Call Us Today
Call Us Today
Steve Kherkher - August 12, 2026
Sexual abuse lawsuits involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) continue to develop across the country. New claims, settlements, and court decisions have continued to emerge in 2025 and 2026. Recent cases have raised questions about allegations of abuse by church leaders or members in positions of trust. They also question institutional responses to reports of abuse, and the legal obligations of religious organizations.
At Kherkher Garcia, we help victims of LDS sexual abuse explore their legal rights and options. This LDS Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Update examines some of the most significant recent developments and what they may mean for survivors considering their legal options. For survivors, these developments underscore that it may be possible to seek answers and accountability even years later.
Several noteworthy developments have emerged in LDS litigation over the past two years. Consider the following:
Federal Appeals Court Revives Insurance Coverage Dispute
In July 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit ruled that the LDS Church may pursue insurance coverage for costs associated with defending and settling sexual abuse lawsuits involving Michael Jensen in West Virginia.
The dispute centers on how the Church’s insurance policies define an “occurrence.” Previously, the Church argued that multiple allegations involving the same individual should be treated as a single occurrence rather than separate claims.
Although the case focuses on insurance coverage rather than abuse allegations, it demonstrates how litigation surrounding historical abuse claims continues well beyond the filing of a lawsuit.
Throughout 2025 and 2026, survivors filed new lawsuits in several states alleging sexual abuse by LDS and Mormon church leaders or members in positions of trust. Among the more recent allegations:
These lawsuits represent a small glimpse into the overall legal climate involving LDS abuse allegations. The Church has denied liability in numerous cases and continues to defend itself against many claims. Some claims have resulted in verdicts and settlements against the LDS Church, including multimillion awards on behalf of victims.
California continues to be one of the most active jurisdictions for LDS sexual abuse litigation. In 2025, nearly 100 additional lawsuits were filed under AB 218, a California law that temporarily expanded survivors’ ability to pursue older claims. The Church reached settlements resolving more than 100 lawsuits, with financial terms not publicly disclosed.
Earlier this year, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation declined to consolidate dozens of lawsuits into a nationwide multidistrict litigation (MDL), finding that the cases involve unique factual circumstances that make centralized proceedings inappropriate. That decision means individual lawsuits generally will continue moving forward in their respective courts rather than through one consolidated federal proceeding.
One of the most closely watched legal issues with LDS and Mormon Church lawsuits involves mandatory reporting laws. Several lawsuits allege that church officials knew about abuse but failed to notify law enforcement or child protection authorities. One case, which remains pending in Arizona, raises questions about how clergy-penitent privilege interacts with mandatory reporting statutes.
Because reporting requirements vary significantly from state to state, the legal issues differ depending on where alleged abuse occurred. Courts are continuing to examine these questions on a case-by-case basis.
Many survivors are only now pursuing legal action despite the abuse occurring many years ago. There are several reasons this is the case, including:
For many survivors, pursuing a civil lawsuit is about more than financial recovery. It is also a means of pursuing answers, uncovering institutional records, and holding organizations accountable.
Coming forward after sexual abuse is not easy. At Kherkher Garcia, we understand that these cases require compassion as much as legal experience. Our attorneys work closely with survivors and their families to investigate, identify potentially responsible parties, and evaluate whether institutions may have failed in their duty to protect victims. We approach every case with sensitivity, recognizing that no two survivors or cases are alike.
If you or someone you love experienced sexual abuse involving a religious organization, church leader, volunteer, or other trusted individual, our team is available to answer your questions in a confidential setting and explain your legal options.
Possibly. Your eligibility to file a lawsuit depends on numerous factors, including where the abuse occurred, when it occurred, and the laws of the applicable state.
No. Each lawsuit involves different facts, individuals, legal claims, and evidence. They may share similarities, but each case is unique.
Yes. Public reports indicate that the Church has resolved some sexual abuse lawsuits through confidential settlements.
In 2025, the federal Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation declined to consolidate dozens of lawsuits into one multidistrict litigation. The panel ruled that the cases involve too many factual differences to justify MDL.
Depending on the facts of a particular case and applicable state law, compensation may include medical expenses, counseling, emotional distress, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Recent developments involving LDS Church sexual abuse litigation demonstrate that survivors continue to seek accountability and justice. While every lawsuit involves unique allegations and legal issues, one thing remains consistent: survivors deserve to have their voices heard and their claims carefully evaluated.
If you believe you may have a claim involving sexual abuse by a member of the LDS Church or another religious organization, Kherkher Garcia is here to help. We offer free confidential consultations to you understand your rights and legal options. Our team is committed to treating every potential client with dignity, respect, and compassion.
To start your free consultation, call us at 713-333-1030. You can also submit our website contact form to learn more.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorneys Steve Kherkher and Jesus Garcia Jr., who have more than 50 years of combined legal experience championing the rights of those who have experienced catastrophic injury due to negligence.
Connect with a Kherkher Garcia trial lawyer today to pursue maximum compensation for your injury.
