Two Survivors Bring Legal Claims of Clergy Abuse



In wake of a 2019 Arizona state law that stretches the rights of people abused as children to bring legal action until they turn 30, two men have brought lawsuits against an Arizona parish and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix.

The accused priests were affiliated with the Society of the Divine Savior

In their claims, the men say the church failed to report the suspected abuse to the police, and that three priests were involved in covering up the abuse by transferring accused priests to other churches.

How Many Arizona Clergy Have Been Accused of Sexual Abuse?

 Here in Arizona, 133 priests have been credibly accused of abusing children in their care.
Arizona dioceses that have come forward with lists of credible allegations include:

Thus far, the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix has not submitted a list.

It’s estimated that at the national level, the number of clergies accused of Sexual Abuse can be as few as 5,700 or as many as more than 10,000.

According to a recent and shocking New York Post report, more than 900 clergy who have been credible accused have been left off the Roman Catholic diocesan lists.

What Are the Consequences of Clergy Sexual Abuse?

You’d be hard pressed to find a more psychologically damaging form of abuse than that from clergy. The feeling of betrayal is often overwhelming and too much to bear.

Some victims have dealt with the abuse by clergy by turning to substance abuse and alcohol. Some of even taken their own lives.

The former Arizona priest mentioned above was named in a wrongful death lawsuit back in 2012. One of his victims – who was 13 at the time of the abuse – developed a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dove into a cycle of self-destructive lifestyles. He was killed after attacking his father while under the influence of methamphetamine.

How Can National Injury Help Lawyers Help Me?

 We understand it can be incredible difficult to come forward with such horrifying claims. That’s why we want to help lift that burden from your shoulders and guide you to finding closure.

You should know, though, that after decades and decades of hiding from the accusations, many in the church are now doing the right thing. Here in the U.S, the amount of settlements and monetary awards has topped $3 billion. The average settlement ranges from $120,000 to $250,000.

While money cannot remove the past, it can definitely help you.

To find out more about how the National Injury Help clergy abuse lawyers can assist you, call us at 800-214-1010. You can also reach us vial email at help@nationalinjuryhelp.com.

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