In recent years, there have been countless public revelations about widespread sexual abuse within religious organizations of all kinds—some small and independent, and some as wealthy and global as the Catholic Church. No matter where or when it happened, there is no excuse for sexual assault. You have every right to seek financial restitution from everyone who participated in or negligently facilitated abuse by someone in a position of religious authority.
As you may know, acknowledging your right to file civil suit over sexual assault is much easier than actively enforcing that right. This is why it is important to have support from qualified legal counsel from the beginning to the end of Vermont clergy sexual assault lawsuits. Whether you have started proceedings or would like to explore your options for doing so in the future, guidance from the capable sexual abuse attorneys at Phillips Law Group will be key to ensuring your case has the best possible resolution.
What Are the Filing Time Limits for Sexual Assault Claims?
In the past, people who experienced sexual assault or abuse as children were limited to a maximum of six years to file suit over that mistreatment, starting from the date of the most recent occurrence. Fortunately, state legislators struck down this statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims in 2019. As a result, there is now no statutory filing deadline for civil lawsuits concerning childhood sexual abuse, including abuse perpetrated by members of the Vermont clergy.
That said, it is still generally best to start constructing a claim of this nature as soon as possible. The more time passes after an abusive act occurs, the greater the risk that evidence relating to that act will be lost, damaged, or even intentionally altered or destroyed. If an adult experiences physical injury due to someone else’s act of sexual assault against them, they generally have a maximum of three years from the date of the assault to file suit.
Holding Religious Organizations Liable for Sexual Violence
In a Vermont lawsuit, clergy members who directly subjected anyone to sexual abuse could be held personally liable for every form of harm their actions caused. In practice, though, it is not uncommon for abusers to have little money or personal assets to put towards reparation for the immense suffering their actions caused. Often, abusers have passed away by the time an adult brings a claim for their childhood abuse.
With both those things in mind, it is often crucial to name every individual who had organizational authority or supervision of an abuser as a co-defendant in a lawsuit of this nature. Whether they had direct knowledge of the abuse and knowingly allowed it to continue or were simply negligent in their supervision of people within their organization, their misconduct contributed to causing abuse to occur, so they—along with the organization—could be held financially accountable for that abuse.
Call Today For Help Pursuing a Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against a Clergy Member in Vermont
Filing civil suit over childhood sexual abuse is always an intensely stressful experience, as well as a highly courageous decision for you to make as a survivor. The team at Phillips Law Group understands from years of experience how challenging cases like these can be on both a legal and a personal level. The firm is ready to devote every bit of that experience towards helping you obtain the restitution you deserve.
A member of the team can answer any questions you have about Vermont clergy sexual assault lawsuits during a free, no-obligation consultation. Schedule yours by calling Phillips Law Group today.
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