The average settlement for clergy abuse depends on numerous factors, including the type of injuries suffered, the impact on your life, and the type of abuse.
Our team helps our clients maximize the compensation owed to them, and we fight hard to recover the damages you are owed. Contact a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer today to learn more.
Expect Our Clergy Abuse Attorney to Fight for You
Although there is no typical settlement amount victims can receive for a clergy abuse claim, the amounts are generally impactful. However, no set amount is awarded for all cases. The settlement amount a victim can receive will vary based on numerous factors.
If you are a victim of clergy abuse and are going to file a claim, there are things you must know. Having an experienced legal team, like our attorneys at White Law PLLC, on your side will ensure your settlement amount is fitting. Continue reading for more information about your case or how a settlement amount is calculated.
Schedule a free case review with our clergy abuse attorney in Michigan to discuss your case with our team. There is no risk, but there are answers to your questions. Expect us to be transparent, fair, and honest with you regarding your legal rights. Our FAQs have more information about clergy sexual abuse cases.
If you or someone you know
endured clergy sex abuse,
contact White Law PLLC today.
What Will Affect Your Settlement Amount?
Sexual abuse is never okay, and every case is a bit different. Throughout all sexual abuse cases, there are various factors that will affect a sexual abuse settlement. Factors that will be considered in each clergy abuse settlement include:
- The nature of the abuse that was sustained
- How long the abuse had occurred for
- The age of the victim
- How the victim’s life was impacted due to this abuse
If you suffered abuse of any type, to any degree, seek out our clergy abuse attorney to discuss your case. Let us offer you guidance about what your case may be worth. Though an accurate estimate requires a truly detailed investigation, we can offer insight to you during your case review regarding the average settlement for clergy abuse.
You can contact our clergy sex abuse
lawyers today and rest easier with
experienced attorneys tackling your case.
Who Can You Sue for Clergy Sexual Abuse?
Generally, in clergy abuse claims, a few parties can be held liable. For starters, many will sue the church, whereas others will simply sue the pastor, clergymen, or ministers. However, depending on the circumstances and specifics of the case, the liable party can be more than one entity.
In many cases, a clergy member, pastor, or minister will not have enough assets to award you the damages you deserve. This is why many victims will also sue the church. You can sue the church only if your state has no statute of limitations on clergy abuse claims or if you are within the proper amount of time to honor this law.
If you believe you have a case but you are unsure what your options may be, seek out our attorneys for guidance. Our clergy abuse attorney will offer clarity on your rights, including what it may take to win your case. Expect us to fight for you.
What Damages Can You Claim in a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
Similar to other types of sexual abuse cases, clergy abuse claims are treated in the same manner. Victims are still entitled to the damages they have sustained due to someone’s actions. Therefore, many damages you can recover from cases like these are more noneconomic losses.
Compensatory damages, or economic damages, are damages that have a monetary value associated with them. At the same time, noneconomic damages do not have a set monetary value. You can, however, claim compensatory damages for the cost of medical bills or any medical treatment you must receive from the abuse sustained.
In some cases, victims of clergy sexual abuse can receive lost wages because, at times, their trauma will deter them from attending their jobs or visiting the workplace. These are often some of the most specific claims, but they are not all you may be owed. In most cases, victims of this type of trauma face ongoing, noneconomic losses that top their economic damages.
Types of Non-Economic Damages You May Be Owed
you will generally receive noneconomic losses. These losses are often somewhat subjective, but they are also quite critical to helping you, as a victim, recover from the incident. These losses include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional trauma
Even though clergy abuse victims have a long road to recovery, the compensation awarded to them can be helpful. Additional damages can also be awarded, depending on the case and where it gets to. Each case is vastly different, but our clergy abuse attorneys will pursue as much compensation as legally allowable in your case.
Can You Receive Punitive Damages in Clergy Abuse Settlements?
Punitive damages are damages that are awarded on rare occasions over various types of lawsuits. These damages are awarded on top of other damages that are paid to the victim in order to stress that the liable parties’ actions were intentional and grossly negligent. Our goal, as your sexual abuse attorney, is to help you recover any damages owed to you, and in some cases, that may include punitive damages.
Usually, these are awarded in order to mitigate or eliminate cases like this in the future. Having the liable party pay a larger amount of money will likely keep the defendant from committing these gross crimes in the future. If you are hurt and suffering, let our attorneys start the fight for you by contacting us for insight into what type of damages you may be owed, including punitive damages.
In clergy abuse cases, these damages could be awarded if your case goes to court. At times, the jury might award victims with punitive damages, but it is considered rare that the church or liable individual will pay these types of damages. Even if you are unsure what your legal rights are, you can expect our team to be exhaustive in determining what you may be owed.
What is the Statute of Limitations on Clergy Abuse Crimes?
There is a statute of limitations on clergy abuse claims, which generally was only a few years from when the abuse occurred. However, around 15 states have recently revised these laws. The revisions make it easier to allow victims of clergy abuse to bring claims to light years after they have occurred.
Among these states, Michigan was included in the revisions. Now, Michigan has raised the age limit to 28 from 19. This means that victims can file clergy abuse charges up to their 28th birthday instead of their 19th.
Victims are also allowed to file a claim three years after the abuse has occurred. In your situation, it is critical to act at any time, even if you believe the statute of limitations has expired or will soon. We want to hold those who hurt you accountable, and to do that; you need to take legal action now to start the recovery process.
These Types of Cases Continue to Rise
Based on countless reports, clergy sexual abuse cases are on the rise. And settlement amounts are being paid out in large numbers. We understand that after crimes like these have been committed, victims are unsure of where to go and who to turn to, and our case results can help you understand our history of success.
Reach Out to Us Today About Your Clergy Abuse Settlement!
If you were a victim of clergy abuse, you could contact us today. At White Law PLLC, we have experience in cases like yours and can ensure you receive the highest settlement possible for your losses.
With decades of experience, we understand what it takes to get the average settlement in a clergy abuse case as high as possible, giving you the financial resources necessary to truly recover.
You have the right to reach out to
a clergy sex abuse attorney and
discuss your right to legal action.
