Steps to Filing a Mormon Church Abuse Lawsuit
At Sokolove Law, we know how difficult it can be to speak out after experiencing sexual abuse, especially when it involves a religious community. This wasn’t your fault, and we’re here to support you.
Our goal is to handle the entire legal process for you, so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Our Mormon sexual abuse lawyers can:
- Provide a free case review to help you understand your legal options
- Collect evidence like Church documents, medical records, and eyewitness testimony
- File your lawsuit against the abuser, the Mormon Church, and any parties who enabled the abuse
- Negotiate a Mormon abuse settlement with those responsible
- Take your case to trial if necessary and fight for the justice you deserve
We’re committed to standing with survivors and making the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible. Our team is here to answer your questions, protect your rights, and guide you every step of the way.
Deadlines on LDS Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
Each state has laws called statutes of limitations that limit how long you have to file a Mormon sex abuse lawsuit. These deadlines vary depending on where the abuse occurred, your age at the time, and other factors.
To support plaintiffs in seeking justice, states like New York recently expanded their laws. Special provisions known as “lookback windows” allow survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file lawsuits, even if the original deadline has passed.
It’s never too late to make your voice heard. We can help you understand your legal options without any pressure or obligation.
Clergy Abuse Statute of Limitations
Certain state laws prevent childhood sexual abuse victims from filing lawsuits after a certain age. In the past, this has barred many adults from taking action against the religious institutions responsible.
However, in the wake of public outcry, many states are reevaluating their laws around time limits survivors have to file cases against their abusers and the institutions that covered up their abuse.
Over a dozen states have passed expanded statutes of limitations bills to allow more time for survivors to come forward. In other states, similar legislation is now pending.
As of December 1, 2019, clergy sex abuse victims in New Jersey have until their 55th birthday (or up to seven years after they discover the abuse has caused them harm) to sue. Cases that were previously time-barred have now been revived with a two-year filing window.
Statute of limitations laws across the country are now under scrutiny. Now is the time to take action.
Clergy Abuse Compensation
For clergy abuse survivors who have been forced to bear the burden of past or present sexual abuse, their physical and mental scars may last a lifetime. However, survivors may have options to receive clergy abuse compensation for their suffering and to hold their abuser(s) accountable.
Some states have even set up special compensation programs to help victims cover the costs associated with abuse and its lasting trauma.
Examples of compensation programs include:
- In 2016, the Archdiocese of New York established the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program to compensate survivors of abuse, even decades old. Since then, more and more programs have been started in dioceses all over the country.
- In September 2019, six Catholic dioceses in California initiated a new program to compensate survivors of clergy sex abuse called the Independent Compensation Program (ICP). The deadline to submit a claim for this program was January 31, 2020.
These are just a couple of examples of the many compensation programs that exist across the nation to help victims and hold abusers accountable. No matter what state your abuse occurred, it is worth it to contact Sokolove Law to learn whether you may be eligible to file a claim.
No amount of money can undo the damage by pedophile priests and other church officials. However, compensation can play a small part in reducing a survivor’s financial and emotional burden.
For example, clergy abuse compensation may help cover:
- Emotional counseling
- Mental and/or physical therapy
- Medical prescriptions
- Pain and suffering
- Inability to work
If you or a loved one is a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, call Sokolove Law for a free legal case review to learn about your legal rights and possible compensation. Hold those who wronged you accountable for their actions and protect future potential victims.
Are Clergy Abuse Settlements Taxable?
According to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), no tax deduction is allowed for any settlement or payment related to sexual abuse — if it is subject to a nondisclosure agreement. Further, tax deductions are also not allowed for any attorney’s fees related to a clergy sex abuse settlement or payment.
Get Help from a Mormon Sexual Abuse Lawyer
For more than 45 years, Sokolove Law has stood up for survivors and helped them access the justice they deserve.
If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse within the Mormon Church, you may be eligible to pursue compensation. Our dedicated team is here to support you, listen to your story, and help you understand your legal options.
We’re committed to holding powerful institutions accountable, and we’ve recovered more than $10.5 Billion total on behalf of those harmed through no fault of their own.
Call (866) 418-2146 now or fill out our contact form. Coming forward takes courage, but you don’t have to face the road ahead alone.
Our Team Is Here for You
Our Mormon sexual assault lawyers are here to help you fight back and secure the justice you deserve.
