ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
PHILADELPHIA CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYER
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
- Last Updated: May 8, 2025
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Sexual abuse by clergy members is a severe betrayal of trust by the religious leaders and institutions meant to provide spiritual guidance to believers. Evidence collected over the past several years indicates that sexual misconduct and cover-ups by the clergy are not isolated instances. In fact, the issue is widespread and driven by systemic factors, such as church structure and global presence.
For survivors of sexual abuse by clergy members, justice is obtainable. You don’t have to suffer in silence. Andreozzi + Foote is ready to support you throughout every step of the legal process.
Why Choosing the Right Lawyer at Andreozzi + Foote Matters
As one of the nation’s leading law firms representing survivors of sexual abuse, Andreozzi + Foote has obtained successful results in some of the highest-profile child sexual abuse cases of the modern era. Our firm is uniquely equipped to handle clergy abuse cases. We have the necessary experience and resources to stand up to powerful organizations like religious institutions in pursuit of justice.
Andreozzi + Foote is a law firm solely dedicated to sexual abuse cases, particularly in institutions like churches. We understand the unique dynamics of religious institutional power and how that can lead to the abuse of children. Our attorneys work closely with trauma-informed professionals and victim advocates to ensure every survivor feels supported when they decide to take legal action against the individuals and organizations that caused them harm.
Our Proven Track Record
Led by expert trauma-informed attorneys, Andreozzi + Foote is committed to creating life-changing results for victims and their families. We have represented countless survivors of child sexual abuse in high-stakes cases against large religious institutions, demonstrating our commitment and capability to hold powerful organizations accountable for their actions.
Andreozzi + Foote has obtained numerous notable settlements and verdicts for sexual abuse survivors over the years, including confidential seven-figure settlements for survivors abused by religious leaders like youth pastors. For instance, our attorneys obtained a record-setting $88 million verdict on behalf of one child sexual abuse victim in Pennsylvania state court–one of the largest verdicts of its kind in the United States. We’ve also taken the helm in large-scale sexual abuse cases involving universities like Penn State, recovering over $100 million for survivors. These results prove our ability to efficiently and successfully handle complex sexual abuse cases.
Recognizing Clergy Sexual Abuse and Its Impact
Clergy abuse is uniquely harmful because of the inherent power dynamic and trust present between the perpetrator and their victim. Abuse by clergy members often involves a long period of manipulation, coercion, and a betrayal of trust, and many survivors of clergy sexual abuse experience long-lasting trauma both emotionally and spiritually.
According to a 2014 report by the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, the U.S. as a whole has failed to protect children from systemic sexual violence in churches and cover-up by clergy members.
In Pennsylvania, a statewide grand jury investigation uncovered decades of evidence of the abuse of children by Catholic priests and a systemic cover-up by senior church leaders across the state. The grand jury’s 2018 report identified more than 300 Catholic priests across the state who sexually abused at least 1,000 total children, using their positions and status in the Church to harm the vulnerable people they were supposed to protect.
There are red flags to watch for if you suspect sexual abuse by a clergy member. They may offer spiritual guidance that is actually emotional manipulation in disguise, threatening spiritual consequences for refusing or disclosing the abuse. Clergy members may also attempt to make inappropriate physical contact during counseling or private meetings, especially those isolated from witnesses.
Knowing Your Rights and Legal Options
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse by a clergy member, you may be eligible to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and the religious institution behind them to seek justice and compensation. Survivors can often recover damages for emotional distress, medical expenses, therapy costs, loss of enjoyment of life, and punitive damages from negligent institutions.
In Pennsylvania, survivors of childhood sexual abuse now have until their 55th birthday to file a civil lawsuit after lawmakers amended the statute in 2019. Victims between 18 and 24 now have until their 30th birthday to file a civil lawsuit under the 2019 law. Previously, minor victims had until their 30th birthday to file suit, and adult victims only had two years.
Unfortunately, the 2019 law is not retroactive, so it only applies to victims who experienced abuse after 2018. Those harmed earlier must comply with the old deadline. State legislators have been considering measures to extend the statute of limitations further or create a look-back window for survivors of any age to file claims, but nothing has been enacted yet.
How We Hold Religious Institutions Accountable
Unlike individual abuse cases, clergy abuse lawsuits often involve complex legal battles with powerful institutions like the Catholic Church. Thus, investigations can be difficult, as churches have attempted to cover up misconduct or shield abusers from public scrutiny over the years.
A 2003 New York Times survey of publicly documented cases found that the clergy sexual abuse crisis impacted nearly every Catholic diocese in the country, and the dynamic of abuse was embedded in the culture of the priesthood. That same year, the Dallas Morning News estimated that two-thirds of bishops nationwide were involved in the concealment of child sexual abuse. Meanwhile, experts have estimated that at least 100,000 children have been victims of clergy sexual abuse.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we have the tools and strategies to combat cover-ups and reveal the truth about clergy abuse. Our attorneys work to collect comprehensive evidence, including documentation from the church, witness testimonies, and institutional records. Then, our team collaborates with specialized experts, including trauma specialists, religious abuse experts, and investigators, to get the full picture of what happened.
Thorough preparation allows us to navigate sophisticated legal defenses in settlement negotiations and the courtroom. Many churches deny responsibility or claim ignorance of abuse, but we know how to fight back.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
In sexual abuse cases, making the right legal decisions from the start is crucial. Unfortunately, it’s easy to take missteps like filing at the wrong time, failing to protect survivors’ identities, or improperly evaluating the case. At Andreozzi + Foote, our experienced and skilled sexual abuse attorneys know the ins and outs of the legal system and how to avoid these common pitfalls.
Our Survivor-Centered Approach
Trauma-informed representation
The Andreozzi + Foote team understands the emotional weight that sexual abuse cases carry, and we work diligently to provide our clients with appropriate support throughout the legal process, ensuring they feel heard and respected.
Personalized strategy
Each case we take receives individualized attention based on its specific circumstances. We have mastered the art of balancing an aggressive pursuit of justice with sensitivity for each survivor’s well-being.
Commitment to full justice
Our attorneys will not hesitate to go to trial if necessary, fighting for maximum compensation through an approach that focuses on accountability and healing.
Speak With a Philadelphia Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
With 50 years of combined experience advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, Andreozzi + Foote has the skills, knowledge, and empathy to help every survivor take steps toward justice. We understand that the most important role of the lawyer is to listen to the client and create a path toward recovery specifically designed for that individual survivor. Our attorneys are dedicated advocates who combine experience, innovation, and compassion to deliver results, pursuing justice relentlessly.
If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse by a clergy member—even if it was years ago—you have legal rights and options for pursuing justice and compensation. Together, we can fight for the safety and rights of survivors.
To take the first step, contact Andreozzi + Foote online or by calling 866-311-8640.
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Empowering Survivors and Delivering Justice Nationwide
We understand the courage it takes to reach out for help, and we are here to listen. At Andreozzi + Foote, our trauma-informed attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential support every step of the way. With extensive experience in advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where your voice is heard and your rights are fiercely protected. Contact us today for a free, in-depth consultation and take the first step toward justice.
