WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A PRIEST OR CHURCH MEMBER IN NEW JERSEY?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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FATHER MICHAEL WALTERS SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
LK Investigating Sex Crime Cases Involving Father Michael Walters
Father Michael Walters, a New Jersey priest, allegedly sexually abused multiple minors across parishes in the Archdiocese of Newark.
Levy Konigsberg is investigating claims that Father Michael Walters sexually abused minors while serving as a Catholic priest in New Jersey.
Father Michael Walters served in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey, including assignments at Our Lady of Sorrows in South Orange, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Orange, Holy Spirit/Our Lady Help of Christians in East Orange, St. Matthew in Ridgefield, St. John Nepomucene in Guttenberg, Sacred Heart in Haworth, Our Lady of All Souls in East Orange, and St. Cassian in Upper Montclair.
He is included on the Archdiocese of Newark’s List of Credibly Accused Clergy.
If you or a loved one was harmed, contact us today.
Were you sexually abused?
Father Michael Walters History of Sexual Abuse
Examples of alleged abuse, and of conditions likely to lead to abuse, include the following:
- In July 2020, Father Michael Walters was named in a lawsuit alleging he participated in a sex ring involving children with Cardinal Theodore McCarrick and other priests.
Walters allegedly abused a boy at the beach house in Sea Girt in 1982 and 1983, when the victim was between 14 and 16 years old.
- In January 2019, five cases against Father Walters were settled.
- In October 2017, a judge found probable cause to file criminal charges against Father Walters based on allegations of sexual abuse.
- In October 2016, two additional lawsuits were filed against Father Walters.
- In August 2016, a lawsuit was filed against Father Walters alleging he sexually abused a boy in the 1990s at St. John Nepomucene Church in Guttenberg.
- In August 2015, the Archdiocese received allegations that Father Walters sexually abused a boy and a girl in the early 1980s while assigned to St. Cassian Church in Montclair.
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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
New Jersey Sexual Abuse Attorneys
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations previously imposed a strict deadline for victims of sexual abuse to file claims or seek compensation. However, recognizing the lasting impact of sexual abuse and the obstacles survivors face in pursuing justice, the state enacted the Child Victims Act in 2019. This landmark legislation significantly extended the statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse cases. The law provides more opportunities for victims to seek justice and compensation, acknowledging the complexities and challenges associated with reporting and prosecuting sexual abuse.
Under New Jersey law, specifically NJ Stat. § 2A:14-2a, survivors of sexual abuse now have an extended timeframe to pursue legal action. Childhood sexual abuse victims can file civil claims until age 55 or seven years after recognizing the trauma, whichever is later. This allows survivors to seek justice against their abusers and any liable institutions. For those sexually abused as adults (age 18 or older), the deadline to file a civil lawsuit is seven years from the incident of abuse.
Seeking legal guidance is crucial when navigating the complexities of the statute of limitations. Your attorney can review your case, explain the statute of limitations to you, and assist you in determining if you are eligible to file a lawsuit.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse by New Jersey clergy or at a New Jersey Catholic school or New Jersey school, our compassionate and experienced New Jersey 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.