Now is the time for many former victims of clergy child abuse to take action and fight for their rights. The statutes of limitations have made it difficult for survivors to come forward and hold their abusers and the church to account for sex abuse crimes in previous years. However, the recently passed New York Child Victims Act has changed this, allowing victims to seek justice who may not have had the chance otherwise.
Survivors now have a window of opportunity for filing lawsuits even if they suffered abuse many years ago and are only now considering action. The New York Child Victims Act also allows victims to take legal action not only against their abuser but also against the religious institution that might have protected the abuser and covered up sexual abuse of clergy.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free consultation with a member of our team at (800) 219-9622.
How a Lawsuit Works
If you are thinking of filing suit, the New York Child Victims Act brought some important changes:
- A survivor of child sexual abuse will have until the age of 55 to file a claim. This applies to all claims that have not yet expired under the old statute of limitations’ time limit (one to five years) starting after the victim turned 18.
- For claims that have expired under the old statute of limitations, survivors have a one-year extension to file a claim now. The one-year time period came into effect in August 2019 and would have ordinarily expired in August 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lawmakers decided to extend the period until August 14, 2021.
There is no better time to act than now. If you are looking to get justice and compensation for the sexual abuse you suffered by clergy, connect with a Staten Island clergy abuse lawyer today for help. We can advise you on the potential worth of your claim and any legal actions that you might have. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now for your free consultation with a representative.
Sexual Abuse Changes Lives
Survivors of abuse have to live with the horrendous effects that sexual abuse can have on their entire lives. Child sex abuse can have negative effects on a victim’s emotional as well as physical health. The psychological scars may never heal and can influence a survivor’s health as well as their work and career. Some lasting negative effects on the health and well-being of survivors can include:
Physical Health
Children can experience physical injuries from abuse, for example, internal injuries. They may also catch sexually transmitted diseases with long-term consequences. Physically, a number of problems are linked to childhood sexual abuse, including fertility problems, hypertension, obesity, heart disease, and malnutrition.
Mental Health
The psychological effects of childhood sexual abuse can be lasting. Some of the mental effects on survivors of sexual abuse can include depression, anxiety, self-harming, and suicidal thoughts. Alcohol and drug abuse, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, and low self-confidence can also all be consequences of sexual abuse in childhood.
Relationships
Sexual abuse can have a damaging influence on relationships throughout a victim’s life. Survivors can experience difficulties in forming close and intimate relationships. They may also have a complicated relationship with family members, especially when a victim thinks family members did not believe them. In some cases, a permanent rift can happen in families where family members knew about the abuse but failed to help the victim.
Faith
Sexual abuse, especially when committed by clergy, can lead to a victim questioning their religion and faith or feeling like God has punished them. This can lead to survivors turning their back on their church, community, and religion.
Education and Career
Sexual abuse survivors may find it hard to perform well in education due to the psychological effects of childhood abuse. They can experience academic difficulties or leave school early without sufficient qualifications. This can lead to problems with one’s career, such as finding it difficult to secure employment and suffering from financial instability.
Sexual abuse early in life can lead to many detrimental effects on a survivor’s life, hence why it is important to recognize that victims may have recourse and could receive compensation. If someone else caused your life to go down a difficult and lonely path, they have some responsibility for making you whole again. Likewise, if your church shielded an abuser or went through great lengths to cover up your sex abuse, you could hold the church responsible for your damages.
Speaking to a Staten Island clergy abuse lawyer can help you determine whether you have a case and could recover compensation.
For a free legal consultation with a Clergy Abuse Lawyer serving Staten Island, call (800) 794-0444
You Could Have Legal Recourse
Do not wait too long with getting legal advice and assessing your options for pursuing justice and compensation. Religious institutions are now filing bankruptcy in order to escape responsibility and financial obligations. The sooner you act, the sooner you could receive compensation that could help you access services to aid your recovery. The compensation you could potentially receive can include:
- Medical expenses and future medical costs
- Counseling expenses
- Loss of income and future loss of income
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Reduction of life quality
Staten Island Clergy Abuse Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
We Can Fight for Your Rights
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we recognize that speaking out about sexual abuse that may have happened many years ago can bring back unpleasant memories and trauma. However, coming forward is the only way in which you can get justice and hold the perpetrators to account.
We can be by your side with compassion and empathy every step of the way throughout a lawsuit and help you with your claim in several ways. We can collect the necessary evidence and build your case against a sex abuser and the church. If you worry about potentially having to go to trial and seeing your abuser in court, we can help you fight for an adequate out-of-court settlement, if possible. Sex abuse cases do not necessarily have to go to trial, and many do not.
At the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we can work on your case with a “no win no fee” arrangement, meaning that you will not have to worry about having to pay any upfront lawyer’s fees. Do not wait and reach out to a Staten Island clergy abuse lawyer to find out about your rights today. Call us for a free and compassionate consultation now: (800) 219-9622.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form