The Vatican should play a critical role in addressing clergy sexual abuse. As the highest authority in Catholicism, they could make a great difference by condemning abuse and abusers, refusing to protect exploitative clergy, and listening to the survivors of abuse about what should be done to make the church safer for all. Unfortunately, the …
What Happens to Clergy Sexual Abuse Claims Against Baltimore Archdiocese After May 31, 2024?
Under a bar date set by the federal bankruptcy court overseeing the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Chapter 11 filing, survivors have until May 31, 2024, to file clergy sexual abuse claims. After this date, no new claimants can recover compensation in the case. While a 2023 law aimed to allow more survivors to get justice through …
How Does the Baltimore Archdiocese Bankruptcy Affect My Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim?
The Archdiocese of Baltimore filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2023. This bankruptcy affects clergy abuse survivors in several ways. First, it sets a bar date for filing these claims. Next, it changes the court that decides these claims and how compensation will work. If you are a survivor and want to pursue justice …
The Benefits of Hiring a Trauma-Informed Lawyer
Not everyone knows how to help someone who has experienced significant trauma navigate the legal process. Without this knowledge and experience, attorneys risk retraumatizing victims or being unable to help the survivor navigate through the system. Our team has decades of experience helping survivors of trauma and abuse. Several of our team members have also …
What Is the Deadline For Sexual Abuse Claims Against Baltimore Archdiocese?
The deadline for sexual abuse claims against the Baltimore Archdiocese is May 31, 2024. If you do not file a claim before that deadline, you will likely be unable to take action against your abuser and the entity that allowed the abuse to occur. This deadline is why it is so important to get in …
What Types of Damages Can Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse Seek?
The damages a survivor of clergy sexual abuse can seek depend on the specifics of their experience. However, they can typically recover anything from medical bills to pain and suffering. Our Baltimore clergy sexual abuse lawyer can investigate your case and determine the damages you can recover. Medical Bills Sexual abuse survivors may require counseling, …
Can I Remain Anonymous When Filing a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
We understand that you may not feel ready to come forward and have your identity known in a clergy sexual abuse case. You may be able to remain anonymous when filing a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit. Each state has different laws in regard to anonymity in civil cases, but most states will permit survivors of …
Who Does the Maryland Child Victims Act Apply To?
The Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 applies to anyone who suffered childhood sexual abuse. It doesn’t matter when your abuse occurred; you have options. However, it’s important to note that legal challenges to the Act make it very important to act quickly when exploring those options. Cases against certain entities have very short deadlines …
What Steps Can Survivors Take to File a Claim Under the Act?
On April 11, 2023, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed the Child Victims Act of 2023 into law. The Act, which took effect on October 1, 2023, allows childhood sexual abuse survivors to take legal action against their abusers and the entities that allowed the abuse or occur or covered it up, regardless of how long …
Are Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases Only Against the Catholic Church?
Clergy sexual abuse cases abound against the Catholic Church and other religious institutions around the world. This is not solely a Catholic issue. Sexual abuse by clergy is happening in the Protestant and Catholic churches and schools, Islamic religious schools, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints churches and schools, the Buddhist community, and …