Clergy Abuse in Pittsburgh
NEWS ALERT: The deadline to register an allegation of clergy abuse with the Diocese of Pittsburgh is July 31, 2019. Learn more.
Clergy abuse has been a problem throughout the world for decades. With
allegations coming into light here in Pennsylvania, it’s important
for survivors of sexual abuse to know that they are not alone. For decades,
the Pittsburgh clergy abuse lawyers at Fellerman & Ciarimboli have
strived to make sure survivors’ voices are heard by those who committed
these atrocities. With a former prosecutor on staff, we understand what
is needed in these cases to get you the justice that you deserve and to
stop the abuse from reoccurring.
Clergy Abuse in Pittsburgh: What You Should Know
After hundreds of hours of testimony from abuse survivors, a grand jury investigation released a scathing report in August 2018 that alleges decades of sexual abuse by more than 300 predatory priests in six of the eight Pennsylvania dioceses.
The redacted report presents very disturbing details. It details a cycle of sexual abuse and cover-up that occurred in six of Pennsylvania’s eight dioceses, including right here in Pittsburgh. The report found 99 priests in the Pittsburgh area who had allegedly abused both boys and girls. And instead of protecting its community and bringing these priests to justice, evidence shows the Catholic Church did everything it could to hide the information and protect the priests.
The Effects of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse has both short-term and long-term effects on an individual, especially when it involves an authority figure. After the abuse, a person will feel disbelief, anger, embarrassment, and even fear. The survivor’s behavior and habits may change — for example, when a child who never misbehaved begins getting in trouble at school.
According to statistics from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), a person is more likely to suffer suicidal or depressive thoughts after sexual assault. It can affect relationships, change a person's behavior and are more likely to use drugs and alcohol.
Should I Come Forward With My Story?
It's a difficult and embarrassing situation and discussing the matter only brings more pain. But remember, by speaking up you not only stand up for your rights but will be protecting the rights of others.
You have the right to file a civil claim against not only your abuser, but also the organization who had failed to report, prevent, and attempted to conceal the abuse. According to Pennsylvania law, you may receive economic damages for your abuse, such as medical and therapy bills and loss of income. You may also be able to recover punitive damages, to punish the individuals and the institutions that allowed these horrible acts to occur for decades.
You will need to establish liability for your claim and this means you will have to recount the events that occurred. But it's important to note that unlike a criminal case, where there needs to be concrete evidence to prove guilt, there only needs to be a "preponderance of the evidence." This means there needs to be enough evidence to prove the accuracy of your claim. For example, one credible witness can provide enough evidence to support the claim.
How Our Pittsburgh Clergy Abuse Lawyers Can Help
The Pittsburgh clergy abuse lawyers at Fellerman & Ciarimboli understands your concerns and your hesitation in pursuing a case. But as members of this community, we can't allow these injustices from happening again. It is difficult to step up to a powerful religious organization but the time to act is now. There is a statute of limitations on these cases and you need to step forward before it's too late.
With Fellerman & Ciarimboli, you should know that you are not alone in this process. We will make sure your voice is heard.
Contact our Pittsburgh clergy abuse lawyers for a free consultation. We will stand with you and fight for your rights.
-
$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.
-
$3 Million Medical Malpractice
Settlement for a confidential medical malpractice case.
-
$2 Million Medical Malpractice
A settlement was obtained in a case where the doctor negligently managed anesthesia.
-
$1.8 Million Car Accident
A settlement was obtained for a firefighter who was injured in an automobile crash.
-
$1.5 Million Medical Malpractice
A verdict was obtained on behalf of a medical malpractice victim involving a doctor failing to provide informed consent for a tonsillectomy. Was named one of the top 30 verdicts in Pennsylvania in 2015.
-
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
