Sexual abuse survivors have powerful legal tools available to hold the Catholic Church accountable. At Berman & Simmons, we pursue justice by building cases on solid legal grounds that reflect the full scope of harm caused, not only by the abuse but by institutional cover-ups, negligence, and betrayal of trust. 

Legal theories may include the following. 

Negligent Supervision and Retention

Diocesan leadership may be liable for failing to properly supervise, investigate, or remove priests or other individuals with known or suspected histories of abuse. The Church often retained or reassigned clergy after allegations surfaced, putting others at risk.

Fraud & Concealment

Some church parishes actively concealed allegations or failed to report abuse to law enforcement. Survivors may have a claim if the Church’s intentional cover-up delayed or prevented them from seeking justice sooner.

Vicarious Liability

The Catholic Church may be held responsible for the actions of its priests and employees if abuse occurred within the scope of their duties or was made possible by institutional authority and access to vulnerable individuals.

Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress

Beyond the physical harm, survivors often suffer severe psychological trauma. Institutions that failed to protect or retraumatized them through inaction or denial may be held accountable for the emotional damage caused.

Civil Sexual Abuse or Battery

Survivors may be able to pursue direct civil claims of sexual abuse, battery, or assault, regardless of whether criminal charges were ever filed or proven.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty or Special Trust

Priests often hold positions of deep spiritual and emotional trust. When that trust is abused, the individual and the institution may be held accountable for violating a sacred duty of care.

Compensation in a Sexual Abuse Claim

In a successful claim against the Catholic Church, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Therapy and mental health care expenses
• Medical costs related to trauma
• Lost income or earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Loss of quality of life
• Punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct

Why These Claims Are Complex & Why Legal Help Matters

Catholic Church abuse cases often involve decades-old misconduct, institutional cover-ups, and survivors who’ve been retraumatized by silence or denial. The local diocese may deny wrongdoing, shift blame, or push for low settlements to avoid public scrutiny.

Berman & Simmons has the tools, resources, and determination to push back.

We provide: 

• Nationally recognized experts in psychology, trauma, and institutional practices
• Trauma-informed attorneys and staff who treat you with dignity and care
• Investigative teams that uncover long-buried documents and misconduct histories
• Medical and financial experts to assess the full impact of abuse on your life.

Turn to a Premier Personal Injury Team 

As Maine’s leading personal injury firm, we have a legacy of over 100 years of successful case results. We are widely respected for our record-setting verdicts and settlements across the state. Our team approach benefits you with the collective experience of our trial-tested attorneys. Our trauma-informed care puts your needs first and foremost. 

We can take on powerful institutions with relentless trial preparation and litigation skills. Our team also protects your privacy and provides peace of mind through discretion and sensitivity in such claims. Furthermore, we handle your case on a contingency fee; you pay no upfront attorney fees. 

Let’s Talk Confidentially & Compassionately

We know it takes incredible strength to come forward as an abuse survivor. When you are ready, we are here to listen and help. 

Schedule a confidential, complimentary consultation with a Maine Catholic Church sexual abuse attorney by calling (207) 417-4199 or contacting us online. We can help you regain power and pursue the justice you deserve.