• Home
  • Firm Blog
  • What to Expect in Priest/Clergy Sexual Abuse Civil Lawsuits in Pennsylvania or New Jersey

April 3rd, 2012

What to Expect in Priest/Clergy Sexual Abuse Civil Lawsuits in Pennsylvania or New Jersey

Differences Between Civil and Criminal Justice Systems in Priest Sex Abuse Cases in PA or NJ

The civil justice system and the criminal justice system are very different and accomplish different things. The table below explains the basic differences between them.

Differences Between Civil and Criminal Justice Systems in Priest Sex Abuse Cases in PA or NJ

Who are the Potential Defendants in a Priest or Clergy Sex Abuse Civil Case?

Priest and clergy abuse victims may recover against people and businesses in addition to the perpetrator. Any person or business which contributed to the abuse by failing to report or otherwise stop suspected abuse may be liable. For example, relatives, parents, step-parents, and neighbors may be liable in a priest/clergy sex abuse case. In addition, not only could the church and archdiocese be liable, schools or teachers may also be liable. Any person, company or business which had a duty to protect the victim or otherwise report abuse could be liable.

Civil justice in a sex abuse case begins with the victim’s courage. It is perhaps one of the most difficult things to come to terms with – sexual abuse by a trusted family member such as a priest or member of the clergy. The intense feelings of guilt, shame, and embarrassment can be overwhelming. However, once a victim of priest or clergy abuse is able to come forward, their real search for justice begins.

To submit your case for review by our Pennsylvania and New Jersey crime victims rights and civil lawyers, call (215) 399-9255.  Our lawyers are available for a free, no obligation legal consultation.

**This website does not provide legal advice.  Every case is unique and it is crucial to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case.  See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.

Our sexual abuse crime victims attorneys serve abuse victims in the following areas: Allegheny County, PA; Berks County, PA; Bucks County, PA; Chester County, PA; Delaware County, PA; Lehigh County, PA; Montgomery County, PA; Northampton County, PA: Philadelphia County, PA; Atlantic County, NJ; Burlington County, NJ; Camden County, NJ; Cumberland County, NJ; Gloucester County, NJ; Salem County, NJ; New Castle County, DE; he County, DE; Atlantic City, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Newark, NJ; Doylestown, PA; Media, PA; West Chester, PA; Norristown, PA; Camden, NJ; Wilmington, DE; Newark, DE; Georgetown, DE; and New Castle, DE. Our lawyers can obtain special admission in other states on a case by case basis.