Lutheran Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Update: Lutheran Church Ordered to Pay $30 Million to Victim of Childhood Sexual Abuse

In 2021, a Child Victims Act lawsuit was filed against Rev. Douglas D. Thore, who served as pastor of St. Nicodemus Evangelical Lutheran Church from 1984 to 2004, by a 45-year-old man who is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.

The plaintiff in this case, identified as “LG-54” in court filings to protect his privacy, was sexually abused by Thore multiple times when he was 11 to 13 years old, according to the lawsuit. For nearly 3 decades, LG-54 had not discussed the abuse he endured.

When the Child Victims Act finally allowed victims to pursue justice against their abusers in 2020, LG-54 discussed his abuse for the first time with his attorney. Thore resigned from his post as a Lutheran pastor when he learned he was being investigated over allegations of child molestation.

A jury in New York State Supreme Court awarded $15 million in compensatory damages for pain and suffering and $15 million in punitive damages. The $30 million verdict is believed to be the largest award in New York for a case filed under the Child Victims Act.

In separate ongoing lawsuits, LG-54 is also suing St. Nicodemus Lutheran Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, and the Upstate New York Synod of the ELCA.

Also Read: Catholic Nun Convent Abuse

Attorney for Lutheran Clergy Child Sexual Abuse Victims

Sadly, sexual abuse of children by clergy is not unique to the Catholic Church. Child sexual abuse has been found to occur in all denominations including the Lutheran Church. If you were a victim of sexual abuse in the Lutheran Church as a child, you are not alone. Most likely, the pastor or other clergy member who betrayed your trust has molested other victims. The only way to stop future abuse from happening is for past victims to come forward.

Related Lawsuits:

• Jewish Sexual Abuse Molestation Lawsuit
• Jehovah’s Witnesses Sexual Abuse
• Anglican Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

FAQs

What is the statute of limitations for filing a sexual abuse lawsuit against a Lutheran institution?

The statute of limitations for filing a sexual abuse lawsuit varies by state and may depend on the age of the victim at the time of the abuse, when the abuse was discovered, and other factors. Some states have extended or eliminated the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases, particularly for minors.

Can a settlement be reached in a Lutheran sexual abuse case, and what does it entail?

Yes, a settlement can be reached in a Lutheran sexual abuse case, often before the case goes to trial. A settlement typically involves the institution agreeing to pay a certain amount of money to the victim in exchange for dropping the lawsuit. Settlements may also include non-monetary terms, such as changes in the institution’s policies or public apologies.

How can victims of Lutheran sexual abuse get support during the legal process?

Victims can get support from legal professionals specializing in sexual abuse cases, as well as from counseling and advocacy services that provide emotional support and resources. Many organizations offer confidential support for victims navigating the legal process.

See all related sexual abuse lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Do I have a Lutheran Church Sex Abuse Lawsuit?

The Sexual Abuse Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Lutheran Church sex abuse and molestation lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.

Free Lutheran Church Case Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been abused or molested by a member of the Lutheran Church, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.