The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops recently released its 2013 audit of 127 dioceses/eparchies and the numbers are staggering. Despite increased awareness and a pledge by Pope Francis for greater accountability and vigilance for sexual abuse, there were still 935 allegations of sexual abuse last year alone. Notably, the report indicates…
The Diocese of San Bernardino has announced a $3.8 million settlement in two lawsuits which alleged a former Catholic priest sexually abused two children. The priest at the center of the scandal is now 60 years old and defrocked. He pled guilty to lewd and lascivious acts with a 12…
Under a 2010 law, cruise lines are required to report to the FBI allegations of only eight serious crimes including homicide, suspicious death, missing U.S. national, theft of money or property in excess of $10,000, kidnapping, certain sexual offenses, assault with serious bodily injury, firing or tampering with the vessel. …
Penn State University’s settlement of the cases involving Jerry Sandusky reminds us of our moral and legal obligation to protect children from sexual predators. One of the hallmarks of a civilized society is how we treat the lesser amongst us. Obviously, by the use of the term “lesser”, I do not…
Sports bars can be a great place to watch a football game: huge televisions, multiple games on at one time, wings, pizza and beer. In the fall, it is easy to see how an entire Saturday or Sunday afternoon can be spent at the bar watching college or professional football. Of course,…
Sexual abuse of a child is not only a crime that can (and should) result in criminal charges against the abuser. It is also wrongful conduct that makes the abuser liable for damages in a civil lawsuit. Civil wrongs are called "torts." There are lots of categories of torts,…
The abuse (sexual or physical or mental) or exploitation of a disabled adult in Tennessee can give rise to a right of the disabled person to seek damages. Under Tennessee law, a disabled adult is one who meets one of the following criteria: (A) Has some impairment of body or mind…
As difficult as it is to believe, children continue to be molested in Tennessee churches. Those who sexually abuse children put themselves in environments where children are present, and one place where many Tennessee children are routinely present is in church-sponsored child care centers, Sunday school classes and schools, and…
Stalking is willful conduct involving repeated harassment of someone that causes them to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed or molested. Not only is the conduct a crime in Tennessee, but it also can rise to a civil lawsuit and a damage award if it results in the victim suffering serious…
Child sex abuse victims in Tennessee may recover damages against the abuser for the following types of losses: medical expenses lost wages (if any) pain suffering disfigurement disability loss of enjoyment of life. If the injuries result in future or permanent physical or emotional problems, additional damages may be recovered for …