Sexual abuse is a devastating betrayal of trust that can have lifelong repercussions. Victims may be physically harmed and may contract sexually transmitted infections or become pregnant.
Survivors of sexual abuse typically suffer from severe psychological and emotional harm, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. They may develop problems with substance abuse or eating disorders in an attempt to cope with the trauma of the abuse. The psychological effects of sexual abuse can be devastating for anyone, but they can be particularly traumatic for children, who may not understand what has happened to them and who may be afraid to tell someone and seek help.
Victims may seek treatment for the physical effects of the sexual abuse and for the emotional pain they have experienced. They may incur thousands of dollars in expenses for medical treatment and mental health therapy. The trauma of the abuse may make it difficult for victims to finish school and to find and hold a job. That, plus the high costs for care, can cause survivors of sexual abuse to struggle financially.
For those who were sexually abused by members of the clergy, the impact of the abuse may run even deeper. If the institution that employed the clergy member refused to investigate allegations of abuse, covered up the abuse, or threatened or intimidated victims, survivors may feel as though they were betrayed by the very people they trusted above all others.
They may feel as though their world was shattered, and they may question the religious faith that had been a central part of their lives up until the time of the abuse. Survivors may find it difficult or impossible to trust others in the future and may become socially isolated. They may pull away from family members and long-time friends and avoid forming new relationships.
If you were sexually abused by a religious leader in Mississippi, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your expenses related to medical and mental health care, lost income, lost or reduced earning potential, and pain and suffering. A Mississippi clergy sexual abuse lawyer may be able to file a lawsuit on your behalf. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 219-9622 to discuss your case with a member of our staff and to learn more about how we may be able to help you.
What Is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse can take many forms. They include intercourse and penetration without consent, groping and fondling a vulnerable person, and having sex with a child below the age of consent.
People of any gender and age can become victims of sexual abuse. The perpetrators may be clergy members representing any religion.
How a Mississippi Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help You
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has worked to seek justice for people across the United States who were harmed by the actions and negligence of others. We may be able to file a lawsuit on your behalf and pursue a financial award to compensate you for your losses stemming from the abuse. You may be entitled to compensation for medical care and mental health treatment you have received and will need in the future, lost income, lost or reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we do not shy away from tough cases. Attorneys on our team are not afraid to take on powerful people and institutions, including religious organizations.
In many cases, we can negotiate a financial settlement with attorneys representing a defendant. That can spare a client the pain of going to trial and having to testify and can also expedite the process. If we are unable to reach an agreement on an amount of compensation that we consider fair, however, we may take your case to court to pursue a financial award that we believe is appropriate for all that you have endured.
People who have been abused or harmed by others sometimes want to take legal action and seek compensation, but they hesitate to do so because they worry that they could not afford expensive legal fees. You should not let concerns about cost stop you from filing a lawsuit against the person who abused you and the religious institution that allowed the abuse to occur and failed to stop it.
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we understand that people who have been victimized and who are struggling to cover medical bills and basic living expenses cannot afford to pay an attorney out of pocket. That is why our firm operates on a contingency model. If you ask us to represent you, you will not have to pay us any money up front. We will only collect a fee if we secure a financial award to compensate you for your losses.
For a free legal consultation with a Mississippi Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Lawyer serving nationwide, call (800) 219-9622
You Have a Limited Amount of Time to Act
According to Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date when the cause of action accrued. The statute of limitations may be extended for victims who were minors, disabled, or of unsound mind at the time of the abuse, according to Miss. Code § 15-1-59.
Contact a Mississippi clergy sexual abuse lawyer so that our team can begin gathering evidence and interviewing you and other witnesses as soon as possible. That can give us an opportunity to speak with people who may be able to provide relevant information on your abuse, your relationship with the perpetrator, changes in your behavior or demeanor following the abuse, and whether the religious institution refused to investigate your allegations, covered up the abuse, or threatened or intimidated you. It will also give us time to gather other forms of evidence, such as documents and photographs.
Evidence may be lost or destroyed, and witnesses may become unavailable before the statute of limitations has expired. Being able to get to work quickly can help us file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations. Call the office of Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 219-9622.
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