Spagnoletti & Co. Law Firm recently filed suit on behalf of five individuals who were sexually abused by their priest near Lafayette, Louisiana when they were children in the 1970s. The lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, brings claims against the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Each of the Plaintiffs alleges that they were abused by father Kenneth Morvant during the 1970s. Many of the victims served at altar boys at the church. Father Morvant regularly invited the Plaintiffs to the rectory and served them alcohol during the period, before sexually abusing them in various ways.
The lawsuit brings claims for negligence, alleging the following acts and/or omissions of the Defendant:
(a) failing to provide guidance about the hiring of priests; (b) failing to provide guidance to its members about on the proper way to treat and respond to allegations of sexual abuse by priests; (c) failing to protect children and young people; and (d) failing to promote policies and procedures to safeguard children and young people.
The Plaintiffs are represented at the firm by Eric J. Rhine.
Any time young children are placed in a dangerous situation, where someone acting under the cloak of authority can take advantage of them, safety considerations must be paramount. Safe religious institutions must have policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety of their parishioners, especially minors. This is what the custom and practice of the industry requires. All reasonable and appropriate efforts to provide a safe environment must be taken.
The experienced lawyers at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you were the victim of sexual abuse. There are strict and short time limits on making claims, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or 877-678-5864 to learn more about your rights.