WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A PRIEST OR CHURCH MEMBER IN RHODE ISLAND?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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FATHER JOHN GERARD BRENDAN SMYTH SEXUAL ABUSE INVESTIGATION
LK Investigating Sex Crime Cases Involving Father John Gerard Brendan Smyth
Father Brendan Smyth allegedly sexually abused children in Rhode Island and was convicted of abusing more in Ireland and the UK.
Levy Konigsberg is investigating claims that Father Brendan Smyth sexually abused minors while serving as a Catholic priest in Rhode Island.
Father Brendan Smyth, whose full name was John Gerard Brendan Smyth, was an Irish national and member of the Norbertine order, ordained in July 1951 at Holy Trinity Abbey in Kilnacrott, Ireland. He served in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales before being assigned to Our Lady of Mercy Church in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, as an assistant pastor from 1965 to 1968, and later served at St. Alphonsus Church in Langdon, North Dakota.
Smyth was convicted in the United Kingdom and Ireland of sexually abusing dozens of children and died in prison in August 1997.
He is included on the Diocese of Providence’s List of Credibly Accused Clergy, the Diocese of Fargo’s list of accused clergy, and the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Appendix A report.
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Were you sexually abused?
Father John Gerard Brendan Smyth History of Sexual Abuse
- According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Appendix A report, Father Brendan Smyth allegedly sexually abused 17 children — both boys and girls, some as young as 7 years old — between 1965 and 1968 while assigned to Our Lady of Mercy Church in East Greenwich.
The Diocese received its first complaint against Smyth in 1967.
- In June 1994, Smyth pleaded guilty in a British court to sexually abusing five girls and two boys in Northern Ireland, and pleaded guilty to 26 additional charges in 1995.
In March 1997, he was extradited to Ireland to face 74 charges of child sexual abuse involving seven boys and thirteen girls between 1958 and 1993. He pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced in July 1997.
- Between 1965 and 1968, Smyth allegedly abused multiple altar servers, including three brothers by forcing his hands down their pants, and groping them.
One altar boy was allegedly abused on more than 30 occasions beginning at age 10.
A 7-year-old girl was allegedly digitally raped at the school, the church, her family home, and in the woods. Her younger sister was allegedly abused in a similar manner.
A girl was allegedly abused beginning at age 11 at her family home, and later assaulted at age 12 at the parish rectory.
A girl was allegedly abused approximately a dozen times while in the fourth and fifth grades.
A third-grade girl was allegedly assaulted at Smyth’s office.
A girl between the ages of 8 and 10 was allegedly held upside down by her ankles with her underwear exposed to boys.
A boy was allegedly abused in the janitor’s room and a secluded area of the school cafeteria.
A second-grade boy was allegedly abused at Our Lady of Mercy School in 1967 and 1968.
Another boy was allegedly abused at the school and church between the ages of 8 and 11.
In June 2008, two of the victims sued the Roman Catholic Bishop of Providence for negligence.
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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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
Rhode Island Sexual Abuse Attorneys
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse by Rhode Island clergy or at a Rhode Island Catholic school or Rhode Island school, our compassionate and experienced Rhode Island 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.