WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A PRIEST OR CHURCH MEMBER IN RHODE ISLAND?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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MONSIGNOR LOUIS DUNN SEXUAL ABUSE INVESTIGATION
LK Investigating Sex Crime Cases Involving Monsignor Louis Dunn
Monsignor Louis Dunn, a Rhode Island Catholic priest, was convicted of sexually assaulting a woman and accused of abusing at least five girls and young women.
Levy Konigsberg is investigating claims that Monsignor Louis Dunn sexually abused minors and young women while serving as a Catholic priest in Rhode Island.
Father Louis Dunn held multiple prominent positions in the Diocese of Providence and served at several parishes across Rhode Island, including St. Bernard Church in Wickford, St. Benedict Church in Warwick, St. Mary Church in West Warwick, the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in Providence, Mother of Hope Novitiate in Warwick, St. Joseph Church in Hopkinton, Christ the King Church in South Kingstown, and St. Thomas Church in Providence. He also served in several administrative roles within the Diocese, including as Assistant Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Vicar for Religious, and on the Diocesan Tribunal from 1964 to 1994. He was placed on leave in 1994 following allegations of sexual misconduct, criminally tried in 1997, and convicted of sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman. He received a 10-year suspended sentence in 1999. He is included on the Diocese of Providence’s list of credibly accused clergy. He died in 2001.
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Were you sexually abused?
Msgr. Louis Dunn History of Sexual Abuse
- According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s report, Monsignor Louis Dunn allegedly sexually abused at least five girls and young women.
The Diocese was first notified of the abuse in 1967 when a man alleged his daughter was sexually abused by Dunn.
At least one of his alleged victims became pregnant — one child was given up for adoption in California in 1967. He allegedly paid for another victim to have an abortion.
- In 1997, he was criminally tried on two separate rape allegations. He was convicted in the second case of sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman in June 1982.
In December 1999, Dunn was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
At least two more civil lawsuits were filed following his conviction.
In 2002, the Diocese settled claims involving Dunn as part of a broader settlement.
In October 2008, a survivor who had refused a $400,000 settlement from the Diocese petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate her lawsuit. She was one of the 38 victims in the 2002 mass settlement.
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.