Catholic Church Abuse

Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in Washington, DC

Representing Abuse Survivors in DC, Virginia & Maryland

Sexual abuse allegations and high profile cases have decimated the Catholic Church’s reputation and revealed decades of accusations against clergy, cover-ups by church leaders, and thousands of victims. With a shift in how Americans now view and react to sexual abuse and assault, more victims are now stepping forward to share their stories, and more investigations are being launched to unearth the truth – including current investigations in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland.

If you or someone you love has been a victim of abuse within the Catholic Church, increased awareness now provides a more transparent and victim-oriented environment in which you can begin the process of making your voice heard. While asserting your rights, ensuring accountability, and pursuing justice may seem like a difficult and daunting task, you should know you don’t have to do it alone.

Why Clients Choose CSCS

  • We have two Board Certified Civil Trial Specialists (Joseph Cammarata and Allan M. Siegel)
  • More Than Half a Billion Dollars in Compensation Recovered for Clients
  • Partners Named to DC Super Lawyers List Every Year Since 2011
  • Over 90 Years of Collective Experience, Decades of Proven Results

CSCS: A Legacy of Fighting for Victims & Survivors

Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has been fighting on behalf of victims and families for decades, including those who suffered due to inexcusable acts and failures of those with the power to prevent them. Over the years, our team has earned the trust and respect of clients, local communities, and colleagues because we care about our roles as advocates, and because we have proven our ability to handle challenging cases. For example:

  • Our firm filed a class-action lawsuit and served as co-counsel with appointed class counsel for women who were secretly recorded by a Georgetown Rabbi as they used a religious bath. The case recently resulted in a $14.25 million settlement.
  • Partner Joseph Cammarata and our legal team currently represent seven women in a defamation lawsuit against now criminally convicted Bill Cosby, in which they claim that he branded them as liars and tarnished their reputations after they stepped forward to accuse him of sexual assault.
  • Partner Joseph Cammarata and our legal team represent six minor children and their parents against a DC charter school and a former teacher arising out of the teacher’s sexual abuse of the minor children.
  • Partner Cammarata represented Paula Jones in a high profile case against former President Bill Clinton, and succeeded in securing a unanimous decision from the U.S. Supreme Court that set a precedent of incredible relevance today.
  • Partner Cammarata is a frequent guest on national news media, particularly for his insight on high profile matters involving sexual misconduct, high profile defendants, and civil justice.

Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. is a nationally recognized civil law firm dedicated to protecting victims’ rights and providing the personalized service and support they deserve. Discuss your potential case with a lawyer by calling (202) 659-8600 or contacting us online.

Sexual Abuse in DC Metro Area Catholic Churches

Following the release of a sweeping grand jury report detailing abuse and cover-ups by the Catholic Church in Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia and the state of Virginia launched their own investigations into the Church in October 2018.

Pending investigations in the local region include:

  • Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington – One of the most important U.S. Diocese, the Washington Archdiocese is comprised of churches and schools in the District of Columbia, five Maryland Counties (including Prince George’s County and Montgomery County), and the Vatican Embassy.
  • Roman Catholic Diocese of Arlington – The Diocese of Arlington includes 69 parishes within the state’s northern-most counties, as well as Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, and other cities.
  • Roman Catholic Diocese of Richmond – The Diocese of Richmond encompasses southern and central Virginia, the Eastern Shore, and Hampton Roads.
  • Metropolitan Archdiocese of Baltimore – Includes the city of Baltimore and 9 Maryland counties, including Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Frederick, Howard, and Hartford counties.

Civil Lawsuits: Seeking Justice

Victims of abuse committed by priests, teachers, youth group leaders, and others in positions of trust within the Catholic Church may have the right to seek justice and compensation by pursuing lawsuits in the civil justice system. Civil sexual abuse claims are important for several reasons, and can:

  • Expose injustices and hold responsible parties accountable.
  • Allow victims to recover financial compensation for their losses, including their pain and suffering, expenses related to medical and mental health treatment, and other economic and emotional damages.
  • Increase awareness about abuse within a Church or school, prevent abuse from being tolerated and covered-up, and provide insight into the scope of sexual abuse which internal audits continually fail to reveal.
  • Prompt necessary changes that can protect others in the community from becoming victims themselves.

Civil sexual abuse lawsuits may hold importance in the “larger picture,” but they are first and foremost incredibly personal and profound experiences. This is why our team places an emphasis on personally supporting our clients and helping them navigate all aspects of the civil lawsuit process, including discovery, interrogatories (questions and answers under oath), depositions (in-person questioning of defendants), document production, and requests for admissions. Our goal is to protect the rights and privacy of our clients, and fight aggressively at each stage of their legal journeys.

Resources for Survivors

CSCS is prepared to help victims of Catholic Church sexual abuse throughout Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland from the very moment they reach out for help. This includes assistance with reporting abuse throughout local law enforcement agencies, which have set up the following reporting resources:

Call (202) 659-8600 for a FREE & Confidential Consultation

Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. is proud to offer our support to victims who suffered any form of abuse committed by clergy, teachers, and others within local Catholic Dioceses. If you would like more information about your rights, reporting abuse, and how our attorneys can guide you step-by-step through the journey ahead, pleasecontact us for a free and confidential consultation.

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Sexual Abuse

Catholic Church Abuse

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