As a clergy sex abuse survivor, you have the right to hold your abuser accountable and receive justice and financial compensation. Our legal team understands that it can be difficult to tell your story, so we take a compassionate approach to clergy sex abuse cases.
At White Law PLLC, our clergy sex abuse lawyers in Marquette, MI, are ready to help you with your clergy sex abuse case. We’ll build a strong legal claim and case against the liable parties and get you the compensation you qualify for.
What Constitutes As Clergy Sex Abuse?
At times, it can be difficult to determine if a priest’s action qualifies as sex abuse, especially if you were a child. Actions that qualify as clergy sex abuse include:
- Unwanted touching
- Sexual innuendos
- Forcing or manipulating someone into intercourse
- Emotional and spiritual manipulation
- Threats with sexual undertones
You may have a valid claim if your situation involves any of these actions. Our clergy sex abuse lawyers in Marquette, MI, can help determine if you have a case in a free case review.
If you or someone you know
endured clergy sex abuse,
contact White Law PLLC today.
Why Is Clergy Sex Abuse So Difficult To Stop?
Regardless of where clergy sex abuse occurs, it continues to happen. There are thousands of churches nationwide and in Michigan where clergy sex abuse continues, but why?
One of the most common reasons clergy sex abuse continues is loophole laws that exempt clergy members from reporting alleged clergy sex abuse if it’s privileged information to the church. As a result, in 33 states, including Michigan, clergy members don’t have to report sex abuse.
This loophole has likely let hundreds of priests escape the consequences of their actions. Another reason clergy sex abuse continues is that priests are transferred. This was common in the Archdiocese of Boston during the clergy sex abuse investigation. When a priest sexually abused someone, the church transferred them out of state, where the abuse likely continued.
You can contact our clergy sex abuse
lawyers today and rest easier with
experienced attorneys tackling your case.
Who Can Be Liable in a Clergy Sex Abuse Case?
While it may seem that the only liable party in a clergy sex abuse case would be the clergy member, you can also hold the church accountable for failing to recognize and stop the abuse. As the organization that allowed the ordination of the clergy member, the church has a duty of care to ensure their priests do not cause harm.
Sometimes churches will deny any wrongdoing by them or priests, but the fact is that the church is responsible for overseeing the clergy members and their behavior. So if they notice any behaviors that aren’t appropriate, they have to report them, in most situations unless there is a loophole law.
If you believe the church is liable in your clergy sex abuse case, one of our clergy sex abuse attorneys in Marquette, MI, can help you hold the clergy member and church accountable.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Sex Abuse Claim in Michigan?
After clergy sex abuse, you only have so much time to file a claim against the negligent parties. Michigan’s statute of limitations gives you 10 years after the abuse to file a claim. If you were under 18 years old at the time of the abuse, you can file your claim up until your 28th birthday.
While 10 years is a long time, it’s best to file your claim as soon as possible. The sooner you file, the higher your chance is of recovering the maximum compensation and having enough time to build a strong case with your lawyer.
Of course, the specific details of your claim could affect your deadline and give you more or less time to file. A clergy sex abuse attorney from our legal team in Marquette, MI, can tell you exactly how long you have to file.
Laws governing the present statute of limitations are beginning to reform in numerous states. We anticipate that this will also apply to the state of Michigan. So if a member of the church abused you and it has been more than three years, or you are older than 28, get in touch with us; we might still be able to assist you.
What Damages Can You Recover After Clergy Sex Abuse?
After you suffer clergy sex abuse, you have a legal right to recover financial and non-financial damages. These damages can help you cover the costs you incur due to abuse. A clergy sex abuse lawyer in Marquette, MI, can help you recover economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages You Can Recover
The damages that have a dollar value are called economic damages. These damages usually affect your financial situation. Common examples of economic damages you can recover in a clergy sex abuse case include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Property damage
- Loss of earning capacity
- Physical therapy
- Home modifications
Non-Economic Damages You Can Recover
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are losses that don’t have a financial impact but are more related to the long-term effects of your injuries. We can help you recover losses such as:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
Why Choose White Law PLLC for Your Clergy Sex Abuse Case?
Our law firm has years of experience navigating clergy sex abuse cases and has a record of success. Our lead attorney, Jamie White, has proudly represented victims in notable sexual abuse cases nationwide, including hundreds of Boy Scouts of America victims and clergy sex abuse victims.
We’re passionate about bringing justice and compensation to clients who have suffered clergy sex abuse. We can only imagine the pain and trauma you have experienced. And when you provide information to us, you can be confident that it’s secure.
We use the latest technology to keep your data safe with cloud technology, and we are a paperless law firm that allows you as our client to save money and avoid any confusion throughout your case.
Contact Us To Get Started on Your Marquette Clergy Sex Abuse Case
At White Law PLLC, our team of clergy sex abuse lawyers in Marquette, MI, is ready to help if you were a victim of clergy sex abuse. We can help you hold your abuser accountable and get the compensation you qualify for.
Call us or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule a free case consultation today.
You have the right to reach out to
a clergy sex abuse attorney and
discuss your right to legal action.
