If you have been abused as a child or teen in a church setting, but are now an adult, you need to speak to an attorney. Filing a civil claim for childhood sexual abuse is necessary if you have lost earnings, have had to pay expenses for medical or psychiatric care, or have gone through trauma because of the abuse.
Therefore, what you get in compensation for childhood sexual abuse is based on the type of abuse, the nature of the injuries, and the extent and duration of the activity. Courts also consider how the abuse has affected your life in terms of professional and personal relationships, ongoing treatment and care, and your capacity to hold a job.
Talk to a Sexual Abuse Attorney about Your Case
To find out more about compensatory damages for a sexual abuse claim involving a church, you and an experienced sexual abuse attorney will need to discuss the case and review the requirements for making a claim. In these instances, the church is held accountable if the perpetrator was affiliated with the church but the church did nothing to reprimand the offender or stop the abuse.
When you file a civil claim in this type of matter, you’ll need to do so within the time frame that a state’s statute of limitation has established. Usually, you have 3 years to file a claim from the time the abuse was discovered. However, this requirement varies depending on the location and jurisdiction of the lawsuit.
For example, you can file a claim until you’re 40 years old if you reside in California, or five years from discovering the abuse. So, before you proceed with a lawsuit, you have to see how the statute of limitations in your state applies to you.
Gathering the Evidence
If you meet the eligibility requirement for filing a claim, your attorney will follow up by asking for evidence to support your case. For example, you will need to gather receipts and bills that relate to the injuries you received in connection with the claim.
In addition, you’ll need to provide medical records and give your lawyer other types of proof, such as journal entries, – accounts that show how the abuse affected you emotionally or physically. Anything that relates to the abuse should be documented and collected for the court’s consideration and review.
How Much Can I Expect to Receive in Compensation?
According to one research study, the average amount that childhood abuse survivors receive in damages is almost $270,000. However, that does not mean you might not receive more money. Some victims have received over $1 million in settlement cash.
Where Does the Money Come From?
This may lead you to wonder where exactly the money will come from. Usually, in these cases, the church will remit insurance proceeds or sell church assets or property. The money will not come from the financial resources used to help parishioners or from donations. Therefore, what you receive will depend, to a great deal, on what the defendant can pay.
If you were victimized by a clergy member and meet the statute of limitations for submitting a lawsuit, you need to speak with an attorney right away. He or she will help you wade through any confusion about the legalities surrounding your case as well as help you correctly file a lawsuit.
Talk to Lawyer about Your Case Now
Contact an attorney now to find out how the law applies to you and the filing of an abuse claim with a church.
