Are you the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a rabbi? This type of offense is a grave violation that can leave people with deep emotional, psychological, and physical scars. When a rabbi or other religious authority commits such acts, the betrayal can be particularly devastating.
Not only do victims often struggle with their personal trauma after the fact, but it’s not uncommon to question their faith as well. At John Foy & Associates, we have over 350 years of combined experience, and we can represent you as your Atlanta rabbi sexual abuse lawyer.
Together, our attorneys have recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for clients just like you. With The Strong Arm as your Atlanta clergy sexual abuse lawyer, you can rest assured that we will do everything we can to pursue a favorable outcome in your case.
Can You File a Lawsuit Against a Rabbi for Sexual Abuse?
Yes—you can file a lawsuit against a rabbi for sexual abuse if you are the survivor of this incident. Not only can you file a lawsuit against the perpetrator but you could potentially file one against the institution that enabled the abuse or failed to prevent it as well.
Furthermore, cases like these can be brought before both civil and criminal court. However, a civil lawsuit aims to seek financial compensation for damages—such as medical treatment, therapy sessions, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Holding abusers accountable not only provides justice for survivors but it also helps prevent future misconduct from taking place. Reach out to us for legal advice from an Atlanta sexual abuse lawyer. We can help you file a lawsuit against the person or people who harmed you.
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Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rabbi Sexual Abuse Case?
In sexual abuse cases involving a rabbi, multiple parties may bear responsibility for the incident:
- The perpetrator: The individual who committed the abuse can be held personally liable.
- The religious institution: If the synagogue, religious organization, or other affiliated entity knew about the abuse and failed to take appropriate action to stop it from transpiring, then they may be held responsible for the abuse.
- Other enabling parties: If people within the religious institution or community were aware of misconduct yet chose to conceal it, they could also be held liable.
This doesn’t mean that you alone are responsible for identifying the party or parties responsible for the abuse you endured. Instead, let an Atlanta personal injury lawyer take on the responsibility of determining who should be held liable in your case.
What Evidence is Needed for a Sexual Abuse Claim?
Building a strong case requires the collection of evidence. Here are examples of what evidence may entail in a sexual abuse case:
- Personal testimony: A survivor’s statement is one of the more powerful pieces of evidence.
- Witness accounts: Other people who witnessed the abuse or noticed suspicious behavior may be able to provide testimonies in your case.
- Medical and psychological records: Documentation from doctors, therapists, or counselors can showcase documented proof of the impact of the abuse.
- Communication documentation: Emails, text messages, or other forms of communication that indicate misconduct or institutional negligence were at play can be beneficial for your case.
- Institutional records: Any internal reports or complaints previously filed against the accused can be helpful in your case.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Georgia?
Georgia law has extended the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases in recent years. That said, survivors will have to adhere to different deadlines based on their age and when they discovered that harm was being done to them:
- For minors: Victims who were under the age of 18 at the time the abuse took place typically only have until the age of 23 to file a lawsuit in their case. However, recent changes in Georgia law may allow for extensions in certain cases.
- For adults: Adult survivors often have two years from the date of discovery of the abuse-related injury to file a claim.
- Revival windows: Georgia has enacted laws allowing survivors to file lawsuits even if the previous statute of limitations had expired. Consulting a rabbi sexual abuse attorney in Atlanta is how you can determine your eligibility under current laws.
What Compensation Can Survivors of Sexual Abuse by Rabbis Receive?
Survivors of sexual abuse can seek compensation for an array of damages, including the following:
- Medical expenses, including costs for physical care and psychological treatment
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, trauma, and diminished quality of life
- Lost wages if the abuse affected your ability to work or pursue further education
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or cover-ups by an institution
Contact Our Atlanta Rabbi Sexual Abuse Law Firm Today for More Information
Survivors of abuse deserve justice, closure, and support, but it can be hard to know where to turn in the aftermath of such a stressful event. However, you don’t have to try to handle this situation all by yourself—we can represent you as your Atlanta rabbi sexual abuse lawyer.
At John Foy & Associates, we are committed to fighting for those who have been harmed by people in positions of trust. If you or someone you love experienced sexual abuse by religious authority, call our rabbi sexual abuse law firm in Atlanta today.
Our legal team is here to set up a confidential consultation, and when you meet with us, we can discuss the details of your situation while keeping your comfort level in mind. We are here to help you take the next step toward justice in your case.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form