Clergy Abuse in Greensburg
NEWS ALERT: Diocese of Greensburg announces funds to compensate sex abuse victims. Learn more.
Clergy abuse has been occurring in Pennsylvania for decades. Although these
crimes are illegal, recent evidence has shown that church authority figures
chose to cover up the incidents rather than expelling the clergy or reporting
the events to the police.
That has left hundreds, if not thousands, of children without a voice.
But now that these allegations have come into the light, it’s time to speak up. The Greensburg clergy abuse lawyers at Fellerman & Ciarimboli are working with clergy abuse victims across the state, making sure their voice is heard by both the Catholic Church and the justice system. We are prepared to fight for your rights and make sure these crimes never happen again.
Clergy Abuse in the Diocese of Greensburg: What You Should Know
In August 2018, a statewide grand jury released the results of a 2-year investigation into clergy abuse. The report listed the names of more than 300 priests accused of sexual abuse in six of the state’s eight dioceses, including 21 priests here in Greensburg. It revealed more than 1,000 children were abused throughout 70 years, amounting to nearly eight percent of the 5,000 priests who served in Pennsylvania during the seven-decade period.
Of the 21 priests named in the report, the majority are deceased. Those still alive have been removed from the ministry as a result of the allegations.
In light of the news surrounding clergy abuse, attorneys from Fellerman & Ciarimboli are actively looking to pursue justice on your behalf if you are the victim of a documented or undocumented incident of clergy abuse.
The Effects of Sexual Abuse
In a sexual abuse case, the perpetrator takes advantage of the victim by using their position of power to either force or threat, prey on their victim’s weaknesses, use coercion tactics, or a combination of all three. Victims of sexual abuse have most likely suffered from multiple forms of this unwanted behavior. The abuse can include molestation, indecent exposure, statutory rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and unconsented touching with or without clothing.
Sexual abuse incidents can be devastating and can result in negative effects that stay with the victims for a very long time, if not for their entire lives. Those who were abused by clergymen as a child may suffer from multiple ailments as adults, including:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Guilt, confusion, and anger
- Low self-esteem, dissociation, and depression
- Substance abuse issues
- Suicidal tendencies
Children might suffer similar effects if the abuse was more recent. In some cases, their behavior can take a drastic change for the worse. Abused children may change their eating habits, engage in risky behavior, and may even become overly sexualized.
You Have the Right to Seek Legal Action
If you are a victim of clergy abuse in Greensburg, you have the right to seek compensation -- such as economic damages in the form of medical and therapy bills. Victims may also be able to recover punitive damages, so individuals and institutions that wronged you are further punished for their actions.
In Pennsylvania, victims of abuse have the right to file a claim against any party who is liable for incidents. That means you will be able to file a lawsuit against the person who harmed you and the organization who attempted to conceal the abuse. If you speak up and tell your story, you will be standing up for your rights and protecting others from future acts of clergy abuse.
Our Greensburg Clergy Abuse Lawyers Are Here to Help
We understand your hesitation to come forward. Not only must you relive the memories of this traumatic experience, but you are going up against a powerful religious organization. While the feat seems impossible, our attorneys are here to make a difference.
The Greensburg clergy abuse attorneys at Fellerman & Ciarimboli will make sure your voice is heard and will represent your rights in the court of law.
If you are a clergy abuse survivor in Greensburg and ready to step forward with your story, contact us now for a free consultation.
-
$8 Million Wrongful Death
A settlement was obtained on behalf of the loving family of a young man who lost his life in a commercial motor vehicle accident in Philadelphia.
-
$7.15 Million Trucking Accident
Settlement for a confidential tractor-trailer crash.
-
$6.35 Million Trucking Accident
Settlement for a confidential tractor-trailer crash.
-
$5.4 Million Car Accident
A settlement was obtained for a client who was injured in a motor vehicle accident case.
-
$5 Million Trucking Accident
A settlement was obtained for three victims of a tractor-trailer crash.
-
$4 Million Trucking Accident
Our client was hit by an overweight and out-of-control tractor-trailer which was driving illegally on PA 115. This verdict was the #1 trucking collision verdict in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2011.
-
We could have never made it without Molly Clark and Fellerman & Ciarimboli!! It's scary going after someone for wrongdoing and she took us through every step. She answered all our questions, good or bad. She was available 24-7 and weekends fighting for us. She fought for our needs and got us what was deserved!! They are the best choice!!- Star K.
-
- Frank K.
I have a friend who sought help from Fellerman & Ciarimboli and said they were very nice and helpful. So when I needed assistance, they were the first ones I thought of, and gave them a call. I was connected to Attorney Molly Clark, who made a significant impact. Her comforting personality created a welcoming environment during our interactions, turning what could have been a somber experience into one filled with positivity. Our upbeat conversations, in contrast to the challenging situation, improved my well-being.
What truly won me over was Molly's commitment to keeping me informed about the progress of my situation. Whenever I called her with questions, she promptly provided answers, ensuring I had the information I needed when I needed it. Working with Fellerman & Ciarimboli was a positive experience given the circumstances I was facing. I highly recommend Attorney Molly and the firm to anyone seeking reliable and compassionate assistance during challenging times.
-
Molly thank you for everything you’ve done for Terry and me. You went above and beyond. You are like family to us and will always love you!- Arlene P.
-
I can't express how GREAT my first experience with an attorney has been! I'm not kidding when I say that both you and the entire firm are I think the best around. Once get things settled around here, I would like to make an appointment to come up to talk about some other issues, but I have been doing nothing, but singing the praises of you The entire organization to everyone that I speak with.- R.R.
-
- Client
There are no adequate words to convey to you, Mike, and Ed how grateful our family is for all of your hard work in helping us through the most difficult time of our lives. Your commitment to justice is unlike anything we have ever witnessed. Our tragedy became your tragedy. The three of you have become part of our family.
Harry, you explained everything necessary in terms which were comprehensible and helpful to us to better understand all that was presented. We are so grateful for that.
The compassion shown to us by not only the three of you, but everyone to whom we encountered at Fellerman & Ciarimboli was off the charts and so sincere.
We will grieve our profound loss for the rest of our lives, but all of you helped to make it a bit easier, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
God's Blessings to you and your family.
-
Molly, Thank you so much! I can't tell you how much you mean to me, throughout this process, you have always been there and helped me through. I am glad it all came to a good ending and that it is over. But, I will miss you and you will always be referred to anyone that ever asks me for an amazing lawyer! Keep fighting for the people who need you! You are amazing at what you do, you're professional and genuine! I wish you all the best in your career and am happy that I chose you to take my case. Your team is amazing, too!- Nicole W.
-
“Happy that the night that ruined a lot in my life was finally over. If you want a great firm, get things done right and efficiently, and have a team supporting you along your journey, I suggest F&C to be your choice!”- Nicole W.
-
I was in a bad accident and I had my daughter in the car with me. I highly recommend this firm. My attorney Myer Messinger was very compassionate and offered empathy with helping me and my daughter with the mental agony we experienced after the accident. Mr Messinger is very professional and knowledgeable. We sat for hours for the mediation and he fought to get me the best settlement- Enide Jerome
