Horowitz Law

Call Today: 855-485-1673

Call: 855-485-1673

Your Voice Matters. Your Story Matters.

  1. Home
    2.  » Catholic Church & Other Religious Organizations

Those Who Abuse Their Religious Authority To Hurt Children Should Be Held Accountable

Our lawyers at Horowitz Law have been representing survivors of clergy abuse for more than 20 years. In nearly every state across the United States, they advocate for sexual abuse survivors by Roman Catholic priests and other clergy.

Sexual abuse by a member of the clergy is a breach of trust at the highest level. Our attorneys are among the most experienced lawyers in the country in representing persons who have been sexually abused by priests from the Catholic church and clergy of many other faiths.

Taking On Some Of The World’s Most Powerful Religious Institutions

Since 2000, Horowitz Law attorneys have handled thousands of clergy sexual abuse cases involving various religious institutions, including:

  • The Roman Catholic Church
  • Baptist churches
  • The Episcopal Church
  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons)
  • Judaism

These cases have involved incidents in religious schools, in churches/parishes, in seminaries, during religious counseling, during retreats, in schools, in the confessional and during other activities sponsored by religious institutions. Our clients include religious school students, altar boys and girls, and parishioners and congregants of all ages.

The Experience To Handle Complex Abuse Cases

Horowitz Law attorneys have prevailed on complex issues in clergy abuse cases involving the statute of limitations, the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and the legal issues surrounding the disclosure of “confidential” records that the Catholic Church has tried to conceal for decades. In fighting these battles, Adam Horowitz and our team have become familiar with the church’s unique hierarchy, record-keeping policies, terminology and defense tactics. Most importantly, our lawyers have become familiar with the unique pain experienced by survivors of clergy sexual abuse and the effects that it has on their faith, their relationships with family members and their mental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sexual abuse by a clergy member is a devastating breach of trust. Our attorneys understand the courage it takes for survivors to come forward and know how overwhelming the legal process can be. They are here to listen to your story and answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, please see our lawyers’ answers to frequently asked questions about clergy sexual abuse, below.

Am I Eligible For A Church Abuse Lawsuit?

If you were sexually abused or exploited by a member of the clergy or a lay employee of America’s Catholic dioceses and religious orders, strict time limits may govern your claim.  Depending on the state where the abuse occurred, you could have as short as one year to file a lawsuit. In the case of a religious entity’s bankruptcy, your time limit might be much shorter.  Do not delay in contacting one of our attorneys for a free consultation to discuss your legal options today.

What Are Clergy Abuse Settlements?

First of all, we at Horowitz Law know that no one contacts us to “get rich quick.”  You are seeking justice and healing from those who are responsible for your hurt.  For us, the money we obtain for our clients is a symbol of holding those responsible for abuse accountable for their bad decisions.  Having said that, monetary settlements can vary depending upon many factors, including the nature of your abuse, your age at the time of the abuse, how long the abuse lasted, what the church leaders knew about the danger to you, and how you have been impacted by your abuse.  It will also depend upon a potential defendant’s assets, including insurance coverage.  Our attorneys are among the most experienced in the country when it comes to navigating the complex nature of negotiating settlements for survivors of clergy sexual abuse.  Contact one of our attorneys for a free consultation to discuss your legal options today.

How Many Catholic Priests Have Been Abusers?

At Horowitz Law, we have documented over 4,000 alleged priest and diocese abusers, which can be found by clicking on the lists of Catholic dioceses at the bottom of this page. However, hundreds of clergy abusers are identified every year throughout the country. In Florida, all seven Catholic diocese have been homes to priests that sexually abused children.

Handling Claims Involving Many Roman Catholic Dioceses

The lawyers at Horowitz Law are currently handling sexual abuse cases involving priests and other clergy in the following Roman Catholic dioceses:

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Florida

  • Archdiocese of Miami
  • Diocese of St. Augustine
  • Diocese of St. Petersburg
  • Diocese of Orlando
  • Diocese of Palm Beach
  • Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee
  • Diocese of Venice

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

Pennsylvania

Vermont

Virginia

Washington, D.C.

Get Help From Our Team To Take On Religious Institutions

Our lawyers at Horowitz Law represent children and adults who are survivors of sexual abuse by priests, ministers, rabbis, deacons, nuns and other clergy members in civil lawsuits. If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual abuse or sexual assault at a church or other religious organization, please contact us at 855-485-1673 or send us an email.