WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A PRIEST OR CHURCH MEMBER IN WASHINGTON?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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ST. BENEDICT’S SCHOOL SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
LK Investigating Sex Crime Cases Involving St. Benedict’s School
St. Benedict’s School in Seattle allegedly failed to act after a teacher sexually abused a student for years, resulting in a record jury verdict.
Levy Konigsberg is investigating claims that children were sexually abused at St. Benedict’s School in Seattle, Washington.
St. Benedict’s School was a Catholic elementary school located in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle, operated by the Archdiocese of Seattle and staffed in part by the Dominican Sisters and the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a Catholic order of priests. The school employed lay teacher Daniel Adamson, who served at the school for approximately 15 years, including as principal. In 2016, the Archdiocese of Seattle released a list of clergy and religious with credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor; the list did not include lay employees or volunteers such as Adamson.
If you or a loved one was harmed, contact us today.
Were you sexually abused?
History of Sexual Abuse at St. Benedict’s School in Washington
Examples of alleged abuse, and of conditions likely to lead to abuse, include the following:
- In July 2012, a King County jury awarded $6.4 million to a former student who alleged he was repeatedly sexually abused between 1961 and 1964 by Daniel Adamson, a teacher and principal at St. Benedict’s School.
The jury also found the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the Archdiocese of Seattle and the Dominican Sisters partially responsible. The alleged abuse occurred at Adamson’s home, at the school, in the church, and in motel rooms.
In January 2016, the victim publicly criticized the Archdiocese of Seattle’s newly released list of credibly accused clergy for omitting Adamson. The victim also alleged that the Rev. Henry Conrad and other priests at St. Benedict’s School.
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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
Washington Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Under current Washington state law, survivors of sexual abuse have three years from the date of their abuse, or three years from the date they discover the connection between their injuries (which can include addiction, self-harm, and other mental health issues) and the abuse (or a defendant’s actions that led to the abuse), to file civil lawsuits.
In March 2024, the governor signed into law a bill (House Bill 1618) removing the statute of limitations for civil claims related to child sexual abuse. As a result, for any sexual abuse occurring on or after June 6, 2024, there is no deadline to file.
However, the new law is not retroactive, meaning that it does not apply to sexual abuse that occurred before June 6, 2024. Survivors of sexual abuse that occurred before this time still have three years from the date of their abuse, or three years from the date they discover the connection between their injuries and the abuse or actions that led to the abuse, to file civil lawsuits.
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.