WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A PRIEST OR CHURCH MEMBER IN NEW JERSEY?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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FATHER RICHARD MIELIWOCKI SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
LK Investigating Sex Crime Cases Involving Father Richard Mieliwocki
Father Richard Mieliwocki, a New Jersey priest convicted of sexual abuse, allegedly molested multiple minors and adults.
Levy Konigsberg is investigating claims that Father Richard Mieliwocki sexually abused minors while serving as a Catholic priest in New Jersey.
Father Richard Mieliwocki was ordained in 1972 and served in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey, including assignments at Chaplain at Roselle Catholic, St. Joseph the Carpenter in Roselle, Most Holy Name in Garfield, Our Lady of Sorrows in South Orange, Holy Trinity in Westfield, and Nativity in Midland Park.
He was laicized in 2013. He is included on the Archdiocese of Newark’s List of Credibly Accused Clergy.
If you or a loved one was harmed, contact us today.
Were you sexually abused?
Father Richard Mieliwocki History of Sexual Abuse
Examples of alleged abuse, and of conditions likely to lead to abuse, include the following:
- In December 2004, Father Mieliwocki was arrested for allegedly abusing four male residents, ages 16-18, at Daytop Village.
He allegedly inappropriately touched and ordered a teenager to strip.
The Daytop facility was allegedly not informed of his history by the Archdiocese.
- In 1999, Father Mieliwocki’s New Jersey social work license was suspended for alleged improper behavior with a minor at Clifton Mental Health Service.
- In February 1994, Father Mieliwocki was removed from St. Joseph the Carpenter Church in Roselle after allegations of sexual abuse surfaced from his prior assignment at Our Lady of Sorrows in South Orange.
An adult and a minor came forward with allegations. One of them received a $60,000 settlement in 1994.
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
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Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
Do I Have A Case?
You may have a sexual abuse claim against the Catholic Church if:
- You were sexually abused as a minor or an adult within the Church.
- The abuser was a priest, clergy member, or some other Church volunteer or employee.
- Your abuse occurred at any time in the past.
As with civil sexual abuse cases, claims filed with the bankruptcy settlement fund are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse. Instead, they focus on holding the Archdiocese liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:
- Your abuser is no longer alive.
- Your abuser was never charged or convicted of a crime.
Determining whether you have grounds to pursue a claim can be challenging, which is why our team at Levy Konigsberg is readily available to help.
Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims
In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:
- Past medical and mental health expenses
- Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and psychological harm
- Lost income
- Other economic and non-economic damages
New Jersey Sexual Abuse Attorneys
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations previously imposed a strict deadline for victims of sexual abuse to file claims or seek compensation. However, recognizing the lasting impact of sexual abuse and the obstacles survivors face in pursuing justice, the state enacted the Child Victims Act in 2019. This landmark legislation significantly extended the statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse cases. The law provides more opportunities for victims to seek justice and compensation, acknowledging the complexities and challenges associated with reporting and prosecuting sexual abuse.
Under New Jersey law, specifically NJ Stat. § 2A:14-2a, survivors of sexual abuse now have an extended timeframe to pursue legal action. Childhood sexual abuse victims can file civil claims until age 55 or seven years after recognizing the trauma, whichever is later. This allows survivors to seek justice against their abusers and any liable institutions. For those sexually abused as adults (age 18 or older), the deadline to file a civil lawsuit is seven years from the incident of abuse.
Seeking legal guidance is crucial when navigating the complexities of the statute of limitations. Your attorney can review your case, explain the statute of limitations to you, and assist you in determining if you are eligible to file a lawsuit.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse by New Jersey clergy or at a New Jersey Catholic school or New Jersey school, our compassionate and experienced New Jersey sexual abuse legal team is here to stand by your side and pursue the justice and accountability you deserve.
Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating allegations of sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy members. Our team is dedicated to providing legal support to survivors and holding accountable those who have committed these crimes. We are working tirelessly to ensure that survivors have access to justice and that the trust placed in religious institutions is restored.
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.