Losses You Can Recover in Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases
Religious institutions are meant to be safe spaces, yet when trusted leaders abuse their positions, it shatters faith and leaves lasting harm. At DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, LLP, we understand the deep betrayal and trauma that survivors of clergy sexual abuse endure.
Our firm is committed to helping survivors across Southern California pursue justice and compensation for the hardships they’ve suffered. Recovering damages in clergy sexual abuse cases isn’t just about financial relief—it’s about recognizing the emotional, psychological, and spiritual impact of abuse. Request a consultation with our clergy sexual abuse lawyer by calling 866-WINNING.
What Is Clergy Sexual Abuse?
Clergy sexual abuse involves any form of sexual misconduct by a clergy member—such as a priest, minister, rabbi, or religious leader—toward a minor or vulnerable adult. These acts range from inappropriate advances and sexual harassment to assault. For many survivors, this abuse leads to lasting emotional, psychological, and financial harm. Faith communities are places where individuals seek guidance, and abuse of this trust can deeply impact a person’s faith, relationships, and overall well-being.
When Can You Sue for Clergy Sexual Abuse?
You can sue for clergy sexual abuse if you or your loved one was subjected to sexual misconduct by a clergy member, and the religious institution involved failed to protect you. Lawsuits can hold the religious organization accountable for its role in allowing the abuse to occur, whether through negligence in hiring, failing to respond to warning signs, or covering up prior instances of abuse.
At DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, LLP, we help survivors navigate these complex cases, working to hold those responsible accountable and pursue fair compensation for the harm caused. With a clergy sexual abuse attorney by your side, you may be able to heal your emotional scars and alleviate your financial burdens more effectively.
What Do You Need to Prove in a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
To bring a clergy sexual abuse case, you need to establish three critical elements:
- Proof of abuse: Evidence that the abuse occurred, which may include your testimony, witness statements, medical records, and any other relevant documentation.
- Negligence of the religious institution: Evidence that the religious institution knew or should have known about the risk of abuse and failed to take action to prevent it.
- Harm caused by the abuse: Documentation of the emotional, physical, and financial harm you experienced as a result of the abuse. This is essential for recovering damages.
You can discuss your case during a confidential consultation with our clergy sexual abuse lawyer to understand whether or not you have grounds for a lawsuit to recover damages and losses.
Recoverable Damages in Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases
In clergy sexual abuse cases, you may be entitled to various types of damages. These damages help to compensate for both the tangible and intangible losses you have endured. Below are common recoverable damages:
- Medical expenses: These are costs for any medical treatment related to the abuse, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, or physical therapy for injuries. Expenses related to ongoing care, such as prescription medications, are also recoverable.
- Therapy and counseling costs: Many survivors need therapy to cope with the psychological impact of abuse. You can recover costs for counseling, mental health evaluations, and specialized treatments such as trauma therapy. Future counseling expenses may also be included, recognizing the long-term support survivors often require.
- Lost wages and earning capacity: If the abuse impacted your ability to work, either temporarily or permanently, you may be compensated for lost income. For example, if psychological distress from the abuse prevents you from returning to your prior job, you may be entitled to damages for diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: These damages account for the emotional and psychological impact of the abuse. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, childhood sexual abuse can lead to humiliation, fear, self-blame, shame, and guilt that often persist into adulthood. Pain and suffering damages seek to address the non-physical toll of abuse, which can profoundly affect a survivor’s quality of life.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: For many survivors, abuse diminishes their ability to engage in daily activities, hobbies, or personal relationships. Damages for loss of enjoyment of life aim to compensate for these lost experiences.
- Loss of faith or trust: Clergy abuse can severely damage a survivor’s trust in religious institutions or their faith, impacting their spiritual well-being. While intangible, this loss is very real for many survivors, and it can be factored into the compensation.
- Punitive damages: The court may also award punitive damages to punish the responsible institution for its role in allowing the abuse. This type of damage is intended to deter the institution and others from similar conduct in the future.
- Costs of future care: The effects of clergy abuse often require long-term or even lifelong support. Courts recognize this, allowing for future care costs to be covered as part of your damages.
Our clergy sexual abuse attorney can review the facts of your case and explain what you might be eligible to recover. Our attorneys provide comprehensive support and legal representation to survivors of clergy sexual abuse throughout Southern California.
Seek Justice with DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, LLP
Survivors of clergy sexual abuse deserve justice, compensation, and support as they navigate the healing process. At DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, LLP, we are committed to standing by your side, advocating for your rights, and working tirelessly to hold those who wronged you or your loved one accountable. You don’t have to face this alone. We are here to support you in every step of your journey toward justice and recovery. Call 855-WINNING or message us online to schedule a case review.
Mark Algorri has successfully represented individuals and their families in matters involving serious and catastrophic injuries, insurance claims denials, and wrongful deaths, achieving a success rate of 99 percent for our clients.
