What Is the Independent Compensation Program?

Clerical child sexual abuse has led to numerous civil lawsuits filed by survivors against the Catholic Church in California. The Independent Compensation Program is a program independent of the Dioceses, administered by two nationally recognized administrators, who have complete autonomy to determine eligibility of individual claims and the amount of compensation for victims.

It is in your best interests to have legal representation if you have been a victim of abuse. Contact DiMarco Araujo Montevideo today for sound legal guidance in an Independent Compensation Program claim. Our Orange County clergy abuse lawyers can help explore your legal options and help you file for compensation.

What Is the Purpose of the Independent Compensation Program?

The Independent Compensation Program was created with the goal of acknowledging the wrongs endured by clerical sexual abuse victims and the failure of the church to prevent harm. The Independent Compensation program aims to provide support for survivors abused as minors in Southern California, regardless of when the abuse occurred. Below are the participating Dioceses:

• Archdiocese of Los Angeles
• Diocese of Fresno
• Diocese of Orange
• Diocese of Sacramento
• Diocese of San Diego
• Diocese of San Bernardino

This program is independent of the Dioceses. It was established to supplement initiatives, including compensation programs, already undertaken by the individual Dioceses to address sexual abuse of minors by priests.

Who May File for Compensation?

To be eligible for this program, your claim of sexual abuse must be directed against a priest of any of the Dioceses listed above.

• You may be eligible to file a claim with the Independent Compensation Program if you were sexually abused as a minor by any such priest.
• If you are a victim represented by a lawyer, your attorney many file on your behalf.
• In the case of a victim who is currently a minor, a parent or legal guardian of the victim may file a claim.
• In the case of a legally incapacitated or incompetent victim, a claim may be filed by the victim’s duly appointed legal representative.

When Will the Program Begin?

The administrators of the Independent Compensation Program and the Dioceses are working together to determine a feasible start date for the program. It is anticipated that the program will begin in September of 2019.

What About New Claims Not Previously Submitted to the Dioceses?

If you have a new claim that has not been previously reported to the Dioceses or to law enforcement, you must register on the Independent Compensation Program’s website to be eligible for participation. Once you have registered with the program, you must file a claim of abuse in writing with the appropriate law enforcement agency and submit a copy of the report to the administrators of the Independent Compensation Program. A finding of criminal liability is not a requirement for participation in the program.

Why You Need a Lawyer

Accepting compensation from the Independent Compensation Program means surrendering your rights to file a lawsuit against any party relating to the sexual abuse. We advise against forfeiting this right without first speaking with an experienced attorney. Our Santa Anta lawyers can help ensure all your filing deadlines are met, all the paperwork is in order, and the compensation you receive is just and fair.

Contact Us Today

Our experienced lawyers have a history of success for our clients. Call us as soon as possible for sound legal guidance and dedicated representation in an Independent Compensation Program claim.