Church Sexual Assault Attorney in Chicago, IL

Who Is Liable for Church Sexual Assault in Chicago?

In Illinois, sexual assault survivors can pursue a civil case against both individual clergy members and the institutions that employed them. Churches can be held accountable for failing to protect individuals from abuse.

Unfortunately, these cases frequently include cover-ups and church leadership that took an inadequate response to complaints. This could make it more challenging to stop abuse, protect others from sexual assault, and get justice.

Our law firm partners serving Chicago know how to build these cases and represent survivors with empathy.

What Harm Do Survivors Endure Because of Church Sexual Misconduct?

When a clergy member or another church leader is a perpetrator of sexual assault or abuse, it is especially damaging because it violates a deep trust individuals have in their religious leaders. Survivors may endure spiritual manipulation and be left with profound emotional and psychological trauma. They may struggle with their spiritual life, compounding the harm.

Church abuse survivors could live with long-lasting feelings of shame, isolation, and confusion, too.

Survivors in Chicago can pursue civil cases to seek compensation for the harm they endured. While the specific damages vary based on the unique circumstances, some common types of damages secured include:

• Medical expenses for physical exams and injuries
• Therapy and psychological treatment for emotional distress
• Lost income due to missed work
• Pain and suffering for the emotional and psychological distress caused by the abuse

Our Law Firm Partners Represent Survivors Based on Contingency Fees

The Goldwater Law Firm works with co-counsels to provide representation in Chicago and elsewhere across the United States. We have developed strong strategic partnerships with some of the most widely recognized and successful attorneys and firms, ensuring people who have suffered harm have an advocate near them they can trust.

We understand you need someone on your side who will provide empathy, compassion, and respect. You want someone to protect your rights and safeguard your privacy. Our co-counsels will take on this challenge while aggressively pursuing accountability and compensation for you.

Our law firm partners handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. You will not need to pay anything today or owe any fees until your attorney closes your case and recovers compensation. You only pay if they win your case.

What Does It Take to Hold a Church Accountable for Sexual Misconduct?

Many people think of sexual assault as a criminal offense and the perpetrator as the only party who can be held accountable. However, this is not always true. Regardless of the outcome of criminal charges—or if you even filed criminal charges—it may be possible to pursue civil damages based on sexual misconduct.

Not only can our law firm partners help build a civil case against the perpetrator, but the church might also be legally responsible. Holding a church accountable for the sexual misconduct of a clergy or staff member helps prevent others from experiencing abuse, as well.

To hold the church or another religious institution accountable, our co-counsel must:

• Prove the abuse occurred and identify the responsible clergy member
• Show the church knew or should have known about the abuse
• Demonstrate that the church failed to take steps to prevent or stop the abuse
• Establish that the church’s negligence directly caused or allowed the harm
• Present evidence of the related damages and suffering

These cases may settle out of court through settlement negotiations. When necessary, a Chicago sexual assault lawyer from one of our law firm partners can file a civil lawsuit to hold the church responsible. Illinois law provides ways to protect your privacy throughout this process.

How Long Do I Have to Talk to a Chicago Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer?

Typically, survivors of sexual assault as an adult must file a lawsuit based on the personal injury statute of limitations, which is two years in Illinois. This is set by 735 ILCS § 5/13-202. However, exceptions exist, such as a survivor who was abused before age 18.

To protect your right to sue, you should contact our team as soon as possible after the assault occurs. Our co-counsels can determine your deadline based on your case facts.