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Victims of sexual abuse by priests in certain Southern California Dioceses have the option to file a claim for compensation with the Independent Compensation Program, an independent program run by two nationally-recognized claims administrators.
At DiMarco Araujo Montevideo in Santa Ana, we can help you explore your legal options. Speak with an experienced Orange County clergy abuse attorney before accepting compensation from the program, as in doing so, you forfeit your rights to file a lawsuit against any party related to the sexual abuse. Contact us today for sound legal guidance and experienced representation in an Independent Compensation Program claim.
To be eligible to file a claim under the Independent Compensation Program, your claim of sexual abuse must be directed against a priest of any of the following Dioceses:
If you are filing a new claim (not previously reported to law enforcement or the Dioceses) you must first register on the Independent Compensation Program’s website. After you register, you must then report your claim of sexual abuse in writing to the appropriate law enforcement agency, and submit a copy of the police report to the administrators of the program. You will fill out a claim form for the program and provide the appropriate supporting documentation.
There is no fee for filing a claim with the Independent Compensation Program. The program will not reimburse you for you attorney fees or other professional fees associated with your claim. However, our firm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us no fees unless we maximize your compensation.
If you are filing a new claim, the program invites you to provide any documentation identified in the claim form, along with any other corroborating information to substantiate your claim, satisfy eligibility requirements, or allow administrators of the Independent Compensation Program to review, process, and make a fair and accurate determination in evaluating your claim. For claims that were reported to the Dioceses before the initiation of this program, the administrators will be provided with any documentation that was previously submitted by victims and their healthcare providers.
You will need supporting documentation as evidence of the nature, frequency, location, and time of the sexual abuse that occurred. This will assist the administrators in determining your eligibility and evaluating your claim. Examples of such documentation include:
If you are filing a claim with the Independent Compensation Program, having experienced legal representation is in your best interests. Contact DiMarco Araujo Montevideo in Santa Ana today to get our Orange County injury lawyers on your side. We can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.