The state of Vermont describes sexual assault in 13 V.S.A. SS 3253. This statute makes it clear that any individual compelled to commit a sexual act under threats of violence or the enaction of that violence may seek legal action against the inflicting party. This is the case even if the offending party happens to be a member of the clergy or another religious organization in the state.
If you want to pursue compensation in light of a sexual abuse case involving a clergy member, the team with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help. Together with a Vermont clergy sexual abuse lawyer, you can determine how best to present your case to a court, and what compensation to which you may be entitled. With this information at hand, you can more readily seek justice for the wrongs done unto you or a loved one.
To start discussing your case, you can reach out to the team with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 219-9622.
Seeking Compensation with a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Not only do you not have to face a liable party on your own, but you may not even have to take your case to court. It is possible for a liable party to reach out to you on their own with a settlement offer. In these cases, know that you do not have to accept an offer out of hand. Instead, you can bring an offer to an attorney and determine whether or not it addresses all of your potential avenues for compensation. If it does not, you can instead have a clergy sexual abuse lawyer negotiate on your behalf.
Alternatively, you can have your attorney approach a liable party with an estimation of the compensation you may be owed. If the liable party seems open to conversation, an attorney can discuss a potential settlement all without going to court.
There are circumstances, however, where a liable party may not wish to speak with you or your legal representation. In these cases, should you want to pursue compensation for your losses, you can file a complaint with your local court. A clergy sexual abuse lawyer can help you get that complaint in within your state’s statute of limitations, meaning that a court will, at least, consider it and what compensation you may be owed.
The Process of Drafting A Complaint
Complaints are part of the civil process. These documents help explain your situation to an attending court and distinguish your case from others that may have preceded it. In your complaint, you can detail:
- The identity of the party you wish to hold liable for your losses
- The evidence establishing that party as liable for your losses
- An estimation of the compensation you may be owed in light of your losses
- The calculations that led you to make the above estimate
Gathering evidence in a sexual abuse case, especially one that involves a member of your clergy, can be emotionally trying. You do not need to go through this process yourself. Instead, a sexual abuse lawyer can investigate your case for you. This way, you can bring evidence supporting your claim together without exposing yourself or a loved one to additional emotional trauma.
Viable forms of evidence to consider in sexual abuse cases involving clergy members include:
- Eyewitness testimony detailing the incident or similar behaviors
- Video recordings of the incident or similar behaviors
- Audio recordings of the incident or similar behaviors
- Physical injuries endured on the part of all parties involved
- The opinions of medical professionals attending to the victim
- Testimony from other individuals who may be in similar situations with the same liable party
With your evidence gathered, you can then establish your losses and what compensation, in turn, you may be owed. In a sexual abuse case involving a member of the clergy, your avenues for compensation may include:
- Medical expenses for treatment needed prior to filing your complaint
- Any medical treatment needed to restore your previous quality of life after the case comes to completion
- Any medical aids, prescription medications, or other treatment you need to restore your previous quality of life
- Pregnancy care and the delivery of a child, if applicable
- Psychological counseling
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Lost wages
- Lost opportunity for employment
Do note that many of the sources of compensation noted here are non-economic. These avenues for compensation do not often come with a dollar amount associated with them, meaning that you can discuss their value with an attorney.
For a free legal consultation with a Vermont Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Lawyer serving nationwide, call (800) 219-9622
No Need to Worry About Your Finances
You should not have to worry about your finances while also dealing with the emotional and social fall out from this sort of experience. The team with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm wants to work to make your pursuit of justice as straightforward as possible. As such, the firm opts to work on contingency.
Firms that work on contingency do not charge you for services rendered unless a court determines that you may receive compensation for your losses. Even then, the American Bar Association notes that you can pay a firm with a percentage of your settlement, allowing you to maintain your savings in the meanwhile.
Vermont Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Lawyer Near Me (800) 219-9622
Working with a Vermont Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Suffering from sexual abuse from someone you trusted is never your fault. There is no reason, then, that you should have to handle the costs of their abuse on your own. Instead, you can collaborate with a Vermont clergy sexual abuse lawyer. Together, you can work to figure out what compensation you may be entitled to. The team with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can elaborate on your legal options and give you more information on what compensation may be available to you based on your losses.
If you feel ready to reach out and discuss your case with the team, you can call (800) 219-9622 to start building a case against a liable party.
Call or text (800) 219-9622 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
