Horowitz Law

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954-641-2100

Call: 888-283-9922
954-641-2100

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Sexually Abused By A Priest In The Diocese Of Harrisburg? Talk To A Lawyer Today.

Our law firm is offering free, confidential evaluations of sexual abuse claims involving Catholic priests in the Diocese of Harrisburg (Pennsylvania). Our team has been handling clergy sexual abuse claims for decades. Contact us today at 954-641-2100 to learn more.

In February 2020, the Diocese of Harrisburg filed for bankruptcy protection.  As part of its bankruptcy, the Diocese of Harrisburg will be reviewing and paying claims for anyone sexually abused by diocesan priests and lay employees. This will likely include claims filed on behalf of anyone whose case may be beyond the statute of limitations. Strict filing deadlines will apply once they are set by the bankruptcy court, and if you fail to take action before that date, you may never be allowed to take action against the Diocese of Harrisburg again, even if the statute of limitations changes. So please contact us today.

The facts are clear: the Diocese of Harrisburg enabled and concealed the sexual abuse of children for decades.

The Diocese of Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) has been home to dozens of priests accused of sexually abusing children over the course of decades. A recent grand jury report outlined allegations involving 45 priests. Many others have been publicly identified by brave sexual abuse survivors who pursued legal action against the Diocese of Harrisburg to hold it accountable for shielding and protecting abusers above the children entrusted to their care.

Both civil lawsuits and grand jury reports involving the Diocese of Harrisburg have shed light on the practices of the Diocese of Harrisburg in responding to allegations of sexual misconduct. The facts suggest that the Diocese of Harrisburg is responsible for creating a dangerous culture of sexual abuse and coverup, and fostering a dangerous environment for children despite being in a position to protect God’s most innocent people. According to the grand jury report:

“The Grand Jury uncovered evidence of child sexual abuse committed by priests of the Diocese of Harrisburg. Evidence established that priests engaged in sexual contact with minors, including grooming and fondling of genitals and/or intimate body parts, as well as penetration of the vagina, mouth, or anus. The evidence also revealed that Diocesan administrators, including bishops, had knowledge of this conduct and that priests were regularly placed in ministry after the Diocese was on notice that a complaint of child sexual abuse had been made. The Diocese’s actions enabled the offenders and endangered the welfare of children.

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Finally, the Grand Jury received evidence that several Diocesan administrators, including bishops, often dissuaded victims from reporting to police, or conducted their own deficient, biased investigating without reporting crimes against children to the proper authorities.”

Ahead of the grand jury report, the Diocese of Harrisburg released the names of 71 priests, seminarians, and laypersons accused of sexually abusing children since 1941. You can find out more information about many of these priests below.

The Diocese of Harrisburg has filed for bankruptcy protection, and anyone sexually abused in the Diocese of Harrisburg who has not already settled his or her case is entitled to file a claim. More than likely, this will also include those sexually assaulted as adults and the estates of deceased victims.

The Diocese of Harrisburg is the latest of several dozen dioceses and religious orders to file for bankruptcy protection due to the number of sexual abuse claims filed against it. Bankruptcy creates a way for the dioceses to control the financial impact of the cases against it by creating a “bar date” set by the bankruptcy court. Anyone who may have a claim against the Diocese of Harrisburg, which usually includes anyone sexually abused as a minor child by a priest or employee of the Diocese, will have the opportunity to submit a claim and ask for compensation from the court. If you do not file a claim before the “bar date” set by the court, you will likely never be able to take action against the Diocese of Harrisburg in the future, even if the Pennsylvania legislature passes laws that would otherwise allow your case to be filed in court.

A strict deadline will apply to the filing of all claims, so it is important that you act soon to protect your rights under the fund. If you miss this deadline, you may never be able to take action against the Diocese of Harrisburg again. Contact us today.

We have identified 104 people who have been publicly accused of sexual misconduct during their association with the Diocese of Harrisburg.

Through our own investigation, we have identified 104 people who have been accused of sexual misconduct during their association with the Diocese of Harrisburg:

Horowitz Law represents victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Harrisburg and throughout Pennsylvania. The Diocese of Harrisburg filed for federal bankruptcy protection in February 2020. Anyone sexually abused by a priest or employee of the Diocese of Harrisburg may be entitled to file a claim against the Diocese in these bankruptcy proceedings, but very strict filing deadlines apply. Most victims of abuse in the Diocese of Harrisburg will never be able to take against the Diocese of Harrisburg if they miss this bankruptcy filing deadline, so it is important that you contact us immediately to discuss your potential case.

Contact us at 954-641-2100 to discuss your legal options today.