If you experienced sexual abuse within the Archdiocese of New Orleans, you have a short time left to pursue financial recovery for the injuries and trauma you suffered. In May 2020, the archdiocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a decision made in response to financial distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and lawsuits against clergy.
Some say the archdiocese made the move so that it could combine lawsuits into a federal case and that it exaggerated their financial troubles to make the process easier and more affordable. While the archbishop has removed certain priests in question, the action comes too late for those who already suffered at their hands.
If you have already become a victim of predatory clergy members, you do not deserve to be revictimized by receiving less than what you deserve in your sexual abuse lawsuit.
The lawyers at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™, can help by filing your lawsuit before the deadline and pursuing financial recovery for you. You can call us today to get started on your case with our legal team.
You Must Act Quickly to Pursue a New Orleans Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
A Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which the United States Courts also refers to as reorganization bankruptcy, allows businesses and organizations to settle debts over time and restructure their operations so that they can remain open. Organizations that file Chapter 11 bankruptcies, including the archdiocese, must have a judge’s approval for how they handle their finances during proceedings.
The judge allowed the archdiocese to continue paying its utility bills, employee pay, and insurance premiums if the employee in question was not one of the priests who had been accused of sexual assault in the lawsuits.
She also decided that any further lawsuits against the archdiocese must be filed by March 1, 2021, to be considered.
How a Lawyer from Our Firm Can Help You With Your Lawsuit
Because a federal bankruptcy case is handled differently from a typical civil case, the process for seeking financial recovery from the perpetrator of your sexual abuse may be complex. Our attorneys can guide you through each part of the process and represent you in court when necessary. We will take several steps to pursue the recovery you deserve for your damages, including:
Filing a Case on Your Behalf
We know you may not have the time to file your case on your own before the March 1 deadline passes. Our lawyers can ease this burden by submitting your case on your behalf and ensuring all of the necessary information is provided so that we can avoid a potential delay in the process that could prevent you from filing before time runs out.
You can attempt to manage your case on your own, but many claimants find it challenging to achieve fair financial awards in sexual abuse cases without legal assistance. Not only can it be difficult to relive your abuse and face the organization that failed to protect you on your own, but it also has legal teams that may take advantage of the fact that you do not have a lawyer.
Assessing Your Damages and Seeking Financial Recovery
To seek financial recovery in a New Orleans sexual abuse lawsuit, you must supply a requested award amount. Determining the value of your damages may be difficult, especially if you take into consideration not just your medical bills and other injury-related expenses resulting from the abuse but also your emotional trauma and mental anguish.
We will speak with you to learn more about how the abuse you suffered has affected your life on a long-term basis and use the information you provide to us to determine the types and amounts of damages we will pursue for you.
Negotiating for a Fair Settlement Amount
The opposing party’s legal counsel will have plenty of tricks up their sleeves for attempting to minimize the harm you suffered to prevent their client from providing you with a fair settlement. We recommend leaving the negotiation process to us, as our attorneys will use strategies to fight for the financial recovery you deserve.
Providing You With Representation and Legal Support Throughout Your Case
One of the reasons many victims choose not to file lawsuits against their offenders is because the case can take an emotional toll. Bankruptcy proceedings can take months or years. Also, focusing on your trauma throughout the case can take its toll on your mental and emotional health.
We will act as your voice through legal representation and update you regularly on your case’s progress. We encourage our clients to ask us questions or bring up concerns at any time so that we can address them right away.
Many Victims Have Come Forward for Financial Recovery
The archdiocese already had pending claims against it before it filed for bankruptcy. Those involved anticipate that many more will come in now that the deadline has been established. In a similar case in Milwaukee, 23 people had filed claims against the archdiocese, but when the judge set a time limit for further claims, more than 500 came in.
We understand that it may be difficult to come forward after such a traumatic experience, but between your fellow victims and our legal team, you are not alone in pursuing the financial recovery you deserve.
Contact D. Miller & Associates, Pllc™, Right Away to Get Started On Your Lawsuit
If you suffered abuse by a priest or deacon in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before May 2020, you have until March 1, 2021, at 5 p.m. Central Standard Time, to file your claim, and our lawyers can help you through the process.
Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™, as soon as possible at 1(855) PRO-LAWYERS to file your New Orleans sexual abuse lawsuit.
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