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West Virginia Clergy Sex Abuse Lawyer
Surviving sexual abuse is traumatizing. The experience can be even more harrowing when the perpetrator is a member of the clergy, someone who should be trustworthy. If you or a loved one has survived clergy sexual abuse, you have the legal right to seek justice, accountability, and compensation.
At Warner Law Offices, PLLC, we have decades of experience and a proven track record of success in helping victims in their hour of need, including victims of clergy sexual abuse. Our West Virginia clergy abuse lawyers will take legal action against predators who exploit their authority and religious institutions that fail to prevent these heinous acts.
Located in Charleston, our firm advocates for survivors’ rights throughout West Virginia. Call (304) 345-6789 or fill out our contact online form to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation.
- You Can Count on Our West Virginia Clergy Abuse Lawyers
- Types of Clergy Abuse Cases We Handle
- Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Clergy Abuse Allegations
- Do I Have a Time Limit to File My Claim?
- Can You Report a Priest for Sexual Abuse?
- Resources for Clergy Sex Abuse Survivors
- Our West Virginia Clergy Abuse Lawyers Are Here To Help
You Can Count on Our West Virginia Clergy Abuse Lawyers
Hiring a clergy sex abuse lawyer can significantly impact the trajectory of your lawsuit. When you entrust us with your claim, we will protect your rights and build the strongest case possible on your behalf. Learn more about our services by exploring our glowing client reviews.
Litigation involving sensitive matters like clergy sex abuse can be fraught with challenges and emotional turmoil. Our church abuse attorneys bring to the table extensive knowledge of the law and precedents related to clergy sexual abuse.
“People find and then often refer other victims to us because they like the setting, how they were treated, the confidentiality. In any case, when you're trying to pick your lawyer, you're looking for experience and the results you're going to get.”
Types of Clergy Abuse Cases We Handle
At Warner Law Offices, our church sex abuse attorneys are knowledgeable and experienced in handling various kinds of clergy sex abuse cases, including those involving:
- Sexual abuse in scouting and youth organizations
- Abuse in foster care settings
- Institutional negligence
- Child sexual abuse
- Vulnerable adult abuse
- Sexual harassment
- Sexting with minors
If you don’t see a case type that matches your experience, do not hesitate to reach out. Each case is unique and deserves the individualized attention of a skilled attorney. No matter the circumstances, we have the skills and experience needed to handle your sex abuse case.
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Clergy Abuse Allegations
The West Virginia’s Attorney General took legal action against the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. According to a 2019 report by ABC News, the lawsuit accuses clergy members of sexual abuse. It also claims the Diocese relocated alleged offenders to different states and churches to evade consequences for their actions.
The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston released a statement proclaiming a “zero-tolerance” policy against “credibly accused” perpetrators of sexual abuse of minors. However, questions about the Catholic Church’s credibility and history of concealing abuse raise concerns about the thoroughness and transparency of its investigations.
If you or someone you love is a victim of abuse by clergy members within the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston or any other religious institution, you may have a viable sexual abuse lawsuit. Despite some perpetrators having died or moved across states or churches to evade repercussions, survivors can still find justice.
Our priest sexual abuse lawyers can provide you with the high-quality counsel and aggressive representation you need to navigate your case through the legal system. We also understand that it can be difficult to come forward after experiencing sexual abuse. Our compassionate attorneys will handle your case with the utmost care, sensitivity, and confidentiality it deserves.
Do I Have a Time Limit to File My Claim?
The West Virginia statute of limitations for sexual assault determines the time frame for filing a civil claim for sexual abuse by clergy members. If the victim was an adult at the time of the abuse, they have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim. If the victim was a minor, they must file “within 18 years after reaching the age of majority, or within four years after discovery of the sexual assault or sexual abuse, whichever is longer.” In other words, they may have until their 36th birthday to file.
“A lot of people don't know that you have 18 years after your eighteenth birthday to file a case against your abuser if the abuse happened to you as a minor. This allows victims more time to understand what has happened to them, seek treatment, and get justice.”
Though the statute of limitations for West Virginia sexual abuse claims gives you significant time to file in some instances, claims filed after the correct deadline passes will most likely be dismissed in court, preventing you from recovering legal compensation. Consult with our clergy sexual attorneys as soon as possible to ensure timely filing.
Can You Report a Priest for Sexual Abuse?
Absolutely. You should report sexual abuse to the appropriate authorities and law enforcement. In West Virginia, many individuals, including clergy members, are legally required to report child sexual abuse within 24 hours of discovery and can face serious consequences if they fail to comply. This is meant to ensure that allegations are appropriately investigated and addressed.
Resources for Clergy Sex Abuse Survivors
If you survived clergy sex abuse, remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to support and guide you on your journey toward recovery:
- The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests – SNAP’s resources and virtual events offer invaluable spaces for healing and empowerment.
- The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network – RAINN is the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the United States. It maintains a National Sexual Assault Hotline to facilitate 24/7 access to local support services.
- Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment – GRACE helps survivors through its Voices of Survivors program. It features stories that resonate with survivors’ experiences, underscoring their resilience and reminding them that they are not alone.
- 1in6 – Specifically aimed at male sexual abuse or assault survivors, 1in6 offers tailored support. Its name is based on the fact that 1 in 6 men have been sexually abused or assaulted.
- Foundation for Rape Information and Services – You can also reach out to a Rape Crisis Center in West Virginia for support, counseling, and advocacy services.
In addition to these resources, Warner Law Offices is standing by to offer compassionate support and legal representation to victims of clergy sexual abuse throughout West Virginia.
Our West Virginia Clergy Abuse Lawyers Are Here To Help
Do not wait to seek support and legal representation after surviving clergy sexual abuse. At Warner Law Offices, we understand the sensitive and traumatizing nature of these cases. Our church sex abuse lawyers are dedicated to providing compassionate support and aggressive legal advocacy.
We take survivors’ stories to heart and are dedicated to providing a safe space where their voices can be heard. Call (304) 345-6789 or fill out our contact online form to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation with an experienced West Virginia clergy abuse lawyer today. You are not alone.
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Charleston, WV 25301
Bobby has received many accolades throughout the years from both his peers in the legal community, as well as the media. The National Trial Lawyers association named Bobby a Top 100 Trial Lawyer and he has been selected as a Member of the Nation’s Top One Percent. Additionally, he has been named a Best Attorneys of America by Rue Ratings, which also named Warner Law Offices to its Best Law Firms of America.
We represent clients across West Virginia and surrounding areas, providing compassionate client service and relentless advocacy in and out of the courtroom.
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