WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A TEACHER OR SCHOOL STAFF IN NEW YORK?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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NEW YORK CITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
Fighting for Survivors of Student Sexual Abuse at NYC Catholic Schools
New York City Catholic School Sexual Abuse Lawsuits detail cases where students were allegedly abused by clergy, teachers, and staff in NYC Catholic schools.
Levy Konigsberg is investigating claims that students at Catholic schools in New York City were sexually abused by clergy, faculty, or school officials.
New York City Catholic schools, including institutions in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Queens, have been named in allegations involving sexual abuse by clergy members, educators, and administrators. Reported cases describe misconduct occurring on school grounds and during school-affiliated activities, including incidents of inappropriate contact, exploitation, and alleged grooming of students. Lawsuits have also raised concerns about institutional responses, including claims that school leadership or affiliated religious organizations failed to prevent abuse or adequately address complaints.
If you or a loved one was harmed, contact us today.
Were you sexually abused?
History of Sexual Abuse at NYC Catholic Schools
In May 2026, the Catholic Archdiocese of New York agreed to pay $800 million to settle alleged sexual abuse claims brought by 1,300 survivors. The archdiocese also agreed to release documents pertaining to alleged sexual offenders within the Church.
Examples of alleged abuse, and of conditions likely to lead to abuse within New York City Catholic Schools, include the following:
Regis High School
- In June 2023, a mother filed a lawsuit against Matthew Chica who allegedly photographed her 11-year-old son in a bathroom stall at Regis High School where a leadership program was held.
Chica was a mathematics teacher at Xavier High School in New York City.
He was arrested in April 2023.
- In June 2021, a lawsuit was filed alleging that Fr. Gerald R. Rippon repeatedly sexually abused a 15-year-old male student at Regis High School in 1969.
- In April 2021, reports revealed allegations of nonconsensual sexual misconduct against Rev. Daniel Lahart, head of Regis High School.
- In January 2019, the Northeastern Jesuit Province released a list of clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse, naming priests who served at Regis High School in New York City, including:
- John Farrand
- John Gallen
- Edward Horgan
- Robert Voelke
- James Kuntz
Kuntz pleaded guilty to a child pornography offense.
Xavier High School
- In June 2023, a mother filed a lawsuit against Matthew Chica who allegedly photographed her 11-year-old son in a bathroom stall at Regis High School where a leadership program was held.
Chica was a mathematics teacher at Xavier High School in New York City.
He was arrested in April 2023.
- In January 2019, the Northeastern Jesuit Province released a list of clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse, naming priests who served at Xavier High School in New York City, including:
- Cornelius Carr (1980-83)
- Thomas Denny (1969-70)
- Raymond Fullam (1946-48)
- John Garvey (1989-2002)
- James Kuntz (1971-74)
- Keith Picklers (1984-87)
- William Scanlon (1971-72)
- Joseph Towle (1960-63)
An alumnus reported that he was allegedly sexually abused in 1961 by a lay person at Xavier High School.
Cardinal Hayes High School
- As of July 2020, 11 lawsuits were filed against Archdiocese of New York alleging child sexual abuse by Msgr. John Paddack.
In one lawsuit, Paddack allegedly sexually abused a former student at Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx between 1990 and 1993.
- In December 2014, Fr. Robert Harrison, a former staff member at Cardinal Hayes High School, admitted to sexually abusing 10 minors during the 1970s and 1980s.
He confessed to skimming and misappropriating funds to pay off an individual he had allegedly abused decades earlier.
- In January 2009, James West, dean of discipline at Cardinal Hayes High School, was arrested for allegedly groping and propositioning a 19-year-old student.
In February 2008, Christopher Keogan, principal at Cardinal Hayes High School, was fired after photographs of nude men were allegedly discovered on his office computer.
Mount Saint Michael Academy
- In November 2019, a lawsuit was filed in Manhattan Supreme Court alleging that former campus chaplain Rev. Bernard J. Lynch sexually abused a 16-year-old student at Mount St. Michael Academy in the Bronx between 1978 and 1979.
The school and the church allegedly covered-up the abuse.
- In November 2011, reports revealed that Mount St. Michael Academy former assistant principal Br. Lawrence Gordon accidentally left a USB drive containing sexually explicit images of underage boys in the school’s library.
- In May 1988, Br. Timothy Brady, acting principal at Mount St. Michael Academy was indicted for charges of sexual abuse involving former students at the school.
Cathedral Preparatory Seminary
- In February 2019, the Diocese of Brooklyn released a list of clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse, naming several individuals affiliated with Cathedral Preparatory Seminary in New York, including:
- John R. Dwyer
- Francis Manzo
- John McLoughlin
- George J. Stack
- Thomas Brady
- Daniel C. Sabatos
- John Bals
- George Voiland
- Francis X. Mulhall
- In December 2017, a report identified 48 priests who worked in Queens who were allegedly accused of sexual abuse, including three priests who had been assigned to Cathedral Preparatory Seminary in Elmhurst.
- In December 2010, the Archdiocese of New York announced that Msgr. Charles M. Kavanagh, former rector of Cathedral Preparatory Seminary, was removed from priesthood following a review of sexual abuse allegations against him.
Kavanagh allegedly made unwanted advances and inappropriately touched a student during the 1980s.
LK is Investigating Sexual Abuse Claims in Catholic Schools in NYC
Levy Konigsberg is investigating cases of sexual abuse and assault that occurred at Catholic Schools in NYC.
You may have a potential claim if you were sexually abused in these or any other Catholic Schools in NYC:
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
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We work on contingency, which means there’s no cost to hire and no fee unless we win.
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 grounds to file a civil legal action if:
- You were sexually abused by a teacher or staff at a school.
- The abuse occurred at any school.
Levy Konigsberg represents survivors in civil lawsuits that aim to hold schools accountable for their failures to stop abusive teachers and staff.
As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:
- Your abuser is no longer alive.
- Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.
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 York School Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations sets deadlines for victims to bring claims against their abuser or entities responsible for the abuse. New York has pioneered efforts to make it easier for sexual abuse survivors to seek justice and compensation.
In 2019, New York passed the Child Victims Act, expanding the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Under current law: (1) survivors of childhood sexual abuse at private schools, who were born after February 14, 1998, have until age 55 to file civil lawsuits; and (2) survivors of childhood sexual abuse at public schools, who were born after November 15, 1999, have until age 55 to file civil lawsuits.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse at a New York City Catholic school, our team is here to help you understand your legal options and fight for the justice you deserve.
Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating allegations of sexual abuse in New York schools.
We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and seeking justice for survivors of sexual abuse in schools. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing legal representation and support to survivors, and we are actively investigating allegations of abuse. We are working tirelessly to ensure that survivors have access to justice and that future generations of young people are safe from harm within these institutions.
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.