Sexual abuse of children by members of the clergy is shockingly widespread. People in a position of moral authority often use their power to commit horrific acts against children.
The attorneys at Phillips Law Group provide legal services to people who have suffered sexual abuse by clergy members. Survivors have the right to pursue civil lawsuits to seek accountability and financial compensation, so reach out today to take the empowering step of joining the Alabama clergy sexual assault lawsuits and obtain justice for the victim.
The church is a significant part of life in Alabama. Many families attend weekly services, participate in Bible study groups, and send their children to church-affiliated schools and summer camps. Unfortunately, the high regard most Alabamians have for the clergy can create an environment where sexual predators flourish.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Mobile and the Diocese of Birmingham have acknowledged a history of sexual misconduct among their priests, including instances of child sexual abuse. The Episcopal Church has confronted several credible allegations of priests engaging in sexual misconduct with minors. When the Southern Baptist Convention released a list of clergy and staff credibly accused of sexual misconduct or convicted of sex crimes, 33 individuals from that list served churches in Alabama.
People who have suffered abuse by clergy can seek accountability through legal action. Phillips Law Group files lawsuits in Alabama on behalf of survivors of clergy sexual assault and abuse.
When a sexual assault or abuse survivor files a lawsuit, they may name their abuser or abusers. However, in some cases, those individuals may have passed away, or those still living may not have the funds to pay reasonable compensation. Suing the organization that enabled the abuser can help dismantle corrupt systems and ensure the survivor receives appropriate compensation.
A clergy sexual abuse survivor in Alabama may have to share their story under oath, but the trauma-informed attorneys at Phillips Law Group will prepare them well while filing their lawsuit. Typically, the defendants in these cases prefer to avoid court, giving survivors the option to settle rather than testify in court.
Survivors may receive compensation for therapy expenses and medical treatment if they sustained physical injuries. If the abuse hindered a survivor’s academic or professional growth, they may claim damages for lost income. Additionally, survivors can seek financial compensation for their emotional suffering and the negative impacts on their close relationships.
Unfortunately, Alabama’s current law is not supportive of survivors of sexual assault. If the complainant was an adult when the abuse occurred, the Code of Alabama § 6-2-38 requires them to file a lawsuit within two years of the incident. If the complainant was under 18 at the time of the abuse, they must file a lawsuit before their 25th birthday.
Some states have acknowledged that it may take many years for survivors of sexual abuse to feel ready to come forward and seek justice. As a result, they have extended the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits related to sexual abuse by 20 or 30 years or eliminated it entirely. Additionally, many states have opened a window that allows people previously unable to file a lawsuit due to time restrictions to do so now.
Some local state legislators have proposed similar measures. The sexual abuse attorneys at Phillips Law Group are following the developments for filing lawsuits in Alabama and will pursue older claims against clergy members when the law changes.
Sexual abuse by a clergy member is a horrific breach of trust. Phillips Law Group understands how challenging it can be to come forward as a survivor. However, it can also be empowering to hold the wrongdoers accountable for the harm they have caused.
The attorneys at Phillips Law Group pursue Alabama clergy sexual assault lawsuits for survivors. Schedule a free confidential consultation to discuss your experience today.