The SGGH team of abuse lawyers has represented hundreds of survivors of clergy abuse across the country, including many survivors of clergy abuse in Illinois, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, North Carolina, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Nebraska, California, and Arizona. Sexual abuse by leaders of a religious institution, such as a member of the clergy or a spiritual elder, is a breach of trust at the highest level. SGGH attorneys have handled cases against numerous different religious institutions, including, among others:
The Roman Catholic Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon / LDS Church)
Jehovah’s Witnesses, including the Watch Tower Society
Baptist Churches
Assemblies of God
These cases have involved sexual abuse that has occurred in churches/parishes/temples, including abuse that occurred in the sacristy, alter server changing room, and priest living quarters/rectory; in religious schools; in seminaries; during religious counseling or confessionals; during retreats including overnight retreats; in schools; during various activities sponsored by religious institutions or the religious school, such as after school sports programs or youth group; and abuse at a parishioner/the child’s own home. Many of the survivors were abused many years ago as children, have recently learned about institutional cover-ups, and are coming forward now as adults to seek justice, accountability, and closure. Our clients include religious school students, altar boys and girls, parishioners, and congregants of all ages.
SGGH lawyers have taken a leadership role in representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse in the State of Illinois and Michigan, where they represent and have represented a total of over 200 survivors. The SGGH abuse team has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for survivors of clergy abuse within the Roman Catholic Church in claims against the Archdiocese of Chicago, numerous Dioceses, religious orders, and related Catholic institutions and organizations. It continues to fight vigorously for survivors in both pre-suit proceedings and resolution processes, as well as in active litigation. In cases where lawsuits had been filed, clients have had the choice to pursue their case using their legal name or a pseudonym (being referred to in the complaint and litigation as “John Doe” or “Jane Doe” to protect their identity from the public). In recognition of the sensitive nature of these types of cases, most jurisdictions have laws or procedures in place that provide additional protections to survivors of sexual abuse.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Our attorneys and trial lawyers have decades of experience litigating and obtaining verdicts and settlements for clients all across the country for those who have been injured or have died. Lawyers at SGGH have assisted in cases recovering more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements for injured individuals. Some of these results are record-setting in Illinois and around the country. If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse or assault, please Contact SGGH Today for a Free Consultation at (312)728-7444 or contact us online.