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Priest Sex Abuse Lawyer 

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Delaware Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer - Delaware Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Settlements DE


If you were sexually abused as a child by a priest, deacon or any other member of the Catholic Church, you are not aloneWe are here to help you.  Please fill out our confidential online contact form or call Toll Free 1-866-777-2557 and a Delaware sexual Abuse Lawyer will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your possible case.   Help is available nationwide.  There is no cost to investigate and there are no legal fees unless you receive financial compensation.  Making the call is sometimes the hardest step, but it is often a necessary step on the road to healing.  Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer Delaware


Reasons to call


  • Hold the church and priests accountable
  • Prevent this from happening to someone else
  • Help with the road to recovery – settlement money can provide financial security for you.  It can also help pay for therapy, rehabilitation, and medical treatment














Please call Toll Free 1-866-777-2557 or fill out our confidential contact form and a lawyer will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your case.  Delaware Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer
































Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer Delaware


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Delaware Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Catholic Church Sexual Abuse in Wilmington, Delaware Diocese


A Roman Catholic priest in Delaware was accused of sexual abuse by a man who claimed to have been abused by him more than 100 times. In a record settlement in 2010, the man was awarded $30 million dollars. In the past, most settlements have been paid out by the Catholic Church Diocese where the crime took place.


Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer Delaware


This case turned out different. The parish where the priest worked, St. Elizabeth, was told they would have to pay $3 million dollars of the claim while the priest himself would be responsible for the rest. With the numerous lawsuits fielded by the Catholic Church in recent years, few parishes have ever had to pay our of their own coffers.


Delaware Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer


The reason for the change is due in part to the Diocese of Wilmington, the sole diocese in Delaware, having claimed bankruptcy the year prior. Over 100 lawsuits had to be put on hold due to the bankruptcy. Although the abuse took place in the 60s, Delaware is one of several states that has increased the time limit for sexual abuse victims to come forward. Other states have tried to change their laws as well but the Catholic Church has successfully lobbied, and won, against this.


Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer Delaware


A Shocking Trend


In a notably shocking trend, the plaintiff, Mr. John Vai recalled times when he was carried up to Fr. Francis G. DeLuca’s bedroom as just a small boy prior to being abused. He was aware of other priests seeing what was happening and saying nothing. One of those priests is now a diocesan official. This coverup for others in the Catholic Church plays a big part in why so many children have been abused while in the Catholic Church over the years. It is a rampant problems with church officials at all levels looking the other way or covering it up to prevent further harm to the Catholic Church.


Delaware Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer


A Fight Over Who Should Pay


W. Francis Malooly, the Bishop of Wilmington apologized to the victims, including Mr. Vai, but stated that he believed the diocese should pay for the crime and not the local parish since it’s the diocese that assigns priests where to serve. Lawyers for the case in Wilmington said the diocese had only earmarked a mere $2 million dollars in their bankruptcy settlement for victims of sexual abuse within their diocese, which is a far cry from the potential they may have had to pay out had they not claimed bankruptcy.

Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer Delaware


















































Call Toll Free 1-866-777-2557 for a Free, Confidential Consultation.  No Legal Fees Unless You Receive Settlement. 

Priest Sexual Abuse Lawyer Delaware - Free Confidential Consultation - 1-866-777-2557