There should be no one you can trust more than a clergy member. That makes an incident of sexual abuse perpetrated by a clergy member the ultimate act of betrayal. It’s the kind of trauma that can last for a lifetime. It is also an act that demands a remedy.
That means holding the church liable for its employees’ actions.
Holding a church liable can be extremely challenging and can lead to further emotional trauma for the victim, as they may be called on to provide testimony about what happened to them. That’s why you need to work with an experienced Philadelphia clergy abuse lawyer to provide a clear path towards a remedy that holds the church accountable and provides a measure of compensation.
The legal team at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan is all too familiar with these types of cases. We have recently secured a $180 million settlement against the Camden Diocese that will compensate over 300 victims.
It’s important to note that even with this type of resolution, there are still sexual abuse cases to prosecute, and that can mean holding the church liable.
Negligent Hiring and Retention of Clergy Members
A church must exercise reasonable care to prevent foreseeable risks. A clear example is during winter when the church must ensure there isn’t ice on the steps leading up to the church to prevent slip-and-fall accidents.
However, this responsibility extends far beyond premises protection. It also falls under the legal concept of “respondeat superior” or vicarious liability. That holds the church generally responsible for any wrongful act committed by an employee. Here’s what that might look like:
Negligent Hiring
The church can be held liable for the actions of its employees if it failed to conduct proper background checks, screenings, or evaluations before hiring clergy, volunteers, or staff.
Negligent Retention
There have been many instances in which the church has kept a worker in a position of trust even after the institution has become aware of inappropriate behavior. In some instances, the church simply transfers a clergy member to another church rather than holding them accountable.
In order to prove these cases, your attorney needs to access the employment history and hiring records from the church. That is a lot of information to gather and analyze.
Failure to Supervise and Report Sexual Misconduct
When the church fails to supervise its employees or fails to report incidents of sexual misconduct, it can be a clear indication of legal liability. This falls under the category of negligent supervision.
Churches have an obligation to monitor all their employees, especially if they’ve been made aware of any misconduct.
If an incident has been reported to the church leaders, it must be reported to law enforcement for investigation. Any attempt to cover up the incident to avoid further scandal can also be an indication of the church’s liability.
Another vital role for the church is to implement written sexual harassment policies. Every staff member should receive proper training to recognize the warning signs of abuse.
Statutes of Limitations and Lookback Windows
Pennsylvania law stipulates a statute of limitations of two years in personal injury claims, as you might file with a car accident. However, that statute is different for victims of sexual abuse. Following a 2019 update to the law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse can file a lawsuit up to their 55th birthday.
There may also be instances in which the deadline is extended to three years beyond the discovery of the event. It is not uncommon for victims of sexual abuse to repress memories.
Often, when other victims come forward, the memories are unlocked.
In June of 2025, the Pennsylvania House passed legislation to open a two-year lookback window, which is a temporary suspension of the statute of limitations. That law hasn’t been passed as of April 2026.
Damages Available in Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
The damages available to the victims of clergy sexual abuse are intended to provide compensation for the severe physical and emotional harm that was caused by the abuse.
In some instances, trauma prevents the victim from holding down a job or considerably reduces their quality of life. This isn’t something that lasts for a few weeks after the incident, but can be an ongoing issue for years.
When filing a lawsuit that names the abuser and the church, the victim can seek the following types of damages:
Economic Damages
These would be compensation for any direct financial losses. It can include past and future medical expenses, therapy bills, and counseling. Lost wages or reduced earning capacity would also be considered economic damage.
Noneconomic Damages
Non-economic damages would cover non-monetary losses such as the level of pain and suffering, emotional distress, psychological trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life that the victim endured because of the abuse.
Punitive Damages
If the sexual abuse claim proceeds to a lawsuit, the courts may award punitive damages.
These would be additional funds provided to the victim that are designed to punish the religious institution for reckless disregard and to deter future abuse.
Injunctive Relief
In cases involving sexual abuse, courts often order the institution to change its policies.
That can mean applying stricter protective procedures or removing accused individuals to prevent further abuse.
How a Clergy Abuse Lawyer Can Help
Pursuing a claim against a religious institution for clergy sexual abuse is legally complex and emotionally demanding. It is vital for any family that intends to pursue this type of claim to have the support and guidance of a legal team that understands the laws and the nature of these crimes.
The attorneys at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan have played a critical role in guiding survivors through this process while building cases that hold both the individual abuser and the institution accountable.
We understand the need to obtain critical evidence, including internal church records, prior complaints, personnel files, and witness statements. Beyond evidence collection, we will analyze all potential liability theories, including negligent hiring and supervision, to determine who can and should be held accountable.
We’ll also take over all the communications with the church and their insurer to shield the victim and their family from any potential further trauma. Speaking with the attorneys at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan can provide clarity on your legal rights and available options for pursuing a remedy.
If your family has been the victim of this type of abuse, call to schedule a free consultation to get all your questions answered. You’re not in this alone.