Clergy Sexual Abuse Claims in Los Angeles

Over the last several years, it has been discovered that clergy have abused their power and have sexually abused children. It has taken some victims many years to feel comfortable to come forward regarding the abuse they suffered at the hands of a trusted clergyman. The Levin & Nalbandyan Trial Lawyers have extensive experience in helping victims with clergy sexual abuse claims in Los Angeles. Our sexual abuse attorneys could help you fight for justice.

Defining Clergy Sexual Abuse

Clergy sexual abuse is unwanted touching of a person’s intimate parts by a clergyman. There must be sexual intent and a lack of consent. Victims of clergy sexual abuse typically are children, but not always.

The long-term effects of clergy sexual abuse are still coming to light. Many victims did not feel comfortable coming forward to face their abusers. However, the increased public attention to clergy sexual abuse claims in recent years has led to victims in Los Angeles being able to seek justice and hold their abusers accountable.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Criminal Charges vs. Civil Claims

Victims of clergy sexual abuse can seek criminal charges. Law enforcement would investigate the claim, and a prosecutor would determine if criminal charges would be brought.

Our firm could help with civil actions brought in clergy sexual abuse matters. A claim could be brought against the clergyman who committed the abuse. The church or religious organization that the abuser was a part of can also be a defendant. In a civil case, the victim can ask for monetary compensation for past and future medical expenses, emotional pain and suffering, and punitive damages. A victim may also seek injunctive relief, which is when the court orders a party to take certain steps to prevent the abuse from happening to someone else.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Cases

The statute of limitations sets a timeframe for when legal proceedings must start after an alleged incident.

The statute of limitations for criminal sexual abuse charges varies depending on the offense. For rape, oral copulation, lewd or lascivious acts, and continuous sexual or abuse of a child, if the offense was alleged to have been committed prior to the victim being 18 years old, the action can be commenced at any time prior to the victim’s turning 40 years old for crimes that were committed after January 1, 2015. Offenses must be brought within 10 years of the commission of the offense if the victim was over the age of 18 when the offense occurred.

The statute of limitations for civil claims is different. For sexual abuse of children under the age of 18 that occurred after January 1, 2024, there is no statute of limitations for a victim to bring civil charges against an abuser. As such, a victim can bring civil claims against their abuser at any time. For sexual abuse that occurred prior to January 1, 2024, a victim can bring a civil claim against their abuser until the age of 40 or within five (5) years of their discovery of the abuse or damages associated with their abuse, whichever is later.

Understanding where your case may fall within the statute of limitations can be difficult. The experienced team at Levin & Nalbandyan Trial Lawyers in Los Angeles can help you determine what the statute of limitations may be for your clergy sexual abuse case.

Get Started Today

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS A PERSONAL INJURY?

Personal injury cases are some of the most common civil litigation cases—also known as “tort actions” or “lawsuits”—in the United States. They are filed by individuals who have experienced bodily injury, pain and suffering, and sometimes property damage in an accident caused by a negligent third party. These claims can also be filed for intentional harm or defamation of character by a third party.

DO I NEED TO HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY?

While you are not required to have an attorney to file a claim, having an attorney can make a significant difference in your claim. A personal injury attorney has a deep understanding of the claims process and can help you navigate the complexities of the law. Your attorney can also help you level the playing field with insurers and can tell you whether you are receiving the maximum compensation to which you are legally entitled.

I HAVE BEEN INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT – WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

If you have been injured in an accident that was no fault of your own, there are steps you should take to ensure you are compensated for costs related to the incident. Taking quick action after your accident can profoundly affect your personal injury claim or lawsuit. After being involved in an accident, you should: Seek medical attention for your injuries, even if symptoms are not immediately apparent. Keep a record of your injuries and note any complications that arise because of your injuries. Report the incident as soon as possible after it occurs. Record detailed descriptions and notes about the facts of the incident. Keep receipts of medication and medical care you received Contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Los Angeles who can help you navigate your claim.

WILL MY PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM GO TO TRIAL?

Not all personal injury claims make it to court. In fact, a majority of injury cases are settled without having to litigate. What’s the difference between a settlement and going to trial? What are the pros and cons of each? There are two ways in which compensation can be awarded to you for your claim: through a settlement or by going to trial. There are pros and cons to each. When your claim is settled, the compensation for your claim is decided outside of court, usually through negotiations between lawyers.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FILE A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM?

In California, you have two years to file a personal injury claim against an individual or non-government entity. If the injury is not immediately known, you have one year from the date the injury is discovered. If you’ve suffered injuries from an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you should act quickly to ensure you are able to recover compensation for your losses.

Notifying Insurance Companies

You should notify your insurance company and the responsible party’s insurance company as soon as possible after your accident. Most insurance companies request that you file your claim within 24 – 48 hours after your accident. When you file a personal injury insurance claim, you are requesting that the at-fault party’s insurance pay for the losses you suffered as a result of your accident, and the compensation amount is determined during negotiations. Seeking Compensation You can get financial compensation in two ways: filing a personal injury insurance claim or filing a personal injury lawsuit. Generally, compensation can be sought for two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are those with a measurable monetary value, such as medical expenses and lost wages. On the other hand, non-economic damages refer to losses that cannot be easily quantified, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. It is important to understand the types of damages available in your case so that you can seek compensation for all of your related losses. Soon after your accident, contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Los Angeles who can explain the time limits to you and help you get the compensation you deserve.

ARE THERE PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS NEAR ME?

Our firm is located in downtown Los Angeles. We can take all personal injury cases based in California.

Our Knowledgeable Team Can Answer Questions About Clergy Sexual Abuse Claims in Los Angeles

Clergy sexual abuse claims in Los Angeles are complex. Victims often do not want to talk about what occurred until many years after they have been abused. As such, it is imperative to work with an experienced attorney familiar with the statute of limitations for these cases. If you or a family member have been the victim of clergy sexual abuse, Levin & Nalbandyan Trial Lawyers can help guide you through the legal process. Contact our attorneys today to discuss your legal options.