Buffalo Clergy Abuse Lawyers
Obtaining the Financial Compensation You Deserve
If you were abused by an adult as a child, our Buffalo clergy abuse lawyers will work with you to obtain the compensation you deserve for your pain.
If the unthinkable has happened to you and you were abused by a clergy member, we first want to express our horror at the situation and our support for you. Being a victim of this heinous abuse can leave you permanently changed and we understand if you are looking for reparations. We are here to listen, advise, and take action if that’s what you choose to do.
At Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC we represent the survivors of this abuse and fiercely fight to get them the compensation they deserve. If you are one of those who have survived clergy sexual abuse, we are here to help you. You can meet with us for a free initial consultation. There, we will confidentially discuss your case and decide upon legal action. If you are ready to take the first step towards justice, please call our office today.
Basic Child Victims Act Information
The most important piece of information you need to know regarding this new act that Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed February 15th, 2019 is the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you are at risk of losing your rights to file a claim, but this bill extends the statute of limitations for a lot of people. The way it works is as follows. The age upon which you are cut off from filing a suit has been increased. You used to only be able to file a suit until the age of 23, but now you are allowed up until the age of 55 to bring a civil claim or 28 years old to file a criminal case. This bill is also allowing those who have suffered abuse in the past one year from the date of enactment to bring their claim against their abusers. This extends to those whose time limitations had previously run out. If you fall under this category, you have until August 14th, 2020 to bring a claim against your abuser. You should be aware that if you are looking to file against a diocese, your statute of limitations may run out if that organization files for bankruptcy.
What you should be aware of is that if you do not act in a timely manner, there is a chance that you won’t be able to bring your claim. This applies in particular to past victims of abuse. There is more time for those who are recent survivors. It is best for your case to call our lawyers right away and seek a free consultation to discuss all of your options. The time ahead of you may seem like a lot, especially if you haven’t turned 28 or 55 yet, but it is best to get started right away. In the world of law, time passes quickly and we know this is going to be a difficult battle so the sooner we begin, the better we can prepare everyone involved to take on your abuser.
Reasons to File a Suit
We understand that sometimes it can seem wrong to file a suit against your diocese. There is a certain guilt that you may be experiencing as well as fear of having to relive these events. It may have been easier to bury it but we assure you that it is both morally right as well as beneficial to you to seek a lawsuit. You have the opportunity to stand up and say that what happened to you was wrong and that those responsible need to pay for what they’ve done.
The Catholic Church in particular has been protecting their abusers and it’s time now for them to face their crimes. It seems like every month a new list of offenders comes out and that only happens when the victims say enough is enough. That happens when you find the courage to seek legal action against these abusers. A local Buffalo sexual abuse survivor was the first to speak openly to the public regarding a settlement offer. She is also the recipient of the largest award for a victim of sexual abuse. In an interview she expressed that she would be happy if other survivors got a much larger reward and that she wants to inspire her peers to fight. Allow her story to empower you and her words give you the encouragement perhaps you’ve been looking for. You have the opportunity now to try to punish your abuser.
Contact Our Buffalo Clergy Abuse Lawyers Today
If you are ready to fight back against your abuser and seek the compensation that you deserve, please call our office today for a free consultation. You will sit with one our of highly experienced lawyers to discuss your case in the strictest of confidence. We will educate you further about your rights and inform you about your options. Let us be your champion. You deserve nothing but justice after what you have been through.
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Client Reviews
“Couldn’t be happier with the way my case was handled. A very thorough, encouraging , professional and hands-on firm to work with. You are treated with respect, and not merely as a number here.”
– Todd Hannel
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