Clergy Sex Abuse

Were you a Victim of Sexual Abuse by a member of the clergy in Pennsylvania or New Jersey?

You may be entitled to justice and substantial compensation.

Effective December 1, 2019, a new law in New Jersey now allows victims who were sexually abused as children the right to pursue lawsuits, even if the sexual abuse occurred decades ago. An amendment to New Jersey’s Statute of Limitations law now permits a two (2) year window, expiring on December 1, 2021, for lawsuits on behalf of any person, regardless of their current age, who was sexually abused as a minor when under the age of 18. Also, even after this two year window expires, all minor children sexually abused can still file lawsuits until the age of 55. This new law in New Jersey is one of the most progressive laws in the country protecting the rights of children emotionally and physically damaged by such sexual abuse.

In addition, the Archdiocese in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey have established Victim Compensation Funds which cover victims who were sexually abused as children by clergy and priests of the Catholic Church. Even if this sexual abuse happened decades ago – it does not matter. These Archdioceses have set no limit to how much they will pay survivors. As soon as 90 days after a claim is filed, survivors may receive a settlement. The announcement establishing these Victim Compensation Funds comes months after a scathing Pennsylvania Grand Jury report detailed child sexual abuse by hundreds of priests over seven decades.

If you were abused by a member of the clergy in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, you now have legal rights. We will protect those legal rights and fight to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

To have an attorney review your case at no cost or obligation to you, please contact Levy Baldante Finney & Rubenstein at (800) 601-1616.