In recent years, reports of sexual abuse committed by members of the clergy have made headlines. The general public has become painfully aware of a widespread problem that has been covered up for decades. The sexual abuse of vulnerable individuals by people in positions of authority can have devastating consequences. In some cases, the trauma lasts a lifetime.
When abuse is carried out by a member of the clergy, the emotional scars can run especially deep. Suffering abuse at the hands of someone who was trusted can produce a deep-seated feeling of betrayal. Perpetrators sometimes use religion as a justification for abuse, which can lead to a crisis of faith. Abusers may warn victims that they will be harmed or ostracized if they report their experiences.
People in leadership positions within organizations have a duty to oversee the individuals who work for them and to investigate allegations of wrongdoing. Leaders should report suspected abuse to the authorities and take disciplinary action against perpetrators if there is credible evidence to back up a claim. Often, however, leaders cover up claims of abuse and silence victims through intimidation and emotional manipulation to protect the religious institution and its reputation and to shield it from expensive lawsuits.
If you suffered harm under these circumstances, a Maine clergy sexual abuse lawyer may be able to help you seek justice.. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is not afraid to take on people in positions of power or large and well-known religious institutions. Call our office today at (800) 219-9622 to discuss your case with a member of our staff.
Types of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse can take many forms, and all can be traumatic for victims. It may include penetration with or without the use of force, intimidation, or coercion. Penetration may also occur when a victim is incapacitated, unable to understand what is happening, or too young to consent.
A perpetrator may touch a victim in a sexual manner without consent, or the victim may be forced to touch the perpetrator in a sexual way. An abuser may look at the victim while they are undressed, take photos or videos of the victim, or share photos or videos of the victim without consent. An abuser may also force the victim to watch others participating in sexual acts or to look at pornography.
People of any age and gender may be victims of sexual abuse. The perpetrators may belong to any religious faith.
How You May Be Able to Seek Justice
A Maine clergy sexual abuse lawyer may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf against the individual who abused you, as well as the religious organization or school where he or she worked at the time of the abuse. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may be able to pursue a financial award to cover costs for medical treatment you have already received, as well as expenses for treatment you will need in the future. That may include care for physical injuries you suffered as a result of the abuse, as well as costs for mental health treatment to help you deal with the emotional trauma.
If you were unable to work because of the effects of the abuse, you may be entitled to financial compensation for lost income or reduced earning potential. We may also be able to pursue an award to compensate you for the pain and suffering you experienced because of the abuse.
According to Me. Rev. Stat. Tit. 14, § 752, the statute of limitations for most civil actions is six years. Under Maine Rev. Stat. Tit. 14, §752-C, there is no statute of limitations for civil actions related to sexual abuse of a minor. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to discuss your case with a representative.
For a free legal consultation with a Maine Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Lawyer serving nationwide, call (800) 219-9622
Connect with a Maine Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm represents people who have suffered harm because of the actions of others.
We may be able to help you by filing a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf against the individual who abused you. If we uncover evidence that the religious institution the perpetrator worked for was aware of the alleged abuse and failed to investigate your claim or deliberately covered it up, or if we learn that the institution hired or continued to employ someone with a known history of abuse, we may also file a lawsuit against the religious organization. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is not afraid to take on powerful people and institutions to hold them accountable for their actions.
Maine Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Lawyer Near Me (800) 219-9622
We Work on a Contingency-Fee-Basis
If you would like to take legal action, but you are hesitant because you are worried that you could not afford legal fees, you should not let that stop you from pursuing justice. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm operates on a contingency basis. If you ask our firm to represent you, we will not charge you any money up front. We will cover costs related to litigation ourselves, and our firm will only be paid if we recover a financial award on your behalf.
Even though you may have a large window of opportunity to file a lawsuit to seek justice, you should not wait to act. Evidence can be lost or destroyed, people’s memories can fade, and witnesses can become incapacitated or die. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 219-9622 so we can begin working on your case as soon as possible.
Call or text (800) 219-9622 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form