Steps to Filing a Lawsuit for Jehovah’s Witnesses Abuse
At Sokolove Law, we understand how overwhelming it can be to come forward after experiencing sexual abuse, especially when it involves a trusted religious organization. That’s why we’re here to take on the legal burden for you, so you can focus on your well-being.
Our Jehovah’s Witness sexual abuse attorneys can:
- Provide a free case review to help you understand your legal options
- Collect key evidence like internal church documents, medical records, and witness statements
- File your lawsuit against the abuser, the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization, and any individuals who enabled the abuse
- Negotiate a Jehovah’s Witness sexual abuse settlement with the defendant(s)
- Take your case to trial if necessary and fight for the justice you deserve
You don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way and to make the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible.
Clergy Abuse Statute of Limitations
Certain state laws prevent childhood sexual abuse victims from filing lawsuits after a certain age. In the past, this has barred many adults from taking action against the Catholic Church.
However, in the wake of public outcry, many states are reevaluating their laws around time limits survivors have to file cases against their abusers and the institutions that covered up their abuse.
Over a dozen states have passed expanded statutes of limitations bills to allow more time for survivors to come forward. In other states, similar legislation is now pending.
As of December 1, 2019, clergy sex abuse victims in New Jersey have until their 55th birthday (or up to seven years after they discover the abuse has caused them harm) to sue. Cases that were previously time-barred have now been revived with a two-year filing window.
Statute of limitations laws across the country are now under scrutiny. Now is the time to take action.
Clergy Abuse Compensation
For clergy abuse survivors who have been forced to bear the burden of past or present sexual abuse, their physical and mental scars may last a lifetime. However, survivors may have options to receive clergy abuse compensation for their suffering and to hold their abuser(s) accountable.
Some states have even set up special compensation programs to help victims cover the costs associated with abuse and its lasting trauma.
Examples of compensation programs include:
- In 2016, the Archdiocese of New York established the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program to compensate survivors of abuse, even decades old. Since then, more and more programs have been started in dioceses all over the country.
- In September 2019, six Catholic dioceses in California initiated a new program to compensate survivors of clergy sex abuse called the Independent Compensation Program (ICP). The deadline to submit a claim for this program was January 31, 2020.
These are just a couple of examples of the many compensation programs that exist across the nation to help victims and hold abusers accountable. No matter what state your abuse occurred, it is worth it to contact Sokolove Law to learn whether you may be eligible to file a claim.
No amount of money can undo the damage by pedophile priests and other church officials. However, compensation can play a small part in reducing a survivor’s financial and emotional burden.
For example, clergy abuse compensation may help cover:
- Emotional counseling
- Mental and/or physical therapy
- Medical prescriptions
- Pain and suffering
- Inability to work
If you or a loved one is a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, call Sokolove Law for a free legal case review to learn about your legal rights and possible compensation. Hold those who wronged you accountable for their actions and protect future potential victims.
Are Clergy Abuse Settlements Taxable?
According to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), no tax deduction is allowed for any settlement or payment related to sexual abuse — if it is subject to a nondisclosure agreement. Further, tax deductions are also not allowed for any attorney’s fees related to a clergy sex abuse settlement or payment.
Get Help from Our Jehovah’s Witness Sexual Abuse Lawyers
For over 45 years, Sokolove Law has been giving a voice to those who have been silenced and providing them with access to the justice system.
If you or a loved one is a survivor of Jehovah’s Witness abuse, you may be entitled to compensation. Our legal team is here to listen with compassion and fight for you every step of the way.
We’ve helped thousands of individuals across the country seek justice, securing more than $10.5 Billion total for those harmed due to no fault of their own.
We understand how difficult it is to come forward. You are not alone — and we’re here to help.
Call (866) 418-2146 right now or fill out our contact form to take the first step toward the justice you deserve.
Get the Help You Deserve
Our Jehovah’s Witness sexual abuse lawyers may be able to help you seek justice and compensation. Get started with a free case review.
