Sexual abuse by clergy, volunteers, or leaders is a traumatic, life-altering harm that victims and families carry for years. Over the past decade survivors have increasingly used civil litigation to hold religious institutions, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church, often called the Mormon Church), accountable for abuse and for mishandling reports. While some Mormon church sex abuse lawsuits are localized, the problem is nationwide.
Survivors across the United States are increasingly filing civil claims, seeking settlements, and pushing legislatures to extend or open windows to revive time-barred claims. At Kherkher Garcia, we are actively assisting victims in holding the LDS church accountable. If you have questions about a potential claim, do not hesitate to reach out to our team.
Mormon Church Lawsuits: Texas and the National Picture
In Texas, survivors connected to any faith community, including the LDS Church, can pursue civil claims when leaders or institutions knew (or should have known) about abuse and failed to act. Law firms handling these matters emphasize that outcome and remedies depend on where the abuse happened, when it happened, and the state’s statute of limitations for sexual-abuse claims. Texas law, for example, contains special provisions that extend filing deadlines for childhood sexual-abuse victims in many circumstances, but deadlines remain a critical practical issue for survivors.
Nationally, the LDS Church has faced a number of civil suits and has, in many instances, reached confidential settlements. In some instances, the LDS church has resisted claims depending on jurisdictional and procedural issues. Some high-profile settlements and lawsuits have centered on allegations that local leaders or volunteers sexually abused children or adults and that church leaders failed to notify authorities, concealed information, or inadequately supervised volunteers.
Courts and legislatures across the country have also been grappling with whether to create “lookback” windows that briefly pause statutes of limitations to allow older abuse claims to proceed. This is a development that has permitted survivors in many states to finally file suits.
Church-Related Abuse Beyond the LDS Church
Sexual abuse in houses of worship is not limited to any single denomination. Protestant megachurches, Catholic dioceses, Baptist congregations, non-denominational churches, and other religious organizations have been the subject of civil suits alleging sexual abuse, cover-ups, or negligent hiring and supervision.
Recent church-based sexual assault claims in Texas illustrate this broader problem – from local megachurch settlements to criminal pleas by clergy followed by related civil claims alleging institutional concealment. The pattern is consistent: survivors often allege not only the abusive acts themselves, but institutional failures that allowed abuse to continue or went unreported.
How Survivors Pursue Justice Through Civil Claims
Civil lawsuits are a distinct path from criminal prosecution. Criminal cases are brought by the state and focus on punishment of the abuser. Civil cases, on the other hand, are brought by survivors seeking compensation, accountability, and legal remedies. These claims seek remedy from the abuser and anyone who negligently enabled the abuse (including churches, employers, supervising leaders, or organizations that failed to vet volunteers). Typical civil claims in church-related abuse cases include:
- Negligence: failing to supervise, vet, or remove a dangerous person.
- Negligent hiring/retention/supervision: where the institution knew or should have known a volunteer or employee was dangerous.
- Direct liability: for actions by local leaders or staff.
- Vicarious liability: holding the institution responsible for acts of agents when those acts are within the scope of duties or are facilitated by institutional structures.
- Fraudulent concealment or intentional infliction of emotional distress: when leaders actively misled victims or hid information.
What the process looks like
- Free consultation & case evaluation. An experienced attorney will review records, timelines, and any internal church communications you can provide.
- Preserving evidence and notices. Lawyers often send preservation letters, gather witness statements, and request internal records.
- Filing the lawsuit. If the statute of limitations allows, the lawyer files a complaint naming responsible individuals and institutions.
- Discovery and depositions. Both sides exchange documents and take sworn testimony. This phase frequently uncovers previously hidden records.
- Settlement negotiations or trial. Many cases settle before trial; others proceed to jury verdict. Either way, civil litigation can deliver accountability, changes in institutional practices, and compensation for victims.
Why You Need Attorneys Who Understand These Cases
Church-related sexual-abuse litigation blends sensitive trauma-informed representation with complex procedural, evidentiary, and jurisdictional issues. Effective counsel must:
- Know how to navigate statutes of limitations and any revival or “lookback” windows.
- Understand how to obtain internal church records, insurance communications, and personnel files.
- Handle media and public attention with care to protect survivors’ privacy.
- Coordinate with criminal defense or prosecutors when parallel criminal investigations are ongoing.
- Provide trauma-informed support and coordinate with medical and mental-health providers for damages calculations.
These cases require both legal skill and compassion. Survivors deserve teams that balance aggressive advocacy with sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Church-Related Sexual Abuse Claims
If you have questions about Mormon church lawsuits, Kherkher Garcia is here to help. Read below to find answers to some of the more common questions that our attorneys receive regarding church-based lawsuits.
Can I sue if the abuse happened decades ago?
Possibly. Many states have extended time limits for child-sex-abuse claims or opened revival windows. An attorney can evaluate your state’s laws and exceptions like discovery rules or fraudulent concealment.
What kinds of damages can I recover?
Survivors may seek compensation for medical expenses, therapy, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Sometimes victims can seek punitive damages (to punish) where conduct was especially egregious.
Will filing a civil suit mean I must testify at trial?
If your case proceeds to trial, you may be required to testify. Many cases settle before trial, however. If you do testify, your attorney will prepare you and prioritize safety and privacy.
Can the church be held liable for the acts of a volunteer or youth leader?
Yes. Claims can be made for negligent hiring, retention, or supervision, and under vicarious liability theories where the volunteer acted within apparent authority.
Do I need to report the abuse to law enforcement first?
You should report abuse to law enforcement, but reporting is not a prerequisite to a civil claim. Your attorney can help coordinate reporting and legal filings.
Are church records discoverable?
Often yes. Internal records, emails, and meeting notes can be critical evidence. Courts balance privilege claims with relevance; experienced counsel know how to seek this material.
Will the church settle?
Many institutions choose to settle some claims; others defend vigorously. Settlement often depends on evidence, jurisdictional law, and institutional policies.
Can family members sue on behalf of a deceased victim?
In many states, survivors’ estates or immediate family can bring wrongful death or related claims. Consult your attorney promptly about details and deadlines.
How long does a civil case take?
Timelines vary from months (for early settlements) to years (for complex litigation). Discovery and court schedules are major factors.
How are legal fees handled?
Many firms, including Kherkher Garcia, handle sexual-abuse civil cases on contingency (no fees unless you recover).
Kherkher Garcia: Compassionate Legal Help
At Kherkher Garcia, we understand that bringing a civil claim after church-related sexual abuse is painful and courageous. Our lawyers combine courtroom experience with a trauma-informed approach. We preserve evidence, protect privacy, and fight for maximum compensation and institutional accountability.
If you or a loved one has been harmed, contact us for a confidential consultation. We will explain options, deadlines, and next steps and help you pursue justice on your terms. Get started now by calling us at 713-333-1030. You can also request more information by submitting our online contact form.
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