Published by May 25, 2012 – This week, thousands of documents concerning nine Roman Catholic priests who settled a landmark clergy abuse lawsuit in 2006 were made public. The newly-released files provide a detailed look into the accusations, as well as reveal instances when members of the clergy were allowed to interact with children despite their superiors being aware of previous indiscretions. Three former priests whose histories are detailed in the new documents are Gus Krumm, Gary Pacheco, and Monsignor Michael Harris, a former principal of both Mater Dei and Santa Margarita Catholic high schools in Orange County, CA.
Free Clergy Abuse Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been abused, molested, or otherwise victimized by a member of the clergy, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit against the perpetrator of the abuse and we can help.
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Michael Harris, the first principal of Santa Margarita Catholic High School, was a defendant in a pivotal lawsuit settled for more than $5 million in 2001 that marked the beginning of a worldwide scandal that rocked the Roman Catholic church. Documents from the case were made public on Wednesday, as part of a 2006 settlement between the Franciscan Friars of California and 25 plaintiffs who brought claims against Krumm, Pacheco, and seven other members of the clergy.
The Friars eventually ended up paying out nearly $30 million to settle the complaints, and fought unsuccessfully all the way to the California Supreme Court to have the case documents sealed. Among the newly-released files are thousands of pages of personal records, psychological reports, and other detailed information connected to the accused priests named in the suits. Victim abuse advocates applauded the long-anticipated release of documents. The files, which contain upwards of 10,000 pages, will be available for reading at www.bishop-accountability.org.
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FAQs
What evidence is needed to support a Roman Catholic abuse documents lawsuit?
Evidence needed can include testimonies from victims and witnesses, records of abuse allegations, documentation of internal Church communications, and any prior investigations or reports related to the abuse cases.
Can I join a class action lawsuit if I have been affected by Roman Catholic clergy abuse?
Yes, if a class action lawsuit is underway, victims and their families may be eligible to join if their circumstances are similar to those of other plaintiffs. Class action lawsuits can combine multiple similar cases to strengthen the overall claim.
Can I file an individual lawsuit instead of joining a class action in the Roman Catholic abuse documents case?
Yes, you can file an individual lawsuit if you prefer not to join a class action. This might be beneficial if your case involves unique circumstances that warrant individual attention.
What should I do if my claim related to Roman Catholic clergy abuse is denied?
If your claim is denied, consult with an attorney to explore further legal action. An attorney can help challenge the denial and pursue the release of documents and compensation.
Do I Have a Clergy Abuse Lawsuit?
The Sexual Abuse Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in clergy abuse lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Free Clergy Abuse Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been abused or molested by any member of the clergy, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a clergy abuse suit and we can help.
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