The last 20 years have unveiled many clergy abuse cases within religious institutions such as the Catholic and Mormon Churches or societal organizations like the Boy Scouts of America. The vast number of cases flooded the legal system, creating a bottleneck in the legal process and a growing concern for victims who were seeking justice and closure.
Thousands of victims came forward, and billions of dollars were paid out, but each case had its own set of unique details that make it difficult to estimate how long it takes to settle a clergy abuse case.
However, there are commonalities among the components that impact a clergy abuse case. The resolution of your case is affected by many things, and our Okemos clergy sex abuse lawyers, who have successfully represented other sexual abuse survivors and compiled information from their cases, will help you navigate this recovery journey as best you can.
The Legal Process for Filing a Clergy Abuse Claim
Clerical sexual abuse has occurred for centuries, but legal action against the abusers and the institutions did not begin until the late 1980s and early 2000s. Depending on the particulars of the case and the state where the abuse took place, the legal procedure for bringing a claim for clergy abuse may change. However, there are a few standard procedures that are usually followed:
- Consult with a lawyer: The first step in the legal process is to meet with a qualified Michigan personal injury lawyer who can assess your situation and recommend your legal alternatives.
- Investigation: Your Michigan sexual abuse lawyer will look into your case to find evidence to back it up. This can entail speaking with witnesses, looking over church archives, and getting medical information.
- Claim submission: Following the conclusion of the investigation, the lawyer may submit a claim to the church or any other accountable entity, such as a diocese or religious order. The claims of abuse and the compensation you seek are often described in the claim.
- Negotiation: After the claim has been filed, the church or its agents may negotiate with your attorney to reach a settlement. Resolution techniques like mediation or others might be used.
- Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, a trial may be necessary. During the trial, both sides present evidence and arguments, and a judge or jury decides the case’s conclusion.
It is essential to remember that the legal process might be lengthy and intricate. Working with a successful law firm that can walk you through each step of the procedure and explain your rights and options is critical. If you or someone you know endured clergy sex abuse, contact White Law PLLC today.
If you or someone you know
endured clergy sex abuse,
contact White Law PLLC today.
Factors That Control How Fast or Slow Your Case Moves Through the Legal System
It may be impossible to provide a timeline of how long it takes to settle a clerical abuse case. However, identifying the components that affect its progression is easy. This list will vary for each case, but the following conditions can contribute to your clergy abuse case being resolved slowly or quickly:
- Health status
- Extent of injuries
- Parties involved
- History of abuse
- Age of victim
- Effectiveness of legal counsel
- Quality of evidence
- Speed of court system
Some clergy abuse survivors will win their cases in a matter of months. Others may have to wait years for compensatory damages, especially if they wait to file before the statute of limitations expires, as described by the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. What matters most is that victims are provided resources to recover beyond the financial harm that they have endured when they partner with a reputable personal injury law firm that cares about their overall well-being.
You can contact our clergy sex abuse
lawyers today and rest easier with
experienced attorneys tackling your case.
What Can Be Done To Expedite Your Clergy Abuse Claim
Your circumstances determine how long it takes to settle a clergy abuse case. However, there are some things that you can do as a survivor to help your case along. Consider the following in an attempt to expedite your clergy abuse case:
- Visit a healthcare professional immediately after experiencing abuse, whether it be a doctor or therapist, to document and treat your injuries.
- Keep a record of your interactions with the abuser or details about what was done when you alerted the institution or sought help. This can include journal entries, photographs, or video or audio recordings.
- Speak with a clergy abuse attorney via email, phone, or in-person to gain insight into what your legal alternatives are and what you can do to collect solid proof for your clergy abuse lawsuit.
You are not alone in this. You can receive compassionate, guided support from our legal advisors. Contact us today if you or someone you know has fallen victim to clergy abuse.
Things to Avoid While Waiting For Your Clergy Abuse Case To be Resolved
The length of time it takes to resolve your clergy abuse case will unfold naturally. However, there are things that you can do to avoid compromising the success of your abuse injury claim. When waiting for your case to be resolved, avoid the following:
Contact with Your Abuser
Contacting the abuser or the organization that failed to protect you should be avoided at all costs. While the investigation is still pending, things can be said or done that may compromise your lawsuit or your health. It is important to protect the integrity of both.
Ignoring Your Health
Your health is a priority above all else. Doctor’s visits or therapy appointments should not be missed. Additionally, when seeking damages, adhering to your treatment plan will be reviewed to determine how much your settlement needs to be to cover your recovery.
Posting to Social Media
Discussing your case with anyone who is not your attorney can jeopardize it tremendously. When posting on social media or speaking with those close to you, refrain from speaking about case details. Better to stay off social media than have something you posted to be used against you.
Win Your Clerical Abuse Settlement Claim When You Contact White Law PLLC for Help
Winning a clergy abuse case within a designated time frame is unrealistic, but there are controllable factors that can help your case. There are also legal deadlines that are imperative to claiming a settlement.
The most important thing that you can do to improve your chances of success is to contact an experienced clergy abuse lawyer and collect as much evidence as possible.
After experiencing a traumatic event like clergy abuse, you deserve empathy, support, and full transparency. There is no guarantee that you will win your case or collect millions of dollars in a settlement. However, with the right legal team on your side, you have a greater chance of success in collecting a settlement that can cover the damages you have incurred from being abused.
You have the right to reach out to
a clergy sex abuse attorney and
discuss your right to legal action.
