Diocesan Insurance Program Lawyers Washington DC
At Cohen & Cohen, our Diocesan Insurance Program Lawyers Washington DC families trust may recommend not accepting compensation through a church insurance program. If you or a loved one endured sexual abuse at the hands of a priest, rabbi, or other clergy members, then you may be entitled to compensation. Due to how often claims of priest sexual abuse occur, the church may have an insurance program to handle the situation directly.
While this may sound like a good idea initially, the intention is to silence victims so they don’t bring their story out into the public. Victims may receive financial compensation but without their story being brought to light, the offender can continue to inflict harm on others in the church.
Diocese Independent Compensation Programs
An independent insurance program was established by the church to reimburse survivors of priest abuse for the trauma they are faced with. We often suggest that victims of sexual abuse do not sign up for or enter a contract associated with the independent compensation program. By doing so, you may be forfeiting your right to take legal action against the Diocese.
Seeking Justice For Sexual Abuse
Dealing with incidents of sexual abuse can be very difficult. If you were the victim, you may be going through painful emotions and are having trouble processing events. It isn’t uncommon for sexual abuse survivors to have symptoms such as loss of appetite, increased appetite, drug and/or alochol abuse, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. We understand that you may need support from a trusted therapist while going through the steps of filing a lawsuit. Our Lawyers for Diocesan Insurance Program in Washington, DC can ensure that you get the care you need during this time.
Types of damages that are common for sexual abuse cases include:
- Medical Costs
- Pain and Suffering
- Financial Support
- Mental Health Counseling
- Loss of Enjoyment for Life
- Expenses for Relocation
- Court Fees
A sexual predator often doesn’t just stop after one child. They may continue to abuse children over many years. And despite the tragic suffering, an abused child will go through, the church may be motivated to cover up the incident to protect their reputation. You can trust that we will fight relentlessly and are confident in our ability to go up against even the largest religious institutions.
Call Cohen & Cohen Today For Assistance
By taking action against the offender of sexual abuse, it affords justice to the individual victim and the community. Civil litigation provides the victim with a chance to have a voice and to be compensated for their injuries. We know that monetary restitution can never entirely restore what has been taken from you, but it can give you the means necessary to heal and create your new future. Call Cohen & Cohen today so our Washington, DC Diocesan Insurance Program Lawyers can begin working on your behalf.Â