San Diego Clergy Abuse Lawyer

Our attorneys have been assisting the Orange County and Southern California communities for over 40 years.

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San Diego Clergy Abuse Lawyer

Request free consultation

Catholic Dioceses throughout California have come together to establish a compensation fund to bring financial relief to survivors of clergy sexual abuse. San Diego is one of the dioceses involved in the effort to bring justice and compensation to survivors. At DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo, our San Diego clergy abuse lawyers have experience representing clergy sexual abuse clientele. We may be able to help you obtain compensation through the survivor fund or other means. Contact us for a 100% confidential free consultation in San Diego today.

Why We Are Right for You

  • We get results. We have recovered over $750 million for our past personal injury clients in California, including many abuse survivors.
  • We have experience. Our firm has handled more than 18,500 personal injury cases. This includes several clergy abuse lawsuits.
  • We are compassionate. Our experienced injury lawyers in Orange County understand how traumatic clergy abuse can be for survivors. We treat each case with the utmost respect, compassion and confidentiality.

How We Can Help

Whether clergy abuse happened recently or decades ago, our San Diego clergy abuse attorneys can help you fight for your rights. If you file before your 26th birthday or within three years of recalling repressed memories of abuse, you may have grounds to file a civil lawsuit against the at-fault party, including the perpetrator and/or the diocese. If more time than this has passed, you may still be eligible for an award from the Independent Compensation Fund, which has no statute of limitations.

Our priest abuse lawyers can review your clergy abuse case, help you identify which legal route is best for you and start the process toward compensation right away.

About San Diego Clergy Abuse

Sexual abuse is a gross misuse of power. In crimes involving clergy members, targets for abuse are often vulnerable children in the adult’s charge. Perpetrators of clergy abuse have included priests, bishops, archbishops, and nuns. Within the San Diego diocese, 54 clergy members have faced litigation or criminal charges for alleged sexual abuse. 

  • Gary Michael Holtey. Convicted of 10 counts of possession of child pornography in possible connection with an international child porn ring.
  • Edward Anthony Rodriguez. Sentenced for multiple cases of youth abuse: four to five boys every year of his 22 years as a clergy member.
  • Patrick J. Hughes. Convicted for the abuse of a 12-year-old boy in 1974 and another between 1979 and 1983.

This information comes from a collection of media reports. Many more stand accused, arrested and sued for alleged clergy abuse in San Diego. Others have already settled claims with survivors for admitted wrongdoing. If a member of the clergy abused you or someone you love, you may be able to obtain compensation with help from our firm.

What Is the Independent Compensation Fund?

Six dioceses in California have come together to create a compensation fund for survivors of clergy sexual abuse in the state. The fund is available for all clergy abuse survivors, including undocumented immigrants and those with civil cases that have surpassed the statute of limitations. It is an independent program that encourages clergy abuse survivors to come forward, find closure, seek financial restitution and begin to heal.

Together, the six dioceses encompass about 80% of California’s Catholic population – more than 10 million people. It is free to participate in the fund and settlements can resolve in as little as 90 days. The process is non-adversarial and can be completely confidential for the survivor. If you believe you are eligible for a portion of the fund, work with a San Diego clergy abuse lawyer for assistance handling your claim.

Speak to a San Diego Clergy Abuse Attorney Today 

At DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo, we give a voice to sexual abuse and assault survivors in San Diego. We are passionate about bringing criminal clergy members to justice in the form of civil lawsuits whenever possible. Even if you missed your statute of limitations, however, we can help you file a claim for compensation through the new fund in California. Discuss your rights and options with a San Diego clergy abuse attorney today during a confidential case review. Call us at (714) 783-2205 or contact us online.

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