Church of Latter-day Saints Sex Abuse Lawsuits in Washington

Over the past few decades, various religious institutions have come under fire for protecting clergy members and other religious leaders who sexually abused members of their congregations, including children. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is no exception. In Washington State, survivors of sex abuse have brought lawsuits against religious leaders and their institutions to seek justice. 

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse in the LDS Church, you don’t have to fight for justice alone. You can hire a Washington State sex abuse lawyer to lead your case. Unlike a criminal case, a sexual abuse lawsuit allows survivors to seek both justice and compensation that can help them access the medical care they need along the road to recovery. Call Jackman Law Firm today for your free, confidential consultation. 

You Don’t Have to Pay Upfront Fees to Hire an LDS Lawsuit Lawyer 

At our law firm, we operate on a contingency-fee basis, and here’s how it benefits you. 

Instead of requiring you to pay upfront or hourly attorney’s fees, we simply take a percentage of your potential compensation. This approach allows us to start working on your sexual abuse claim right away, ensuring we meet all necessary filing deadlines.

You can also find reassurance in knowing that our attorneys are fully dedicated to your case. After all, if your case doesn’t yield compensation, we don’t get paid for our time. When you’re looking for a sex abuse lawyer, don’t hesitate to ask about our fee arrangement. Additionally, we offer free initial consultations, which can help you gain clarity about your legal options.

How Our Washington Lawyers Intend to Hold the Mormon Church Accountable 

Survivors of child sex abuse often place their trust in religious leaders and confide in them when seeking help. There is no excuse when a religious institution purposefully covers up sex abuse, whether it was perpetrated by its clergy or not.

With the guidance of our personal injury team, you can channel your full attention on healing physically, spiritually, and emotionally. We intend to help you get closure and financial justice by: 

• Investigating who contributed to your abuse
• Assessing your losses 
• Negotiating for a fair settlement
• Protecting you from threats or retaliation from church officials  
• Communicating with the liable parties and their representatives
• Representing you in a trial

Sex abuse cases can be emotionally trying for survivors, but a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process so that you do not feel alone or unsupported. You deserve to work with a compassionate and responsive attorney who puts your needs first.  

Compensation Sex Abuse Survivors Can Seek in a Lawsuit

The effects of sexual abuse can be long-lasting and affect various aspects of a survivor’s life. Along with the emotional trauma, survivors can also suffer negative effects on their careers, for example. If a child suffers sexual abuse, they may experience developmental and academic delays. 

However the sexual abuse affected your life, you deserve compensation that puts you on the path to recovery. Our sex abuse lawyers can seek justice and fair compensation for the following losses:

• Medical expenses for any physical injuries
• Ongoing medical care, such as therapy and counseling
• Lost income for the time you had to take off work
• Reduced earning capacity 
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Various out-of-pocket expenses 
• Other non-economic damages, such as emotional distress and mental anguish 
• Loss of quality of life

No settlement or verdict can truly account for what you experienced. Yet, it can offer access to various resources that could better your quality of life. We’re committed to securing the compensation you need to rebuild and move forward. 

Our LDS Sex Abuse Lawyer Can Help You Meet Your Case’s Filing Deadline

In Washington State, survivors of sexual abuse generally have three years to file a civil lawsuit. According to RCW § 4.16.340, this deadline begins counting down:

• From the date the abuse occurred; or 
• From the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the abuse led to your injuries; or 
• From the day of your 18th birthday, if the abuse occurred when you were a child 

A lawyer can listen to your story and figure out what your filing deadlines are. Then, they can manage those deadlines while negotiating with the liable party.  

You’re Not Alone After Suffering Sexual Abuse in Washington State 

In 2005, the LDS Church in Washington State was ordered to pay at least $2.5 million to two sisters, Jessica and Ashley Cavalieri, whose stepfather, Peter Taylor, sexually abused them. 

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, one of the sister’s friends reported the abuse to Bishop Bruce Hatch, who failed to report it to local law enforcement. Though Washington State does not consider clergy members mandatory reporters of sexual abuse, the case was won on the grounds that the bishop was acting as a social service counselor. 

More recently, in 2023, the Mormon Church agreed to a $1.1 million settlement in another lawsuit brought by a man who was abused as a preschooler by a teenage volunteer in Mountain View Ward. The Spokesman-Review reports that the Mormon bishop had received previous reports of abuse by the teenage volunteer and failed to notify law enforcement. The bishop discouraged the parents from going to the police––allowing the abuse to continue. 

Call Jackman Law Firm for Help Filing an LDS Sex Abuse Lawsuit 

At Jackman Law Firm, our attorneys advocate for survivors of sex abuse, and we are ready to help you, too. Now is the time to focus on moving forward and getting closure. All the while, our team will build your sex abuse claim and seek fair compensation for your many losses. 

Call us today for a free consultation. Everything you share stays between us.