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 PAUL CHARLAND SEXUAL ABUSE INVESTIGATION
LK Investigating Sex Abuse Cases Involving Father Paul Charland
Father Paul Charland, a Catholic priest, allegedly sexually abused girls across Rhode Island parishes while the Diocese repeatedly failed to act on complaints.
Levy Konigsberg is investigating claims that Father Paul Charland sexually abused minors while serving as a Catholic priest in Rhode Island.
Father Paul Charland served at numerous parishes across Rhode Island, including St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket, St. Agatha Church in Woonsocket, Holy Ghost Church in Tiverton, and St. Paul the Apostle Church in Foster. He was suspended from public ministry in August 2011 and is included on the Diocese of Providence’s List of Credibly Accused Clergy.
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Were you sexually abused?
Father Paul Charland History of Sexual Abuse
- According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Appendix A report, Father Paul Charland allegedly sexually abused a 15-year-old student at St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket in 1980 or 1981 while serving as a guidance counselor and Catholic Youth Organization teacher. The alleged abuse involved fondling and kissing, and the victim reported witnessing Charland do the same to her friend.
The Diocese was aware of the conduct as early as January 1982, when a priest informed Bishop Angell that Charland’s behavior had covered ten years and that Charland could not deny kissing the student.
Despite this, Charland was sent to a treatment center in Massachusetts and returned to active ministry in 1983.
- In July 2019, the Diocese of Providence publicly named Charland on its List of Credibly Accused Clergy.
- In May 2011, an adult woman alleged sexual assault by Charland, prompting the Diocese to remove him from public ministry in August 2011. He was allowed to retire as a senior priest. None of the allegations against Charland were ever forwarded to the Vatican, and in 2016 it was revealed that Bishop Tobin had instructed his chancellor not to forward the initial allegation. In 1992, parishioners at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Foster wrote to the Diocese expressing concerns about Charland’s behavior with children. The Diocese kept him in ministry.
- In 2003, a second victim reported that Charland allegedly groped and kissed her during a boating outing in July 1999, when she was 15 years old.
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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.