Justice for Survivors of Church Abuse
The pain of clergy sexual abuse runs deep. Survivors often carry wounds not only from the abuse itself but from the betrayal of trust by religious institutions that were supposed to protect them. At O’Brien Law Firm, we help survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Missouri pursue justice through civil legal action by holding both individual abusers and the powerful institutions behind them accountable.
Led by attorney Grant Boyd, our firm stands with survivors, whether the abuse happened recently or decades ago. We provide compassionate, confidential legal guidance for individuals harmed by priests, pastors, deacons, ministers, and other religious leaders. Our mission is to help survivors reclaim their power, seek accountability, and begin healing.
Why Survivors Pursue Civil Lawsuits Against Clergy and Churches
Clergy abuse cases are unique. They involve not only individuals who abused positions of trust and authority but also churches, dioceses, and religious organizations that often knew about the abuse and chose to protect their reputation over protecting victims.
Survivors seek civil justice for several reasons:
Accountability for Institutions That Enabled Abuse
Churches and religious organizations frequently covered up misconduct, transferred known abusers, or pressured victims into silence. Civil lawsuits expose these patterns and demand accountability.
Public Awareness and Prevention
Lawsuits bring light to systemic failures, helping prevent future abuse by forcing organizations to change policies, reporting practices, and oversight.
Compensation for Damages
Survivors face lifelong impacts: emotional trauma, damaged relationships, lost income, and treatment costs. A civil lawsuit can provide financial resources to support ongoing healing and recovery.
Empowerment and Validation
For many survivors, pursuing justice is about reclaiming their voice and their dignity. A civil case is often the first time someone listens, believes, and takes meaningful action on their behalf.
At O’Brien Law Firm, we make the legal process as supportive and survivor-centered as possible.
Missouri’s Civil Statute of Limitations for Clergy Abuse Cases
Missouri recognizes that survivors of childhood sexual abuse often need time to come forward. Civil statutes of limitations reflect this understanding but have specific deadlines survivors should know.
Suing the Clergy Member Directly
Survivors generally have until their 31st birthday to file a civil lawsuit against the individual perpetrator. This extended timeframe acknowledges the complex emotional journey many survivors face.
Suing the Church, Diocese, or Religious Organization
Claims against third parties like churches, dioceses, or religious orders usually must be filed by age 26. These claims often focus on the institution’s negligence in hiring, supervision, reporting failures, or covering up abuse.
Federal Claims
Some federal legal avenues, such as civil rights violations or human trafficking laws, do not have statutes of limitations. In specific cases, these claims may allow survivors to pursue justice beyond Missouri’s state deadlines.
Because statutes of limitations are complex and fact-specific, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Grant Boyd will evaluate your circumstances and ensure every possible path to justice is considered.
Common Scenarios in Clergy Abuse Cases
Our firm represents survivors of abuse by religious leaders across all faiths and denominations. Common scenarios include:
Priests and Clergy in Catholic Dioceses
Many Missouri dioceses have been implicated in historical and recent abuse scandals. We help survivors hold both the individual clergy members and the Church accountable.
Youth Group Leaders, Sunday School Teachers, and Volunteers
Abuse often occurs during church-sponsored youth activities where supervision lapses or background checks are overlooked.
Clergy Sexual Misconduct with Adults in Counseling Roles
Abuse of power is not limited to minors. Clergy who exploit counseling relationships or spiritual authority over adults can face civil liability for resulting harm.
Pastors, Ministers, and Church Staff in Protestant Churches
Abuse is not limited to Catholic settings. Baptist, Methodist, Evangelical, and other denominations have faced credible allegations of clergy misconduct.
Mission Trips, Retreats, and Religious Camps
Off-site activities often lack proper oversight, creating opportunities for abuse. Institutions that fail to protect participants can be held responsible.
Even if the abuse happened decades ago, and even if the abuser has died or left the ministry, the institution’s responsibility may remain. We investigate each case fully, seeking accountability wherever it leads.
Holding Churches and Religious Organizations Accountable
Survivors often ask: “Can I really sue a church?” The answer is yes. Religious institutions are not above the law. When they fail in their duty to protect children or parishioners or worse, actively conceal abuse, they can be held liable under civil law.
We pursue claims against:
Priests and Clergy in Catholic Dioceses
Even small churches have legal duties of care and oversight.
Religious Orders (Jesuits, Franciscans, etc.)
Many clergy belong to independent religious orders with separate leadership and oversight. These entities can also be named in lawsuits.
Charitable and Missionary Organizations
Religious Orders (Jesuits, Franciscans, etc.)
Many clergy belong to independent religious orders with separate leadership and oversight. These entities can also be named in lawsuits.
Dioceses, Synods, and National Denominations
Higher authorities often bear responsibility for moving known abusers, ignoring complaints, or failing to warn other congregations.
Religious Schools and Seminaries
When abuse occurs in religiously affiliated schools, seminaries, or universities, those institutions can be held accountable alongside individual staff.
Our legal team works to uncover hidden records, expose cover-ups, and demonstrate institutional patterns of negligence.
Compensation for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse
No settlement can undo what happened, but civil compensation can help survivors reclaim financial stability and access resources for recovery. Survivors may seek:
Therapy, Counseling, and Mental Health Care Costs
Abuse-related trauma often requires lifelong care. Civil damages can cover these expenses, including future treatment needs.
Pain and Suffering
This recognizes the profound emotional, psychological, and spiritual harm caused by clergy abuse — including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and loss of faith or trust.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Including relocation expenses, medical bills, or other direct consequences stemming from the abuse.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
Abuse can derail education and careers. We seek compensation for lost income and the impact of trauma on long-term earning potential.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Survivors often struggle with relationships, intimacy, and general happiness. These damages acknowledge that loss.
Punitive Damages
When institutions engage in egregious conduct such as knowingly reassigning abusers courts may award punitive damages to punish wrongdoing and deter future harm.
Every survivor’s journey is unique. Our firm works with experts to document your losses fully and pursue the maximum compensation available.
How O’Brien Law Firm Supports Clergy Abuse Survivors
Attorney Grant Boyd approaches clergy sexual abuse cases with compassion, discretion, and fierce advocacy. We understand how difficult it is to come forward, especially against a church or faith community that may have been central to your life.
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs — we only get paid if we win
- Private, trauma-informed handling of sensitive information
- Extensive investigation into institutional patterns and cover-ups
- Strong negotiation and litigation strategies focused on survivor outcomes
You are not alone. We stand beside you, working to transform your courage into meaningful justice.
What to Expect When You Contact Us
The legal process can feel overwhelming, but we guide you through each step with care and transparency.
You Deserve Justice. You Deserve to Be Heard.
Clergy sexual abuse is a profound betrayal. Survivors often carry not just the trauma of abuse but the burden of silence imposed by powerful institutions. You deserve to be heard. You deserve accountability. You deserve to heal.
Attorney Grant Boyd and O’Brien Law Firm are here to help you take back your power through legal action. Together, we can seek the justice you deserve and help protect others from future harm.
Contact Missouri Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Grant Boyd Today
If you or someone you love was abused by a clergy member or religious leader in Missouri, reach out today for a free, confidential consultation. We listen. We believe. We stand with survivors.