Across the country and here in San Diego, survivors have come forward to share painful experiences that were too often ignored, minimized, or covered up by religious institutions. If you or someone you love has been a survivor of clergy abuse, a knowledgeable San Diego clergy sexual abuse attorney can help.
Arias Sanguinetti offers confidential legal guidance and is ready to fight for accountability. With over 300 years of combined experience, we know how to win these cases. Contact us today to schedule a free and private consultation with one of our San Diego sexual abuse lawyers.
Potentially Liable Parties in Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases
Many cases of clergy abuse involve a broader network of institutional failure. Religious organizations may have had prior knowledge of the misconduct or taken steps to protect the abuser instead of the survivors.
Filing a civil lawsuit allows those harmed to seek justice against the perpetrator and the organizations that enabled or concealed the abuse.
Potential liable parties in clergy abuse cases may include:
- Priests, pastors, ministers, or deacons
- Bishops or higher-ranking church authorities
- Individual churches or parishes
- Religious orders
- The Diocese of San Diego
- Larger archdiocesan organizations across California
Our San Diego personal injury lawyers will investigate your case thoroughly to uncover who knew what and when. Holding institutions accountable helps you pursue accountability and meaningful resolution while protecting others from future harm.
California’s Statute of Limitations for Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors
California has enacted some of the most survivor-friendly legal reforms in the country, particularly when it comes to childhood sexual abuse. These changes recognize the psychological trauma inflicted on the abused, including the fact that many survivors take years or even decades before they are ready to come forward.
Under Assembly Bill 218 (AB 218), survivors who were under 18 when the abuse occurred can now file civil lawsuits up until they turn 40 years old, or within five years of discovering that the abuse caused them psychological or emotional harm.
For child sexual abuse that took place on or after January 1, 2024, Assembly Bill 452 (AB 452) completely removes the statute of limitations. This means future survivors can file lawsuits without being constrained by legal deadlines.
Assembly Bill 2777 and Adult Survivors of Clergy Abuse
For individuals who were 18 years or older at the time of the abuse, California law typically provides a window of 10 years from the date of the abuse, or three years from the discovery of harm caused by the abuse.
In addition, Assembly Bill 2777 opened a temporary lookback window that allows adult survivors whose claims were previously time-barred to file lawsuits until December 31, 2026.
Understanding these laws and how they apply to your case can be challenging. Our San Diego clergy abuse attorneys can assess your eligibility and ensure your claim is filed on time.
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What Types of Compensation Can Clergy Abuse Survivors Pursue?
Survivors of clergy sexual abuse may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. While no amount of money can undo what happened, compensation can help you access the care and support needed to move forward.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate survivors for the tangible, financial losses related to the abuse and its aftermath. Some of the economic damages commonly available include:
- Medical expenses, including hospitalization or surgical care
- Psychological counseling or therapy sessions
- Long-term mental health treatment
- Loss of income
- Decreased earning capacity due to trauma-related impairments
Non-Economic Damages
The emotional and psychological toll of clergy sexual abuse can be profound and long-lasting. Survivors often experience the following:
- Anxiety and depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Nightmares or flashbacks
- Fear of authority figures
- Difficulty forming healthy relationships
Non-economic damages compensate survivors for their pain and suffering, including emotional distress, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are sometimes available in clergy sexual abuse cases, especially when religious institutions actively covered up the abuse. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoers and serve as a deterrent to others.
Arias Sanguinetti will conduct a comprehensive investigation to ensure all forms of available compensation are pursued on your behalf.
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Our Clergy Abuse Lawyers Serving San Diego Get Paid for Results
We believe that every survivor deserves access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of financial status.
That’s why our San Diego clergy abuse attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front to retain our services, nor will you be charged at an hourly rate. Instead, we collect a single fee once we win your case. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
When we recover compensation on your behalf, whether through a trial verdict or a settlement, our fee comes from that amount at a fixed percentage, never directly from your pocket.
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Why Abuse Survivors Trust Arias Sanguinetti
Our team brings decades of experience handling clergy sexual abuse claims. We understand the legal challenges and empathize with the emotional weight survivors face in these cases.
When you choose our team, you can expect:
- Confidential, respectful, and trauma-informed legal support.
- Detailed investigations into the abuse and potential cover-ups.
- Skilled negotiation and litigation strategies.
- Access to therapists, advocates, and medical experts when needed.
You will never be pressured to make decisions before you’re ready. We’re here to support you at your pace, every step of the way.
Contact a Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorney in San Diego Today
If you or a loved one was sexually abused by a member of the clergy in San Diego, don’t wait to take legal action. Now is the time to take legal action and hold those responsible accountable.
At Arias Sanguinetti, we have built a reputation for providing supportive representation and getting results since our founding over 40 years ago.
Call our office or fill out our secure online form to schedule your free, confidential consultation today. We are here to help you seek truth, accountability, and healing.
Call or text 310-844-9696 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form