Riverside Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Riverside Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorney
Churches are supposed to be safe and nurturing environments where children undergo religious education. When someone in a position of authority abuses a child, the emotional and psychological damage can be devastating and long-lasting. A Riverside clergy sexual abuse lawyer can represent you through the claims process and help you pursue the compensation and accountability your family deserves.
Trusted Legal Support for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse in Riverside
Sexual abuse at places of worship can leave families traumatized and entire communities shaken. The legal team at Easton & Easton understands how damaging these cases can be, which is why we allocate the time and resources needed to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous acts are held accountable in court.
Setting our firm apart is our dedication to helping victims and survivors from all walks of life. From the moment you secure representation from Easton & Easton, you will feel respected, supported, and safe throughout the legal process. While we compassionately counsel you and your family, we can take strategic and methodical steps to ensure accountability in your case.
Understanding Clergy Sexual Abuse in Riverside County
Clergy sexual abuse has affected communities across California, including Riverside County, where the Roman Catholic Church has long played a central role. The Diocese of San Bernardino, headquartered at 1201 E. Highland Avenue in San Bernardino, oversees 92 parishes and 12 missions throughout Riverside.
Although the exact number of child abuse reports tied to the local clergy is unknown, Riverside County received 42,012 child-related referrals involving allegations of abuse or neglect in 2023. Across the state that same year, the California Victim Compensation Board received 2,715 applications related to sexual assault
Abuse tied to clergy can happen in private settings where priests or religious leaders are often given unchecked supervision over children, especially during counseling, confession, or religious instruction. Over the years, civil claims have exposed the various methods used by some clergy to exploit their positions of trust. Equally heinous are the failures of religious institutions to report these acts, which have only worsened the problem.
How Survivors Can Seek Justice Through the Courts
Survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Riverside County have the right to pursue civil claims for financial recovery and accountability. California law allows victims to report sexual abusers and assailants to law enforcement. Survivors also have the right to hire an attorney to represent them through the civil court process.
Civil cases are typically handled through the Riverside County Superior Court, which hears civil matters involving child abuse and sexual abuse. Civil claims run independently of criminal cases. While a criminal conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt, civil cases can result in favorable verdicts for survivors when they and their attorney show, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant likely committed the abuse.
Having strong legal representation throughout the civil claims process can provide invaluable benefits. A sexual abuse attorney in Riverside can ensure deadlines are met, evidence is properly documented, and the perpetrator of your abuse is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Following a successful claim, justice can come in the form of financial compensation.
FAQs
How Do You Report a Priest for Sexual Misconduct in California?
You report a priest for sexual misconduct in California by contacting local law enforcement, the diocese’s review board, and the California Department of Social Services if a minor is involved. These reports can initiate criminal investigations and may support civil claims. Documentation of complaints, church responses, and prior misconduct history is often important when pursuing legal accountability for clergy abuse.
Can You File a Civil Claim Against a Church for Sexual Abuse?
You can file a civil claim against a church for sexual abuse if the institution enabled, ignored, or failed to report known misconduct by clergy or staff. Churches that failed to act on prior complaints or concealed abuse may be held responsible. California law allows survivors to pursue compensation from both the individual offender and the institution that allowed the harm.
Can You File a Claim Against a Pastor for Emotional Distress?
You can file a claim against a pastor for emotional distress if their misconduct involved abuse of authority, coercion, or sexual exploitation. These claims may also name the church if it failed to act on complaints. Emotional harm resulting from betrayal by religious leaders can be long-lasting, and California law permits civil claims when misconduct causes significant psychological damage.
Are Clergy Mandated Reporters in California?
Clergy are mandated reporters in California, which means they must report suspected child abuse or neglect to law enforcement or child protective services. However, certain communications made in confession may be exempt. When clergy fail to report known abuse, it can support claims of institutional negligence or cover-up, especially in civil actions involving survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
What Makes a Church Legally Responsible for Clergy Sexual Abuse?
A church may be legally responsible for clergy sexual abuse if it failed to screen clergy, ignored past allegations, or actively concealed misconduct. Civil claims can hold the institution accountable when its policies, leadership, or culture allow abuse to occur. Evidence of prior complaints, reassignment of clergy, or lack of oversight often plays a central role in proving liability.
Easton & Easton is Ready to Help You Seek the Closure and Compensation You Deserve
For victims of sexual abuse by clergy, legal action can be an important first step toward healing and justice. The legal team at Easton & Easton can ensure you do not take that journey alone. Our lawyers are dedicated to holding perpetrators and religious institutions accountable for their actions.
We owe our strong track record of success to our strategic approach to building cases based on compelling evidence and solid legal arguments. We can ensure that your voice is heard and that your rights are protected. Contact our office today to
Your Story Is Important To Us.
CALL US SO WE CAN HEAR IT.
The superior client service Easton & Easton provides has earned the firm an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen anew each year since 2014 by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers as one of the "Best Law Firms" for the Southern California Metro Area.
Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen by the LA Times Reader's Choice Poll as "The Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Orange County" for 2018.
Doug and Brian Easton have been selected as Top 100 Trial Lawyers for California each year since 2014 — honors given to less than 1% of attorneys.
Doug and Matt Easton have each been chosen as one of The Best Lawyers in America for Plaintiff's Personal Injury Litigation. Best Lawyers lists attorneys who have earned selection through exemplary legal work that attracts the notice of their colleagues. Lawyers cannot buy their way onto this list.
Brian and Matt Easton were recently honored for their efforts in securing a $1,850,000 verdict for a client in 2016, which was selected as one of the Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California by TopVerdict.com.
Doug and Brian have each been selected by Super Lawyers, an honor given to less than 5% of attorneys. Matt Easton has been selected among Super Lawyers' Up-and-Coming Top 25 in Orange County and Top 100 in Southern California, an honor given to less than 1% of attorneys under 40 years old.
Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen as one of the "10 Best Personal Injury Law Firms” in all of Southern California" each year Since 2015 based on client satisfaction — one of the highest honors we could ever hope to achieve.
Easton & Easton received the “People Love Us On Yelp” award in 2016 due to the exceptional client satisfaction reviews given by our clients over the years.
Doug and Matt Easton have each been featured as Premier 100 Trial Attorneys for California since 2015 — honors given to less than 1% of attorneys.
Brian and Matt Easton have each earned lifetime appointment to the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum — The Top Trial Lawyers in AmericaTM through the results achieved for their clients. This is an honor given to less than 1% of attorneys in the United States.
Doug Easton has held the “AV Preeminent” Rating for over 30 years and Matt Easton received this prestigious distinction in 2015. The "AV Preeminent" rating is the highest possible rating for both legal ability and ethical standards, and is based on the legal profession’s oldest peer review rating system, dating back to 1887.
Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton have all been chosen as one of the "10 Best" Personal Injury Attorneys in Southern California each year since 2015 based on client satisfaction, an honor given to less than 1% of personal injury attorneys - and Easton & Easton houses three of them.
Brian Easton was selected to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2015. ABOTA is one of the most premier associations of trial attorneys and judges, requiring a certain number of jury trials as lead counsel and approval by a majority vote of the ABOTA board.
Matt Easton has been selected each year since 2014 as one of the Top 40 Trial Lawyers Under 40 for California by The National Trial Lawyers — an honor given to less than 1% of attorneys.
Doug and Matt Easton have each been chosen as one of The Best Lawyers in America for Plaintiff's Personal Injury Litigation. Best Lawyers lists attorneys who have earned selection through exemplary legal work that attracts the notice of their colleagues. Lawyers cannot buy their way onto this list.
Both Doug and Matt Easton have been selected as Top Personal Injury Attorneys by Avvo with scores of 10 out of 10 based on their skill, experience, results, peer evaluations, and client reviews.
Matt Easton has been selected as one of the Top 10 Personal Injury Attorneys Under 40 in California for 2015 by the National Association of Personal Injury Attorneys — an honor given to less than 1% of personal injury attorneys under the age of 40.
Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton have all been selected by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel among the Nation's Top One Percent of Attorneys each year since 2017.
“We look for the human story behind every injury or wrongful death. We prepare our cases for trial; reaching out to the jury with the most compelling evidence possible for the best verdict possible. Insurance companies know this and come to the table prepared to negotiate in good faith. Call us to see how we can turn your story into fair compensation.”
Partner W. Douglas Easton
What Our Clients Say
Coming out of my first auto accident as an adult, a very difficult and scary time to navigate and understand, I was so incredibly thankful to have been put in contact with Easton & Easton. I honestly was lost with how to handle paperwork, doctors, medical costs and what next steps were, and from the moment I spoke with Travis Easton and my case manager Katie, my mind was put at ease. They have made the entire process stress free for me as I recovered, and I am so grateful for them and their genuine care for my case. Communication from the start has been fantastic, especially making clear what my expectations for the entire process would look like, and I truly believe they have my best interest at heart. 100% I would recommend their firm for anyone that is needing representation! Read more…
My experience with Easton & Easton has been amazing! Gabriel Mendoza and my case manager Katie have been so helpful and taken so much stress off my plate. They’ve been super informative and honest and given me very clear expectations. They’ve taken such a terrible experience (my accident) and eased my mind about the outcome. I can’t thank them enough!! Read more…
Ive used them twice and never been disappointed. Read more…
The Easton & Easton Law Firm is amazing! The entire team is very helpful and caring. They were always there to answer all my questions. They directed me through the entire process and stayed with me every step of the way. This team is outstanding and were wonderful to work with. Because of the tremendous effort they put on my case they were able to win my difficult personal injury case. I couldn’t have asked for a better law firm to handle my case. They are the Best! Thank you for your patience, professionalism, & guidance! I definitely recommend this firm to handle your case. They go out of their way to fight for your rights. THANK YOU… Read more…
I could not be more pleased with the services provided by the Law Offices of W. Douglas Easton. The senior partner Mr. Easton took the time to meet with me and my wife while I was still in the hospital, where he gave my family hope that there was light at the end of a very long, and very dark tunnel. Matt Easton then worked my case, and because of his dedication, experience and expertise I received a settlement that was larger than I EVER thought possible. It was truly astounding! Matt and the entire team at Easton & Easton looked out for me throughout my recovery, and in the end they gave me my life back. Five stars is not enough. Thanks Matt! Thanks Easton & Easton! Read more…
Brian and everyone at Easton and Easton are simply the BEST at what they do. Brian is thorough, easy to talk to, and truly cares about his clients. If you want a family of attorneys with perseverance and determination to fight for you, give Easton and Easton a call. I am glad I did. Read more…
What an amazing law firm, talk about going above and beyond to make such a painful experience go so well. I have referred a co-worker and a family member to them as well and everyone had such a great experience as I had. Read more…
I can’t say enough amazing things about my experience with Travis Easton at Easton & Easton. Travis and his entire team (Katie, Amy, Dee, Michelle, & Araceli) are phenomenal. It provided me a lot of comfort to know I was being so well taken care of. I was especially impressed that every document for the case was perfectly written and specific to me. Nothing was generic, which shows the level of care and attention they put into each individual case. I had such a great experience and would highly recommend Travis Easton and his firm to anyone going through a personal injury. Travis took a bad situation and made the best of it for me. Thank you again, I’m forever grateful!!
-Allee
Retaining Easton and Easton was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! From the initial consultation to our final meeting, they were nothing short of exceptional. I was forced to retain their services after firing my previous attorney for not handling the case properly. I dealt with Gabriel and Brian (partner) exclusively throughout the case. They did as promised and were great communicators throughout the entire process. I will recommend them to anyone I know going through a personal injury case. They were ultimately able to untangle the mess caused by my previous lawyer and get a result that I was extremely happy with. Their staff is exceptional as well and provided top notch customer service. Amera was also extremely helpful and easy to deal with as well.
I was in a pretty bad car accident and decided to have Easton & Easton represent me, Travis Easton to be specific. Travis Easton and his paralegal made the whole process effortless. They were so understanding and helpful! The entire thing was a gigantic mess, yet Travis managed to make it run like clockwork. I would HIGHLY recommend Easton & Easton! If you are ever in need of a personal defense attorney Easton & Easton is the firm to represent you!
They are the best law firm in Orange County period. Choosing them to represent me was the best decision of my life.
My life changed in a matter of seconds after a catastrophic spinal cord injury that left me disabled. Brian Easton and his team worked on my case non stop for 3 years and provided me the justice I deserved. I couldn’t have been more content.
I was treated with utmost respect and I felt like I was being represented by a close family member. The responses to my questions were quick and clear. What E & E has done for me is phenomenal.
My sincere thanks to Brian, Matt, Travis, Doug, Gabriel and Amera. They are what they are because of their dedication to provide high quality and professional service to their clients.
Brian Easton and his team, Gabe Mendoza and Amera Hajali, helped me during a very difficult time in my life. I had a significant injury from a car accident, and wound up seeking out Easton & Easton when I was having difficulties getting help from my doctors. The Easton team took a lot of stress off of me while acting as my advocates to help me get the care I needed, and saw my case all the way through to a healthy settlement.
They are the BEST!
I have nothing but good things to say about Easton and Easton. Brian handled my case professionally and communicated with me effectively throughout the process. He made sure that the process was effortless and as hands free as possible. This was super important for my busy schedule. I highly recommend Easton and Easton if you are ever found in a situation that you need an attorney.
I would highly recommend Easton & Easton.
I was rear ended on my home and pushed into a semi-truck. I was not sure how to go about even using an attorney.
Brian, Gab and Amera were so good about helping me thru the process and representing me.
I was able to concentrate on getting myself better knowing they had my back, taking care of the details and keeping me informed along the way
The best Law firm by far. I would highly recommend Easton & Easton, LLP and ask for Gabriel Mendoza and staff. He and his colleagues did and exceptional service. Thank you for everything. Job well done!
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