Benedictines (Monks) Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Attorney

Were you or a member of your family sexually abused by a Benedictine monk or nun? Have you thought about the possibility of suing the Catholic Church for sexual abuse by one of its clerics?

Most people have some level of familiarity with Catholic priests, but the Benedictines are shrouded in mystery. Officially known as the Order of Saint Benedict, this is a religious order of the Catholic Church that’s dedicated to prayer and contemplation. Thus, they live what is referred to as a monastic life at monasteries and abbeys throughout the world. While the majority of members are male, Benedictine orders also have nuns that live in convents.

In spite of their cloistered lives, many Benedictine monks and nuns perform public services, like visiting the sick and giving lessons / lectures at Catholic schools. They also allow people to visit the abbey and take comfort in its peaceful surroundings. Thus, it’s more than possible for Benedictine monks to come into contact with children.

Sadly, many religious organizations have a history of protecting child molesters and silencing victims of sexual misconduct. For many years, adult survivors of child abuse were unable to seek justice due to the statute of limitations expiring on their case.

Thankfully, the laws in California were changed in 2019 to allow more time for a lawsuit by those who were sexually abused as children. That means you may be eligible for a sexual abuse claim against the Benedictines, even if you the incidents took place several decades ago. However, there’s no doubt that these lawsuits are complicated, and the church will not make it easy for you to obtain justice.

With representation from a skilled sexual abuse attorney, you can succeed in a Benedictine order sexual abuse lawsuit. For a free case evaluation, please contact our office at your earliest convenience.

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Can I Sue a Benedictine Order for not Reporting Child Sexual Abuse?

Yes, you can sue the Benedictines for their failure to report allegations of sexual abuse against individuals under 18 years old (legal age of consent in California). Because of their involvement with the public, religious leaders and clerics are classified as mandated reporters. Basically, these individuals must report any complaints or suspicion of child abuse to the proper authorities. Calling the police is the most obvious choice, but you can also file a complaint with the department of social services, either at the state or county level.

Authorities are legally required to investigate these claims, and religious organizations must comply with their request, which include turning over prior complaints, witness statements, and other evidence of child sexual assault.

Please note that you are required to report suspicion of child abuse, meaning you do not have to witness the incident or have proof that a child is being sexually assaulted / harassed. Organizations that regularly have contact with children should provide training so that their members can recognize the signs of sexual abuse. These include, but are not limited to:

• A sudden fear of being touched, especially by an adult

• Fear of being left alone with a specific individual

• A strong reaction – particular, aversion – to a specific person, accompanied by a reluctance to explain their reaction

• Signs of physical discomfort, like trouble walking or sitting

• Pregnancy or being diagnosed with an STD, especially among children younger than 14.

In spite of these requirements, many of our clients were failed repeatedly by church officials, even when they went to them with complaints of being sexually abused by a Benedictine monk or nun. Their complaints were ignored, or they were talked out of going to the police or speaking with a lawyer.

As a victim of negligence by a religious order, you have the right to seek legal advice from a sexual assault lawsuit law firm. Contact Normandie Law Firm to discuss the option of suing the Order of Saint Benedict for sexual abuse during childhood.

What if a Priest is Told about the Sexual Abuse of a Minor during Confession?

Information that is told to a Catholic priest during confession is exempt from California’s mandatory reporter laws. That means a priest cannot be prosecuted or sued for their failure to contact the authorities if they were told about the sexual abuse of a minor during confession.

Confession is a practice within the Catholic Church where people can confess their sins to a priest and receive absolution. The confessor is assigned a form of penance, like doing a work of mercy or saying a prayer, in order to receive God’s forgiveness. The problem is that priests face excommunication from the church if they reveal what was shared during confession, even if the sin is a criminal incident.

As of now, Catholic priests are not required to call the police or child services if the offender tells them about a child sexual assault incident during confession. Pope Francis has tried to remedy the situation through a Vatican law where clerics are required to report such allegations to Vatican prosecutors. Understandably, this is not good enough for many victims and lawmakers, who are demanding changes in the laws regarding information about sexual abuse during confession. Changes to the law may happen in the future, but to this day, confession is a legal exemption that can be used by the Catholic Church.

How Much Time Do I have to File a Lawsuit?

Under California law, you have 22 years from your 18

th

birthday to file a lawsuit for sexual abuse during childhood. Alternatively, you may file a lawsuit within 5 years from discovering a physical or emotional injury that was caused by child sexual abuse. The 5-year discovery rule applies no matter how old you are, which is important, as it allows you to file a lawsuit even if you are past the normal age limit to sue the Benedictines.

The discovery rule is a complicated concept, and you probably have questions about what it means to discover the effects of sexual assault at a later time in your life. Don’t worry, as our legal team is here to answer all your questions and help you figure out the exact amount of time you have for a Benedictine order sexual assault lawsuit.

Average Case Value of a Benedictine Monk Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Lawsuits for the sexual abuse of children can be worth between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000, though the actual value must be determined on a case by case basis. As a general rule, victims of sexual assault end up with higher amounts of compensation that those who were sexually harassed. For example, sexual assault lawsuits may be settled for $3,000,000 or more, while harassment claims can settle for $1,500,000 or less. However, this rule is not set in stone, and there are many issues that can affect how much you will receive from a Catholic Church sexual abuse case.

To learn how much your lawsuit for child sexual abuse is worth, schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.

How Long Does it Take to Settle a Catholic Church Sex Abuse Claim?

Claims of sexual abuse against religious organizations can take anywhere from 6 to 24 months, though many of these cases take 1 to 2 years. There are many factors that impact how long it takes to settle a lawsuit, and some of these issues are beyond our control. For example, some orders have filed for bankruptcy due to the onslaught of lawsuits from adult survivors of sexual assault. That means you will have to file a claim with the bankruptcy courts, which is a different procedure than suing a Benedictine order directly. That’s why some of these cases can take 3 or more years from start to finish, though working with an experienced attorney is the best way to receive payment as soon as possible.

Contact a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Law Firm

Religious organizations have had a long history of concealing acts of sexual misconduct, but changes in the laws have helped countless victims achieve justice, even if they were abused many years ago. Our attorneys are ready to fight for you and the compensation you deserve.

Learning about your rights and legal options is the first step, so contact us right away to schedule a free case review. Alternatively, don’t hesitate to call us for a free second opinion if you are in the middle of a lawsuit. If you choose to hire us, all of our expenses are factored into your settlement, so we don’t make a penny unless we win your lawsuit. That’s our promise to you under the Zero Fee Guarantee, which means your finances are never at risk.

Please reach out to us and learn how you can file a lawsuit for sexual abuse against the Benedictines, officially the Order of Saint Benedict.

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