ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
PITTSBURGH CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYER
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
- Last Updated: June 5, 2026
On This Page
- Who May File a Pittsburgh Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
- Common Types of Compensation Available in Clergy Sexual Abuse Claims
- What Is the Statute of Limitations To File a Clergy Abuse Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
- Why Survivors Choose Andreozzi + Foote as their Pittsburgh Clergy Sexual Abuse lawyer
- The Diocese of Pittsburgh and the Grand Jury Report
- How Our Pittsburgh Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Help Survivors
- Speak With a Pittsburgh Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
- Frequently Asked Questions
Clergy sexual abuse in Pittsburgh can have a deep and lasting impact, especially when it happens in a place trusted to provide guidance and care.
Many survivors need years or even decades before they feel ready to speak about what happened, and that timing is both common and understandable. Time alone is not necessarily a barrier to accountability, and in many cases, survivors may still have legal options available long after the abuse occurred.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we are committed to supporting survivors seeking compensation and accountability. Even if significant time has passed, our Pittsburgh sexual abuse lawyers can help you understand whether accountability and legal options may still be available.
Who May File a Pittsburgh Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
A clergy sexual abuse lawsuit in Pittsburgh may be available to different groups of survivors and families, including:
- Diocese of Pittsburgh survivors: Survivors abused by Catholic priests, deacons, or religious brothers
- Other faith-based institution survivors: Survivors abused in Protestant churches, Jesuit schools, or independent ministries in the region
- Childhood abuse survivors: People who were abused as children, regardless of their current age
- Adult abuse survivors: Individuals who experienced clergy sexual abuse as adults
- Family claimants: Family members bringing claims on behalf of deceased victims
- Previous compensation recipients: Survivors who received payment through the Diocese’s voluntary fund, though this may affect additional claims
Common Types of Compensation Available in Clergy Sexual Abuse Claims
The compensation recoverable in clergy sexual abuse claims aims to make the survivor whole for the harm and provide financial support for the impacts of that abuse. While it cannot undo what happened, it can provide financial support for recovery, stability, and ongoing needs.
In general, survivors can seek compensation for the following losses:
- Therapy and counseling expenses
- Medication and medical treatment
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Each case is unique, so there is no set amount of compensation. The value often depends on details such as the facts of the case, the strength of the evidence, and the impacts on the survivor’s life.
What Is the Statute of Limitations To File a Clergy Abuse Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
When pursuing justice for sexual abuse, acting promptly can help protect your right to file a claim and preserve evidence and witness memories. It’s normal for abuse survivors to need time before taking legal action, but starting the process as soon as you’re able can strengthen your case and protect your rights.
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit depends on the victim’s age at the time of the abuse as follows:
- Under 18: File by 55th birthday
- Ages 18 through 24: File by 30th birthday
- Age 25 or older: File within two years of the incident
Contact Andreozzi + Foote for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Pennsylvania sexual abuse lawyer to learn which deadlines may apply to your case.
Why Survivors Choose Andreozzi + Foote as their Pittsburgh Clergy Sexual Abuse lawyer
Andreozzi + Foote is a Pennsylvania-based firm with extensive experience representing sexual abuse survivors across the state. We bring focused knowledge and resources to cases involving powerful religious institutions. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Institutional accountability focus: We pursue cases against the organizations that enabled abuse, not just individual wrongdoers.
- Proven results in high-profile cases: We have taken on large institutions and secured meaningful outcomes for survivors. See client testimonials from survivors we’ve supported.
- Survivor-centered approach: We prioritize your needs, respect your pace, and protect your privacy throughout your case.
- Victim advocate support: Our team includes a victim advocate who helps ensure you feel heard, respected, and supported.
- Free, confidential consultations: You can talk with us privately and get answers without any pressure or obligation.
- Representation on a contingency-fee basis: There are no upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
The Diocese of Pittsburgh and the Grand Jury Report
Released in 2018, the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report documented extensive clergy sexual abuse across the Commonwealth. It named 99 accused individuals in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, including priests and one aspiring priest. It found that diocesan leadership often knew of abuse allegations but continued placing accused clergy in ministry roles.
The report also revealed that the Diocese used confidential settlement agreements that restricted survivors from speaking about their abuse, sometimes under threat of legal action. It further found that some leaders discouraged reporting to the police and instead handled complaints internally.
In response, the Diocese paid more than $19 million to 224 claimants through its Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program, which ended in 2020.
These findings and past settlements do not mark the end of survivor disclosures. Many individuals come forward years later, often when they feel ready or supported. As a result, new reports of abuse continue to emerge.
How Our Pittsburgh Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Help Survivors
We approach each sexual abuse case with care, thorough preparation, and a focus on accountability at every stage of the process. The services we provide typically include the following:
- Free, confidential consultations: We begin with a no-cost, private conversation to help you understand your options without pressure or obligation.
- Investigating prior complaints: We review history, records, and reports to identify patterns of misconduct or warning signs that may have been ignored.
- Identifying institutional liability: We examine whether church institutions failed to prevent, report, or properly respond to clergy sexual abuse.
- Working with experts: We collaborate with medical, psychological, and industry experts to support the case.
- Filing civil claims: We prepare and file legal claims to seek compensation and accountability.
- Settlement negotiation and trial preparation: We pursue fair resolutions while preparing every case as if it may go to trial.
- Keeping survivors informed: We provide clear updates so clients understand what is happening at each step.
“Absolutely wonderful, highly recommend for anyone who has been a survivor of trauma. The team listened, asked questions, and also answered all the questions I had. I honestly can’t thank them enough. Most lawyers, you think they don’t care, but this team does.”
“I had a very positive experience working with this firm. From the beginning, their team treated me with kindness, respect, and professionalism. They guided me through every step of the process, helped me understand what to expect, and made a very difficult and emotional situation much easier to navigate. I truly appreciate their patience, communication, and the care they showed while handling my case. They made sure my voice was heard and helped me move forward toward justice and closure. I am very grateful for everything they did for me, and I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs legal help and wants a team that genuinely cares about their clients.”
“Genuinely the best law firm out here, I’ve never felt so heard and understood in my life till I came across ANDREOZZI+FOOTE. They keep you updated, they email, text, and call you to update you and keep you informed, their paralegal as well is amazing!! These people have genuinely changed my perspective in life in so many ways, I 100000% percent recommend them! YES THIS IS A REAL REVIEW !!❤️❤️❤️❤️”
What To Do if You Were Sexually Abused by a Member of the Clergy
If a member of the clergy has sexually abused you, certain steps can preserve your well-being and protect your rights. You do not have to do everything at once, and support is available at your pace. Consider taking the following steps:
- Seek medical and emotional care: Get evaluated by a trusted healthcare provider, counselor, or support service to address both physical and emotional needs.
- Consult a trauma-informed attorney: An attorney can offer confidential guidance, explain your rights, and help you understand the options available to you.
- Preserve evidence: Save any communications, records, or documents that may relate to the abuse, even if you are unsure of their importance.
- Document your memories: Writing things down can help preserve details that may become harder to recall later.
- Avoid meeting with institutions alone: If church officials contact you, consider having legal support or representation present to help protect your interests.
Speak With a Pittsburgh Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
Taking action after abuse within a church or religious setting can feel emotionally complex and daunting. Our Pittsburgh clergy abuse lawyers are here to provide compassionate guidance, answer your questions, and explain your legal rights clearly. We focus on holding abusers and the institutions that protected them accountable.
Contact us online or call (866) 311-8640 today for a free, confidential consultation. You can speak with us in confidence, and there is no cost unless we recover compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are commonly asked questions about clergy sexual abuse cases in Pittsburgh.
What if the Abuse Happened Decades Ago?
It is common for survivors to wait years before speaking about abuse. Even if decades have passed, you may still have legal options. Our sexual abuse lawyers can review the circumstances of your case and help you determine which deadline applies.
Can I Remain Anonymous in a Clergy Abuse Lawsuit?
While there is no guarantee of total anonymity, you may be able to protect your identity from the public record by filing under a pseudonym or your initials, depending on the circumstances. Courts often recognize the sensitive nature of these claims and may allow privacy measures. A lawyer can explain what confidentiality protections may apply in your situation.
How Long Do Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases Take?
The timeline for clergy sexual abuse cases can vary widely because every situation is different. Some survivors reach resolutions through settlement, which may shorten the process. If a case goes to trial, it can take significantly longer depending on the court schedule and other factors.
Can I Pursue a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Even if the Abuser Is Deceased?
Yes, you may still be able to pursue a sexual abuse lawsuit even if the abuser is deceased. In many cases, responsibility may extend to the institution or organization that enabled or failed to prevent or stop the abuse.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer?
Hiring a clergy sexual abuse lawyer typically does not require any upfront payment. At Andreozzi + Foote, we work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you recover compensation. Our firm also offers free, confidential consultations so you can understand your legal options without any financial pressure.
What Evidence Is Needed in These Cases?
These cases often involve a mix of survivor testimony and any available supporting evidence. Relevant proof may include written records, communications, the organization’s policies, prior complaints, medical records, therapy notes, witness statements, or clothing and objects from the time of the evidence.
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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.