Can You File a Lawsuit if the Priest Who Sexually Abused You is Dead?

Yes, you can file a lawsuit if the priest who sexually abused you is dead. You can request compensation from the late priest’s estate, the church, clergy members, or anyone else who was aware of the sexual abuse you endured and condoned it. An Atlanta clergy abuse lawyer can help you submit your claim. 

A clergy abuse lawyer in Atlanta understands just how emotionally taxing it can be to file a lawsuit. They are empathetic and compassionate and give your sex abuse case the attention it deserves. Your attorney can help you prove that you should be compensated by anyone who caused you to get hurt. 

Why Should You File a Lawsuit if the Priest Who Sexually Abused You is Dead? 

Filing a lawsuit if the priest who sexually abused you is dead can benefit you and many others. Your lawsuit allows you to seek justice from anyone who allowed your abuse to happen. It could also lead to meaningful changes at the church where you suffered your abuse and among the clergy members who chose not to do anything about it. 

Meet with an Atlanta clergy abuse attorney if you are considering taking legal action. Your lawyer can determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit. They can share details about the statute of limitations in Georgia and how this rule applies to your case.  

Submitting a lawsuit if the priest who caused your sexual abuse is dead can have long-lasting implications. During your litigation, your lawyer prioritizes your legal rights and best interests. They want you to feel confident about your case and will make sure you receive plenty of support every step of the way. 

How Do You File a Lawsuit if the Priest Who Sexually Abused You has Died?

You can file a lawsuit against the estate of a deceased individual (decedent) or others who contributed to your sexual abuse. This allows you to request economic and non-economic damages. You could receive compensation for many reasons, such as:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life 

Trust a clergy abuse attorney in Atlanta to help you with your lawsuit. Your lawyer understands that clergy are mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect. If a church or clergy member was aware of the sexual abuse you dealt with as a child and did nothing about it, you could use a lawsuit to hold them accountable for their actions. 

Can You File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Anonymously?

You may not have to disclose your identity if you file a lawsuit against a priest who has sexually abused you and is now deceased. With help from a clergy abuse attorney, you can ask a civil court to keep your identity private. Many civil courts are inclined to grant this request.

Submitting a lawsuit without disclosing your identity should not affect your case outcome. You will still have the opportunity to present your case in court. Based on your argument, the court will decide whether to award damages. 

Discuss your legal concerns about disclosing your identity with a clergy abuse lawyer. There is no such thing as a “bad” question to ask about this and other legal topics relating to your case. Your attorney will help you make informed legal decisions. 

Tips to Help You with Your Lawsuit

Get legal guidance and support. A lawyer who has handled clergy abuse cases previously can assist you as you go through the legal process. They can provide tips to help you during this process, such as:

Submit Your Claim Promptly

The Georgia statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims varies based on the offense, the victim’s age, and other factors. A clergy abuse lawyer can make sure your lawsuit is filed per Georgia law. 

Calculate Your Losses

Your lawyer will encourage you to ask for compensation for your quantifiable and subjective losses. Ideally, your argument will make it clear to the court that you should be awarded maximum damages. 

Gather Evidence

The burden of proof plays an important role in your case’s success. Your attorney can help you collect witness statements and other proof that shows you are the victim of sexual abuse and should be compensated for your trauma.

Take Care of Yourself

It can be overwhelming to deal with a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit. As such, you should make your health, well-being, and safety top priorities. If necessary, seek professional counseling during this challenging time in your life, and give yourself grace as you deal with your legal proceedings. 

Do What is Best for You

You could receive a settlement offer before your case goes to trial. It may be tempting to approve the proposal to resolve your case. However, if a settlement is not what you want and you want to see your case through to the trial stage, follow through with this option. 

Keep the lines of communication open with your attorney. Throughout your litigation, your lawyer shares updates. They work diligently to help you achieve your desired case result. 

Do Not Wait Any Longer to File Your Lawsuit

Filing a lawsuit after a priest who sexually abused you dies can be difficult. You do not have to submit your lawsuit alone. A clergy sexual abuse attorney can assist you with your case.

John Foy & Associates is a Georgia personal injury law firm with more than 350 years of combined legal experience on staff. Allow us to help you with your clergy sex abuse lawsuit. Contact us today for more information.