Victims of clergy sexual abuse may seek a settlement for any physical, emotional, and financial losses they suffer as a result of the abuse. The available compensation depends on the type of abuse, the severity of the injuries, and the implications it has on day-to-day life, your future, and even your lifespan.
There is no average settlement in a clergy sexual abuse claim because all cases depend on evidence, incidents, severity, and the victim’s ability to communicate losses. Speak with a California clergy sexual abuse attorney to discuss the types of settlement available.
Economic Damages Related to the Incident
Victims can seek compensation for clergy sexual abuse for all damages they can document. Economic damages are those related to hard facts, such as losses with specific monetary values. Every situation differs, but some of the most common types of compensation available include:
Medical costs, which may include:
- Emergency medical care costs
- Hospitalizations and treatment
- Mental health counseling costs
- Psychiatric care received
- Ongoing costs associated with any of these
Loss of earnings including:
- Compensation for missed time at work
- Loss of benefits
- Loss of promotion or bonuses the person would have received but could not due to missing work
- Reduction in earning capacity if, due to the harm caused, a person suffered injury that led to an inability to continue doing the type of work they were engaged in prior to the incident
You can seek economic damages for anything you can document is related to the sexual abuse actions or the resulting treatment needs. Your clergy sexual abuse attorney will seek maximum compensation by pinpointing all potential losses.
Non-Economic Damages Related to the Incident
Non-economic damages are more subjective in terms of value. They are very real, authentic losses you have every right to experience. Some examples of clergy sexual abuse losses that may fall into this area include:
Pain and suffering damages, such as:
- Compensation for the profound emotional strain and stress you experienced
- Suffering you continue to have due to the injuries and exposures
- Pain suffered due to the physical trauma of the experience
- Onset of mental health disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression
You may also seek compensation for disfigurement and the implications on your overall well-being and self-worth. Many people suffer psychological trauma that extends into the future, impacting their quality of life and relationships for years to come.
Punitive Damages in Sexual Abuse Cases Involving Clergy
Punitive damages may be available in some of these cases. Under California Civil Code § 3294, non-compensatory awards may be granted in certain cases. This is a type of financial award to the victim that punishes the person who engaged in the action and others involved. The goal is for these fines to serve as a deterrent for future actions.
To seek these damages, it must be clear that the party acted with oppression, fraud, or malice. Many cases of clergy sexual abuse fall into this category.
Recovering Damages Depends on What You Claim
These are some of the types of compensation available in clergy sexual abuse cases, but that is dependent on your ability to understand your rights, communicate your losses, and document them with evidence. Work with a clergy sexual abuse attorney in California to navigate this process with more confidence.