Joliet Clergy Abuse Lawyer

Clergy sexual abuse is a grievous violation of trust that leaves enduring scars on its survivors. The impact of this sexual abuse extends beyond the immediate trauma, often resulting in long-term emotional and psychological distress.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are unwavering in our dedication to advocating for the rights of abuse survivors, providing compassionate and professional legal support. If you or a loved one has been affected by clergy sexual abuse in Joliet, our team is here to help you seek the justice and healing you deserve.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

With extensive experience and a proven track record in handling clergy sexual abuse cases, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is uniquely equipped to navigate these challenging lawsuits. Our compassionate and dedicated legal team is committed to providing nationwide representation and leveraging all available resources to support our clients who have been sexually abused.

• $14,200,000 – Priest grooming and handling
• $4,100,000 – Deacon assault and rape
• $3,000,000 – Clergy child abuse filed in adulthood
• $2,475,000 – Volunteer-perpetrated Catholic church abuse
• $2,250,000 – Religious school priest teen sexual abuse
• $1,500,000 – Clergy abuse case filed against a deceased priest

We uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and sensitivity, ensuring that each survivor’s journey toward justice and healing is handled with the utmost care and respect.

What Is Clergy Sexual Abuse?

Clergy sexual abuse is the misconduct of a member of the clergy (such as a priest, pastor, minister, rabbi, imam, or other religious leaders) who exploits their authority and power to engage in sexually inappropriate behavior with parishioners or congregants. This can include a wide variety of actions ranging from unwanted advances to physical sexual abuse.

Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in Joliet

To understand the gravity of the situation, it is essential to delve into Joliet clergy abuse statistics, which highlight the widespread and persistent nature of these heinous acts.

Approximately 3.5% of priests serving in the Diocese of Joliet between 1950 and 2002 were reported as abusers. The diocese documented 27 diocesan priests and 69 clerics and brothers as abusers based on credible reports. [1]

In 2018, the Illinois Attorney General identified 451 Catholic priests, religious brothers, and clerics who allegedly abused 1,997 children across the state. The report highlights the Diocese of Joliet, especially during the tenure of Bishop Joseph Imesch, listing 17 Illinois priests with credible abuse accusations. [2]

Notable Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases and Accused Priests in Joliet

To further understand the depth of the issue, it is vital to review notable cases involving abusive clergy members within the Diocese of Joliet who have been accused or convicted of sexual abuse.

• Myles Patrick White was removed from ministry after being seen in a videotape having sex with a boy. He was sentenced to four years in prison and was released in 1995. He passed away in 2012 but was named in a new civil suit in 2013. [3]
• John C. Slown sexually abused at least 20 children. He was convicted of abusing a boy in DuPage County in 1983, sent to treatment, and briefly reassigned before being removed from ministry. Slown died in 2022. [4]
• Henry Slade was removed from ministry in 1990 and pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct with an 18-year-old disabled man. In 2015, he was accused of abusing an 11-year-old boy and was included on the diocese’s list of credibly accused priests. [5]

Common Forms of Clergy Abuse

Sexual abuse by priests or other church leaders can manifest in various ways, each causing significant harm to victims. Below are some common forms:

• Inappropriate physical and sexual contact
• Sexual assault
• Exploitation through confession or counseling sessions
• Indecent communication (via text, email, or phone)
• Grooming behaviors intended to normalize the abusive relationship
• Possession and distribution of child pornography

Signs to Look for in Abused Children

Recognizing the signs of clergy abuse in children is vital for intervention and providing necessary support. Here are some common indicators:

• Unexplained changes in behavior or personality
• Sudden avoidance of religious services or events
• Nightmares, sleep issues, or wetting the bed
• Decline in school performance or loss of interest in activities
• Sexual knowledge beyond what’s appropriate for their age
• Signs of depression, anxiety, or withdrawal from friends and family

Eligibility to File a Clergy Abuse Claim

If you have experienced clergy sexual abuse, or if your child has been victimized, understanding who is eligible to file a claim is crucial. The following individuals are typically able to pursue a civil lawsuit in such cases:

• Minors who have suffered from sexual abuse by clergy members can bring forward a claim through their parents or legal guardians.
• If you’re an adult who has recently been subjected to sex abuse by a clergy member, it’s within your rights to initiate legal action against those responsible.
• Many states have enacted laws to extend the statute of limitations, allowing adult survivors who were sexually abused as children to file a lawsuit.

Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases

Individual liability in clergy abuse cases pertains to the personal responsibility of clergymen for committing abusive acts. In many clergy abuse cases, these members can face criminal charges, potentially resulting in imprisonment and fines upon a criminal conviction.

On the civil side, survivors can sue a clergy member for damages due to pain and suffering, trauma, or other harms caused by the abuse.

Institutional liability involves holding a religious organization accountable. Institutions may be liable under theories like negligent hiring, inadequate supervision, failure to report known abuse, or vicarious liability.

Proving institutional responsibility necessitates establishing a direct link between the entity’s negligent actions or lack thereof and occurrences of alleged sexual abuse.

The Time Limit to File a Civil Claim in Joliet

In Joliet, IL, child sex abuse claims are not restricted by a statute of limitations, meaning you can file a lawsuit regardless of when the abuse occurred.For cases involving adult survivors or claims under other circumstances, different deadlines may apply, so seeking legal guidance early is essential to ensure your rights are fully protected.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Joliet Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Our Joliet clergy sexual abuse lawyers handle a variety of cases, including:

• Abuse by Catholic priests, pastors, and other church officials across all denominations;
• Incidents occurring within diverse religious institutions like the Catholic Church and Catholic clergy as well as Protestant churches.

We address cases involving abusive priests and clergy members at local Catholic dioceses in Illinois, specifically handling claims within the Diocese of Joliet.

Steps to Take if You Have Suffered Sexual Abuse

If you’re a victim of Catholic priest sexual abuse in Joliet, IL, taking immediate action is vital for your protection and the pursuit of justice. Here are some important steps to follow:

• Prioritize your safety by removing yourself from the abuser’s reach and securing a safe environment.
• Document all details of the abuse, including dates, times, places, and any potential witnesses.
• Seek supportive care through medical attention or counseling if needed.
• Contact legal help to understand your rights.

In Joliet, IL, victims of sexual abuse can access support via local organizations like the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA). [6]

How Our Joliet Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

When dealing with sexual abuse claims, clergy abuse victims should reach out to a lawyer for help as soon as possible. Our Joliet clergy sexual abuse lawyers offer the following assistance:

• Free initial consultation and thorough case evaluation.
• Diligent investigation to compile evidence supporting your claim.
• Guidance through the complexities of filing a lawsuit and what outcomes you can expect.
• We skillfully represent clients in settlement talks or at trial if necessary.

The Cost of Hiring Our Joliet Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Our Joliet clergy sexual abuse attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you only pay our fees if we secure compensation for your claim, and there are no upfront costs.

Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims

Clergy sex abuse victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses
• Lost Wages
• Pain and Suffering
• Emotional Distress
• Punitive Damages

Several factors can affect the compensation amount sexual abuse survivors can receive, including the severity of the abuse, the impact on the survivor, the past abuses by the offender, and whether the religious organizations engaged in a cover-up to try to protect abusers.

Contact Our Joliet Clergy Abuse Attorneys Today!

You shouldn’t have to carry the burden of child sexual abuse alone, and timely legal action is key. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand the emotional and legal challenges surrounding clergy sexual abuse victims face and are committed to helping them seek justice and hold perpetrators accountable. Whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, our legal team will guide you through the process with sensitivity, ensuring your rights are protected at every step.

Clergy abuse victims can contact our Illinois clergy sexual abuse lawyers by filling out our online form or calling us at (888) 424-5757.

Related Practice Areas

• Illinois Catholic Diocese Priest Abuse List
• Illinois Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer
• Aurora Clergy Abuse Lawyer
• Chicago Clergy Abuse Lawyer
• Naperville Clergy Abuse Lawyer
• Rockford Clergy Abuse Lawyer

Related Practice Areas

• Joliet Personal Injury Lawyer
• Joliet Lyft Accident Lawyer
• Joliet Medical Malpractice Lawyer
• Joliet Bicycle Accident Lawyer
• Joliet Car Accident Lawyer
• Joliet Construction Accident Lawyer
• Joliet Dog Bite Lawyer

Resources: [1] Illinois Attorney General, [2] Illinois Attorney General Report, [3] BishopAccountability.org, [4] Illinois Attorney General, [5] Illinois Attorney General, [6] ICASA

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.