The number of survivors who have come forward with painful stories of clergy sexual abuse continues to grow. Unfortunately, these experiences are too often ignored, minimized, or covered up by religious institutions.
If you or someone you love has endured abuse at the hands of clergy, a Westchester clergy sexual abuse lawyer can help you seek justice.
At Arias Sanguinetti, we provide completely confidential legal guidance and are prepared to fight for accountability. With more than 300 years of combined experience, our team knows the strategies that defense firms use and how to fight back against them. Contact us today for a free, private consultation with one of our Westchester sexual abuse lawyers.
Who May Be Liable in Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases
In many situations of clergy abuse, the harm stems not only from the individual perpetrator but also from institutional failures that allowed the abuse to continue. Religious organizations may have had prior knowledge of misconduct, failed to act, or actively protected the abuser rather than the survivor.
Filing a civil claim opens the door to holding the abuser accountable and pursuing justice against the institutions that enabled or concealed the abuse.
Potentially liable parties in a clergy sexual-abuse case may include:
- Priests, pastors, ministers, deacons, or other clergy members.
- Bishops, archbishops, or other senior church authorities.
- A local church, parish, or congregation.
- A religious order or affiliated ministry.
- A diocese or archdiocese.
- Larger church organizations or umbrella entities overseeing multiple parishes.
Our Westchester personal injury lawyers can investigate your case thoroughly, looking into who knew what and when. By holding institutions accountable, you pursue justice for yourself while also helping protect others from future harm.
Statutes of Limitations in California for Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors
California has enacted some of the strongest legislation in the country supporting survivors of sexual abuse, with a specific focus on protecting those who have endured childhood sexual abuse.
These laws take into account the severe psychological trauma suffered by the abused and acknowledge that it can take years or even decades for survivors to come forward.
Assembly Bill 218 (AB 218) gives survivors who were under the age of 18 when they suffered abuse up until their 40th birthday or within five years of discovering that they were psychologically or emotionally harmed as a result of the abuse, to file civil lawsuits.
For any act of child sexual abuse that occurred on or after January 1, 2024, there is no longer a statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit under Assembly Bill 452 (AB 452), meaning survivors can pursue a claim at any time.
Assembly Bill 250, signed in October 2025, also opens a two-year revival window (i.e., reopens the statute of limitations) from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027, allowing adult survivors to bring civil claims against private individuals and private entities regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Adult Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse and Assembly Bill 2777
Adult survivors of clergy sexual abuse (those over 18 at the time of the abuse) have 10 years from the date of the abuse or three years from the time they discover that they suffered harm as a result of the abuse to take legal action.
Furthermore, Assembly Bill 2777 created a temporary lookback window, allowing adult survivors whose claims had previously been time-barred to file lawsuits until December 31, 2026.
Our Westchester clergy sexual abuse attorneys have a thorough understanding of these laws and how they apply. They can review the details of your case to determine your eligibility to file and ensure your claim is submitted accurately and on time.
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Types of Compensation Survivors Can Pursue
While no monetary award can reverse what happened, compensation can play a meaningful role in helping you get the care you need, pursue healing, and hold wrongdoers accountable.
Claims in clergy abuse cases may seek a variety of compensatory damages, as well as potentially recover punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the measurable, financial losses created by the abuse and the effect it has on your life. Some of the most commonly available economic damages in clergy sexual abuse cases include:
- Medical costs, including hospitalization or surgery
- Psychological support or therapy sessions
- Long-term mental-health treatment
- Lost wages or income due to trauma
- Reduced future earning capacity because of abuse-related impairments
Non-Economic Damages
The emotional and psychological impact of clergy sexual abuse is often profound and long-lasting. Survivors may experience:
- Anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Nightmares, flashbacks, fear of authority figures
- Difficulty forming healthy relationships or trusting others
Non-economic damages acknowledge that pain and suffering, including emotional distress and mental anguish, can greatly diminish your quality of life. These losses deserve recognition and compensation to help you move forward.
Punitive Damages
In cases where a religious institution intentionally covered up abuse or acted recklessly in protecting predators, punitive damages may be available. These are designed to punish egregious conduct and deter similar wrongdoing by institutions in the future.
We will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all forms of damages that may apply in your case and can pursue them diligently on your behalf.
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Our Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys in Westchester Only Get Paid if You Win Your Case
We firmly believe that every survivor of clergy sexual abuse deserves access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their current financial situation. That’s why our Westchester clergy sexual abuse attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- You pay nothing up front to retain our services
- You are not charged by the hour
- We only collect a fee if we obtain compensation for you
- Our fee is taken as a fixed percentage of the recovery (via settlement or verdict), not from your personal funds
If you hire us and we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. If we do, you recover money for your losses, and we are paid out of the money you receive. You’ll never pay us anything out of pocket.
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Why Survivors in Westchester Trust Us
When you choose the team at Arias Sanguinetti, you’re opting for decades of experience and committed legal advocacy in clergy sexual abuse cases. We understand both the legal challenges and the emotional weight of what survivors face.
Here is what you can expect from us:
- Confidential, trauma-informed, and respectful legal support tailored to your pace and needs.
- Detailed investigations into the abuse, the perpetrators, and the institutional failures or cover-ups.
- Skilled negotiation and litigation strategies designed to ensure a meaningful resolution.
- Access to trusted therapists, trauma-informed advocates, and medical experts when needed.
- The time and space you need. We will never pressure you into making decisions before you’re ready.
Contact a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Serving Westchester Today
If a clergy member in Westchester sexually abused you or a loved one, now is the time to explore your legal options. Taking action can help you seek truth, hold those responsible accountable, and begin the healing process.
At Arias Sanguinetti, we have built a reputation for providing supportive representation and achieving results for over 40 years.
Let us help you map out your path forward. Call our office or complete our secure online form today to schedule your free, private consultation. We are here to help you pursue justice, healing, and accountability.
Call or text 310-844-9696 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
