Children who experience sexual abuse at the hands of clergy members often face significant future challenges. The abuse that they experience can cause immediate injuries or expose them to dangerous pathogens.
They may develop mental health disorders in response to the abuse they experienced. They are also vulnerable to physical health complications. In many cases, medical expenses can be an important contributing element to the amount of damages sought in a clergy abuse lawsuit.
What types of expenses may survivors need to address?
Survivors face increased care costs
Families may have accrued significant medical expenses previously seeking care for survivors of childhood clergy sexual abuse. There may also be major future expenses to address as well.
In some cases, the costs of future medical care may largely relate to mental health care, such as therapy, medication and even specialized treatments developed for trauma survivors. There may also be physical health expenses to address.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have a strong correlation with future medical issues ranging from obesity to cardiovascular issues. Sexual abuse is a life-altering ACE that can have mental and physical repercussions for the child involved. The previous and potential future medical expenses associated with clergy abuse are often major contributing elements to the overall amount of damages sought in a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit.
Childhood survivors taking legal action on their own behalf and parents filing lawsuits on behalf of their children may need assistance as they estimate the economic impact of the abuse that occurred. Consulting with an attorney familiar with clergy abuse litigation can help families demand accountability from those in positions of religious authority who abuse that power.