Survivors of clergy sexual abuse are entitled to justice, accountability, and the opportunity to be heard. At Arias Sanguinetti, our attorneys represent individuals who have endured profound violations of trust, providing strategic legal guidance and pursuing meaningful results through the civil justice system.
With over 300 years of combined experience, our clergy sexual abuse lawyers in California possess the resources and experience to support clients throughout the civil litigation process.
Our California sexual abuse lawyers provide compassionate, client-focused guidance and work to help survivors move forward. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.
Seeking Accountability Through a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim
The Catholic Church has come under increased scrutiny for its long-standing pattern of clergy sexual abuse and institutional cover-ups. For decades, Church leaders prioritized institutional reputation over the safety of parishioners, transferring known abusers rather than removing them from ministry or reporting them to authorities.
As more survivors have come forward, investigations have revealed widespread misconduct and systemic failures to act on credible reports. In many cases, Church officials concealed evidence and shielded perpetrators from accountability, enabling further harm.
Filing a clergy sexual abuse claim seeks to address the wrongdoing of the individual and the systemic failures of the larger institution.
A California personal injury lawyer from Arias Sanguinetti can take legal action to hold the abuser and the Catholic Church accountable for the harm you or a loved one suffered.
Recent Changes in California Law Help Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse
Clergy sexual abuse often goes unreported for years due to power imbalances, emotional trauma, and institutional efforts to suppress disclosure. Many survivors struggle to process the abuse or link its effects to their experience until much later in life.
Recognizing these challenges and the fact that clergy abuse affects both minors and adults, California lawmakers have extended the civil statute of limitations to give survivors more time to come forward.
Sexual Abuse of Minors
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse now have until their 40th birthday, or five years after they discover the abuse or its effects on them, to file a lawsuit. This change under Assembly Bill 218 (AB 218) acknowledges that survivors may not connect their trauma to the abuse until much later in life.
For cases of sexual abuse occurring on or after January 1, 2024, no statute of limitations applies. Assembly Bill 452 (AB 452) ensures that survivors, regardless of when they come forward, will have the opportunity to seek justice.
Sexual Abuse of Adults
Under California Code of Civil Procedure 340.16, adult survivors of sexual assault now have ten years from the date of the assault to file a claim. Alternatively, they may file within three years of discovering the assault and its resulting injuries, offering flexibility to those who process their trauma later.
Assembly Bill 2777 (AB 2777) opened a special lookback window for adult survivors of sexual abuse that occurred on or after January 1, 2009. Even if the statute of limitations has technically expired, survivors can file claims during this window, which runs from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2026.
These changes in California law reflect an understanding of the long-lasting effects of clergy sexual abuse and the time survivors may need to come forward.
Why Choose a California Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorney From Our Firm?
The team of lawyers at Arias Sanguinetti has over 300 years of combined legal experience fighting for survivors of sexual abuse. We are known for our compassion and dedication to helping survivors hold abusers and negligent institutions responsible for the harm they cause.
Justice, Accountability, and Results
Through litigation and advocacy in the USC Tyndall case, Mike Arias and the attorneys of Arias Sanguinetti helped bring about changes that expanded the statute of limitations for sexual assault survivors in California.
We have the resources and experience to handle even the most complex cases. Our California clergy sexual abuse lawyers are dedicated to making a difference for survivors.
Dedicated Advocacy, Extensive Trial Experience
We understand that legal cases take a heavy toll on survivors of sexual abuse. Our team of attorneys supports clients every step of the way, tailoring litigation strategies and supporting clients through their recovery.
Our team of lawyers performs meticulous investigations, gathering evidence with the mindset that every case can go to trial. Our willingness to represent clients in trial provides survivors with a strong foundation for their claims. We prioritize quality over quantity within our caseload, taking cases that demand trial-ready lawyers.
Potential Forms of Compensation in a Sexual Abuse Case
Survivors of sexual abuse may be entitled to several forms of compensation to help address the harm they’ve endured and support their healing process. These include:
- Reimbursement for past medical bills: This can include therapy, counseling, and other medical treatments related to the abuse.
- Lost wages and future earning potential: Survivors may be compensated if the abuse impacted their ability to work or advance in their careers.
- Pain and suffering: This includes the emotional distress, trauma, and mental anguish survivors experienced and may continue to endure because of the abuse.
- Punitive damages: Punitive or enhanced damages may be available in cases involving egregious misconduct or institutional cover-ups by private religious institutions.
At Arias Sanguinetti | Trial Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping survivors pursue the compensation they deserve while providing compassionate support every step of the way.
Call Arias Sanguinetti to File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim
At Arias Sanguinetti | Trial Lawyers, we understand the courage it takes to come forward after experiencing sexual abuse. Taking legal action can help hold abusers and institutions accountable. Our team is here to listen, advocate for you, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
With over 300 years of combined experience, our clergy sexual abuse attorneys in California are ready to stand by your side. Call us for a free, confidential consultation.
