Philadelphia Clergy Abuse Lawyer

What Does the Word "Clergy" Mean?

“Clergy” is often used to refer to religious leaders. Pennsylvania law 42 Pa.C.S. § 5943 addresses rights and responsibilities regarding confidential communications made to clergymen. Within that statute, it groups priests, rabbis, and ministers “of the gospel of any regularly established church or religious organization” (with few exceptions) as falling under the “clergy” umbrella.

Where Does This Abuse Most Often Happen?

Much like any other sexual predator, religious leaders who engage in unlawful sexual contact with minors and adult congregants prefer to pounce on their prey, their victims, when they least suspect it.

This abuse can occur almost anywhere, including:

• In medical facilities or nursing homes, when visiting injured or ill congregants or residents
• In ministry facilities, including bathrooms, offices, closets, and other rooms
• In vans, buses, and other vehicles belonging to the religious organization
• Congregants’ homes
• Religious schools
• On mission trips

Who Is Liable for Clergy Abuse?

Treatment does not always have to occur at an actual religious institution to allow you to file a suit, so long as you can show that the individual acting in an official capacity violated your rights.

Members of the clergy aside, you may be able to hold other parties, such as mandatory abuse reporters who suspected or knew the abuse was occurring and did nothing to stop it, accountable for their actions and demand reparations.

The key in cases like these is that you should be able to show that the member of clergy or someone else had a duty of care to keep you safe, and they didn’t, which caused you harm with associated losses.

Defendants We've Pursued Abuse Lawsuits Against

Over the years, we’ve aided clergy sex abuse victims in filing claims against the following and many others:

What Is the Statute of Limitations Applicable in Clergy Sex Abuse Cases?

There are defined timelines within which you need to file a civil lawsuit for clergy sex abuse. These limits have recently been expanded after a 2018 grand jury report revealed that over 1,000 children had been abused by as many as 300 priests within Pennsylvania. Now, if your abuse occurred pre-January 1, 2019, you’d generally have two years to file a lawsuit either after the abuse actually occurred or you became aware it did.

An exception has been added, however, for child sexual abuse victims. They used to have until their 20th birthday to file suit since time only began tolling once they became an adult at 18.

However, if your abuse occurred after January 1, 2019, and you’re between the ages of 18 and 24, our state’s laws now give you until your 30th birthday to decide to file a civil lawsuit.

Sexual battery victims currently can wait until they’re 55 to do the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you or a loved one has experienced clergy sexual abuse in Philadelphia, understanding your legal rights and options is crucial. Below are answers to common questions to help guide you through this challenging time.

Work With a Compassionate Philadelphia Clergy Abuse Lawyer Today

Here at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, our priest sexual abuse lawyers are ready to help you gather the evidence necessary to put forth a strong case for compensation. You can also count on us to prepare all the necessary court filings, negotiate settlement offers, accurately calculate your total losses, and fight zealously for the just and fair compensation you deserve.

A Philadelphia clergy abuse lawyer can get to work for you from the moment you say go.

Working with our law office begins by contacting us today for a free consultation.