WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A PRIEST OR CHURCH MEMBER IN ILLINOIS?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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FATHER JOHN SLOWN SEXUAL ABUSE INVESTIGATION
LK Investigating Sex Crime Cases Involving Father John Slown
Father John Slown, a Diocese of Joliet priest convicted of child sexual assault, allegedly abused more than 20 children across multiple Illinois parishes.
Levy Konigsberg is investigating claims that Father John Slown sexually abused minors while serving as a Catholic priest in Illinois.
Father John Slown served at several parishes in the Diocese of Joliet, including St. Scholastica Church in Woodridge, St. Mary Magdalene Church in Joliet, St. Joseph Church in Bradley, Divine Savior Church in Downers Grove, St. Irene Church in Warrenville, and Christ the King Church in Lombard. Despite the Diocese receiving at least six separate reports of abuse spanning more than a decade, Slown was repeatedly sent for treatment and returned to parish ministry rather than being permanently removed. He was convicted of sexually abusing a boy in DuPage County in 1983. He died in 2022.
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Were you sexually abused?
Father John Slown History of Sexual Abuse
- According to the Illinois Attorney General’s report, Father John Slown allegedly sexually abused more than 20 children across multiple Diocese of Joliet parishes between the early 1970s and 1983.
The Diocese received at least six separate reports of abuse over more than a decade, including complaints from an associate pastor, a housekeeper, and a parishioner.
In each instance, the Diocese responded by sending Slown for brief treatment and reassigning him to new parishes rather than removing him from ministry or reporting the allegations to law enforcement.
Slown is included on the Diocese of Joliet’s list of credibly accused clergy.
- In April 2014, personnel files were released publicly revealing the extent of the Diocese’s negligence related to Slown’s abuse.
- In October 2003, two brothers filed a lawsuit against the Diocese of Joliet and three former priests, including Slown, alleging they were repeatedly sexually abused from approximately 1962 to 1968 while attending St. John the Baptist Church and school in Winfield.
The brothers alleged the abuse continued even after their family moved out of state, when Slown came to visit them in New Jersey.
- In 1983, Slown was convicted of sexually abusing a boy in DuPage County while serving as associate pastor at Christ the King Church in Lombard.
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Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
Do I Have A Case?
You may have a sexual abuse claim against the Catholic Church if:
- You were sexually abused as a minor or an adult within the Church.
- The abuser was a priest, clergy member, or some other Church volunteer or employee.
- Your abuse occurred at any time in the past.
As with civil sexual abuse cases, claims filed with the bankruptcy settlement fund are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse. Instead, they focus on holding the Archdiocese liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:
- Your abuser is no longer alive.
- Your abuser was never charged or convicted of a crime.
Determining whether you have grounds to pursue a claim can be challenging, which is why our team at Levy Konigsberg is readily available to help.
Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims
In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:
- Past medical and mental health expenses
- Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and psychological harm
- Lost income
- Other economic and non-economic damages
Illinois Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Sexual abuse lawsuits, like other claims brought by plaintiffs who seek damages for injuries, are subject to a legal deadline known as the statute of limitations. When the statute of limitations expires, victims will not be able to file a claim or recover compensation.
Determining the statute of limitations in your claim can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse claims brought by victims who were abused as minors is generally as follows:
- Claims brought by survivors of childhood sexual abuse (abuse that occurred when the victim was under 18 years of age) may be commenced at any time for victims who were born on or after July 24, 1983.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse by Illinois clergy. Our compassionate and experienced Illinois sexual abuse legal team is here to stand by your side and pursue the justice and accountability you deserve.
Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating allegations of sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy members. Our team is dedicated to providing legal support to survivors and holding accountable those who have committed these crimes. We are working tirelessly to ensure that survivors have access to justice and that the trust placed in religious institutions is restored.
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.