a perfect world, religious organizations would learn of sex abuse allegations and then support survivors by offering fair compensation. However, that doesn’t always happen. Some temples, churches, and other religious institutions deny liability, even making survivors question their recollection of events.
Still, a religious organization’s denial of your experience doesn’t make you ineligible for compensation. In situations like these, your lawyer can investigate your allegations and present compelling evidence to the liable party. If they refuse to negotiate or acknowledge your case, we can sue.
You Could Join a Mass Tort
Mass torts allow multiple plaintiffs hurt by the same entity to pool their resources and recover compensation. You could join a mass tort if the subject of your lawsuit is an institution, like a church or another religious entity. In this situation, it wouldn’t be you versus a huge organization. This could level the playing field and yield the compensation you want.
A Sex Abuse Lawyer Can Help You Seek Justice
You don’t want to (and shouldn’t have to) manage a personal injury claim or lawsuit on your own. Instead, you can partner with a lawyer who puts your needs first and fights for fair compensation. When you entrust your case to Van Law, we:
- Gather evidence. We look for any piece of information that could bolster your claim and aid during negotiations. As noted, this information can include written communications, disciplinary records, and eyewitness statements.
- Assess your losses. It’s hard to put a dollar value on a traumatic incident like sexual abuse. Yet, we do our best to review your medical bills and pain and suffering to arrive at a fair figure.
- File your injury claim/lawsuit. Our legal team takes on everything your case entails, from learning your story to pursuing your losses. The only thing you have to focus on is healing. In the meantime, we go to bat for your legal rights.
You get our representation on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you never pay out of pocket to get our help. Our attorney’s fees come from your settlement.
Call Van Law About Your Sex Abuse Lawsuit
Want to learn more about clergy sex abuse lawsuits? Call Van Law today. During your free claim review, we can discuss your case and options moving forward. As noted, we work on a contingency-fee basis. So, if you move forward with our firm, you don’t pay anything out of pocket.
No obligation consultations are always free.
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