If you or a family member suffered sexual abuse at the hands of the clergy in Maryland, you may be entitled to compensation. The effects of sexual abuse often last long after the abuse has occurred. Many victims struggle to cope with the effects of the trauma for the rest of their lives.
Sometimes sexual abuse causes physical harm. If the perpetrator used force in an assault, the victim may need to receive treatment in a hospital. Survivors of sexual abuse may also have to deal with an unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.
The emotional effects may be even more devastating. Victims may experience depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health problems that may affect their ability to concentrate in school, hold a job, and create and maintain relationships with others. Survivors may turn to alcohol or drugs to try to cope and may become addicted. In some cases, victims are so distraught that they attempt suicide.
Leaders of spiritual organizations who did not directly participate in the abuse may share the blame for the harm that victims have suffered. In many cases, people in positions of authority, such as officials in religious institutions and leaders at religious schools, refuse to take claims of abuse seriously. They may cover up allegations and may threaten victims to keep them silent. Religious leaders may do so to protect the image and reputation of the institution and to shield it from expensive lawsuits. Survivors of sexual abuse may feel that the people they trusted the most betrayed them.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse that was committed by a religious leader, you may be able to seek compensation for all that you have suffered already and for what you will continue to endure. A Maryland clergy sexual abuse lawyer may be able to help you pursue justice. Call our office today at (800) 219-9622 to discuss your case with a member of our team.
Overview of Sexual Abuse
“Sexual abuse” is a broad term that may include many nonconsensual acts, such as penetration with a body part or object and touching without consent. A perpetrator may touch a victim in a sexual way without permission, or a victim may be forced to touch the abuser. A victim may be forced to participate in sexual acts or to watch others engaging in sexual acts. An abuser may take photos and/or videos of an unclothed individual without consent and may, in some cases, share them with others.
People of any age and gender may be victims. Clergy members who commit sexual abuse may belong to any faith and denomination.
How a Maryland Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help You
According to Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings §5-101, the statute of limitations to file a civil lawsuit in most instances is three years. That applies to cases of sexual abuse if the victim was an adult. House Bill 642 extended the statute of limitations for people who suffered sexual abuse as children. Those victims have until the age of 38 to file a lawsuit.
If the statute of limitations that applies to your case has not expired, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the member of the clergy who sexually abused you. We may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses you have incurred related to treatment for the abuse, lost income, lost or reduced earning potential, and pain and suffering.
Our team can speak with you about what you endured and interview any witnesses who may have relevant information about the abuse, your relationship with the abuser, statements you made at the time, changes in your behavior and demeanor, and other evidence that may support your allegation. We may also be able to seek documents and interview witnesses who are or were affiliated with the institution to gain information on your case or insights into how the religious body handled allegations of sexual abuse committed by members of the clergy. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to talk about your case with a representative of our firm.
For a free legal consultation with a Maryland Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Lawyer serving nationwide, call (800) 219-9622
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm does not shy away from tough cases. We are not afraid to take legal action against powerful and influential individuals and organizations who have harmed others. Our team will stand up to religious leaders and institutions and seek compensation for clients who suffered abuse by people they trusted.
If you are concerned about legal costs and think that you cannot afford to seek justice, that should not be a worry. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm operates on a contingency basis. We understand that people who come to us seeking legal help often cannot afford to pay legal fees out of pocket. That is why we cover upfront costs ourselves. Our firm only collects payment if we obtain a financial award on behalf of a client.
Maryland’s statute of limitations imposes a strict deadline on civil lawsuits related to sexual abuse of adults. If you experienced abuse as a child, you may have more time, but it may be in your best interest to take legal action as soon as possible. Evidence may be lost or destroyed, and witnesses may forget key facts, become mentally incapacitated, or pass away. The sooner you contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, the sooner we will be able to begin gathering evidence and working on your case. Call our office today at (800) 219-9622 to speak with a member of our staff.
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