Our attorneys have been assisting the Orange County and Southern California communities for over 40 years.
Clerical child sexual abuse has led to numerous civil lawsuits filed by survivors against the Catholic Church in California. The Independent Compensation Program is a program independent of the Dioceses, administered by two nationally recognized administrators, who have complete autonomy to determine eligibility of individual claims and the amount of compensation for victims.
It is in your best interests to have legal representation if you have been a victim of abuse. Contact DiMarco Araujo Montevideo today for sound legal guidance in an Independent Compensation Program claim. Our Orange County clergy abuse lawyers can help explore your legal options and help you file for compensation.
The Independent Compensation Program was created with the goal of acknowledging the wrongs endured by clerical sexual abuse victims and the failure of the church to prevent harm. The Independent Compensation program aims to provide support for survivors abused as minors in Southern California, regardless of when the abuse occurred. Below are the participating Dioceses:
This program is independent of the Dioceses. It was established to supplement initiatives, including compensation programs, already undertaken by the individual Dioceses to address sexual abuse of minors by priests.
To be eligible for this program, your claim of sexual abuse must be directed against a priest of any of the Dioceses listed above.
The administrators of the Independent Compensation Program and the Dioceses are working together to determine a feasible start date for the program. It is anticipated that the program will begin in September of 2019.
If you have a new claim that has not been previously reported to the Dioceses or to law enforcement, you must register on the Independent Compensation Program’s website to be eligible for participation. Once you have registered with the program, you must file a claim of abuse in writing with the appropriate law enforcement agency and submit a copy of the report to the administrators of the Independent Compensation Program. A finding of criminal liability is not a requirement for participation in the program.
Accepting compensation from the Independent Compensation Program means surrendering your rights to file a lawsuit against any party relating to the sexual abuse. We advise against forfeiting this right without first speaking with an experienced attorney. Our Santa Anta lawyers can help ensure all your filing deadlines are met, all the paperwork is in order, and the compensation you receive is just and fair.
Our experienced lawyers have a history of success for our clients. Call us as soon as possible for sound legal guidance and dedicated representation in an Independent Compensation Program claim.