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Church is supposed to be a safe place to practice your faith. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Over the past several decades, churches have allowed children to be abused on their watch, ignoring complaints and covering up allegations. If you suffered abuse at your church, a church sexual assault lawyer in Phoenix can fight for the justice you deserve.
The Goldwater Law Firm can connect you with a Phoenix sexual assault attorney from our law firm partners in your area. Call us today to get started.
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Holding the Church Liable for Your Abuse
Dozens of clerics have been credibly named as abusers and removed from their posts in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix alone. But this list does not include priests and deacons who were accused and not removed, or accused after their death. We want to help you hold your abuser and church liable, regardless of whether or not they are on these lists. We will listen to your story, ensure you feel safe, and determine how our co-counsels near you can help you seek justice.
Your attorney can also help uncover whether your abuser was part of a cover-up within the Phoenix Diocese. If so, holding the church liable can be more straightforward.
Regardless of the circumstances, an attorney from our law firm partners can establish that the church had a duty to keep you safe and failed to uphold that duty by ignoring your allegations, covering up your allegations, or failing to investigate your allegations properly.
You Have a Limited Time to Pursue Justice
Under A.R.S. § 12-514, clergy sexual abuse survivors have 12 years once they have turned 18 to take action. In other words, you have until your 30th birthday to file a lawsuit.
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Seeking Justice and Compensation for Your Abuse
Childhood sexual abuse can leave deep and lasting effects, often impacting survivors for decades or even a lifetime. It may affect your ability to work, build trusting relationships, or feel safe with people in positions of authority. For some, it can even shake or take away their faith. If you’ve experienced these kinds of losses—both financial and emotional—you may be entitled to compensation and support.
You might be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
What an Attorney Can Do for You
If you suffered abuse in a church setting, it’s important to know that you are not alone—and that what happened to you was not your fault. Choosing to come forward is an act of courage, and having the right lawyer by your side can make a tremendous difference in your journey toward healing and justice.
Standing Up for Your Rights
A lawyer is there to protect you and ensure your voice is heard. They can help you move forward in a way that feels safe, respectful, and on your terms, while ensuring your rights and privacy are safeguarded every step of the way.
Building a Strong Case on Your Behalf
Survivors should never carry the burden of proof alone. Your attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and uncover institutional failures—work that strengthens your case while allowing you to focus on healing.
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Guiding You Through the Legal Process
The legal system can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with trauma. An experienced lawyer can guide you through each step, explain your options clearly, and make sure you understand your choices. They’ll fight to ensure deadlines are met and your case is positioned for the best possible outcome.
Holding Institutions Accountable
It’s not just about addressing the harm caused by one individual. A lawyer can also hold churches, dioceses, or organizations accountable when they have allowed abuse to happen or tried to cover it up. Taking this step can help bring about change and prevent others from suffering.
Pursuing the Justice and Compensation You Deserve
You have the right to seek financial recovery for therapy, medical care, lost income, and the deep pain you’ve endured. More importantly, pursuing justice can be a powerful step in reclaiming your voice and future.
Compassionate Advocacy at Every Step
Above all, a personal injury lawyer can be an ally who stands beside you with compassion and respect. They understand the courage it takes to speak out and will fight tirelessly to support your healing and pursuit of justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long a sexual assault lawsuit takes depends on the specifics of the case. Your case could conclude in a few months or take more than a year, depending on whether the church fights the allegations or declares bankruptcy.
Many survivors worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer, but our law firm partners work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t have to pay anything up front. Instead, your lawyer is only paid if they successfully secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf.
With a contingency arrangement, the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the recovery. This structure allows you to pursue justice and hold institutions accountable without the added stress of financial barriers. It also ensures your lawyer is deeply invested in fighting for the strongest outcome possible for you.
There is no average settlement as the effects of abuse are different for each person. An attorney can help determine what you may recover.
Get the Help You Deserve
Surviving sexual abuse in a church setting often leaves deep wounds—feelings of betrayal, pain, and lasting hurt. You should never have to face this journey alone. Our team is here to listen, fight for you, and help you reclaim your voice and future. With compassion and strength, we stand ready to hold wrongdoers accountable and guide you toward healing and justice. Call The Goldwater Law Firm today to be connected with a church sexual abuse lawyer near you.