AB 218 also recognizes that some cases may exceed the 22-year statute of limitations. As a result, the measure provides a three-year window to submit claims regarding sexual abuse, regardless of when they occurred. In other words, if you suffered sexual abuse more than 22 years ago, you can file a claim to seek justice during the next three years.

While the bill covers all sexual abuse cases, it could bring justice to many survivors of sexual abuse within the Catholic church. Sexual abuse within the church is a sensitive issue, but discussing matters with an attorney, especially if the statute of limitations prevented you from bringing a suit until now, can be a means to healing and seeing that justice is finally done.

The experienced California Catholic sex abuse lawyers at Gomez Trial Attorneys will review your case honestly, with discretion and tact. We have a proven record of success for our clients, with settlements of $1.25 million for a school sexual abuse case and $1.5 million for sexual assault. Our initial consultation is always free; our fees are paid on a contingency basis, meaning that we are paid out of the settlement if your case is won.

The Scope of Catholic Sex Abuse

Over the past several decades, it has become apparent that Catholic clergy have perpetrated numerous cases of sexual abuse. In fact, nationally, the Catholic Church has paid over $3.8 billion to settle sexual abuse lawsuits and other claims against its clergy brought during the past 40 years. The amount is an aggregate of settlements in cases brought by over 8,600 sexual abuse survivors. The claims include incidents dating back to the 1950s.

California could be an epicenter of abuse. The largest single payout of the $3.8-plus billion occurred in Los Angeles, and totaled $660 million.

In fact, a suit has been filed against all Catholic bishops in California, alleging a civil conspiracy on the part of Catholic Church leaders to cover up sexual abuse allegations, in part by transferring them to parishes in other areas, both in the U.S. and throughout the world. One of the goals of the suit is to ensure that the Church releases the names of all clergy accused of molestation and sexual abuse.

The Catholic Church in California has in recent years moved to release the names of priests accused of sex abuse, especially in light of a massive record of sex abuse cases discovered in Pennsylvania. It appears that at least some of the accused were sent to churches in California without any public knowledge of the accusations. However, many observers say the lists of the accused in southern California are far from complete.

As a result, bringing claims of past sexual abuse perpetrated by Catholic clergy is part of setting the record straight, making the scope of abuse transparent in the hopes of stopping it in the future.

What Is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse can encompass many actions. Broadly, it refers to anything of a sexual nature that the recipient did not want and that made them uncomfortable. Actions include (but are not limited to):

• Fondling or unwanted sexual touching
• Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, such as oral sex or bodily penetration
• Rape or attempted rape
• Penetration of the victim’s body

Forcing includes both physical and psychological coercion. A child may be given to understand, for example, that attention and companionship can be withdrawn if oral sex or other sexual acts are not given.

How Survivors Can Recover Compensation

Survivors of sexual abuse on the part of Catholic clergy suffer in many different ways. They may have needed medical attention for the physical components of abuse. Treatment or mental distress may have required time away from work. In addition, sexual abuse frequently causes non-economic damages, such as mental distress and pain and suffering.

In a civil case against Catholic clergy, the suit can request damages for both economic and non-economic costs the victim suffered. These include:

• Medical expenses: Any costs borne by the victim or their loved ones for medical treatment of the abuse, including doctor’s visits, hospitalization, prescription medication, and more.
• Loss of wages: If the abuse caused the victim to lose time from work or to take vacation or sick time, they may be entitled to the amount as compensation, based on their salary history.
• Prospective loss of wages: If the survivors of abuse have lost the ability to work at their former employment or the same level, compensation may include expected future loss of wages.
• Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering from injuries is part of compensation.
• Emotional distress: If survivors have experienced emotional trauma as a result of their abuse, emotional distress can be charged in the suit.

If You Need an Experienced Sexual Abuse Lawyer in California

If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse in a California Catholic church, Catholic school, or any other place at the hands of Catholic church clergy, Gomez Trial Attorneys can help. We have offices in San Diego, Solana Beach, Bakersfield, and San Luis Obispo. Call us at (619) 237-3490 or email us to speak with one of our compassionate, caring California Catholic sex abuse lawyers.