Chicago Archdiocese Abuse Lawsuit Lyndsay Markley

Legal Broadcast Network
May 21, 2014

http://legalbroadcastnetwork.com/the-lbn-blog/2014/5/5/chicago-archdiocese-abuse-lawsuit-lyndsay-markley

Lyndsay Markley

A lawsuit was filed in April 2014 against the Archdiocese of Chicago and Cardinal Francis George by a man who alleges that he was abused as young boy by Father Daniel McCormack. Lyndsay Markley represents alleged victim, suit in Cook County court. According to Markley there are ten lawsuits pending that involve McCormack.

"Societally, we seem to have an epidemic of turning our heads the other way," Markley opines. As early as 1997, Markley says, there were allegations of sexual abuse by McCormack. By the time he was moved to Chicago to St. Agatha's Parish, the Archidiocese was well on notice that this was not an individual who could be trusted around children. He was moved to a place where he had more access to children. According to Marklye, the Archdiocese, in this context, is a business corporation operating schools, so how could it give McCormack access to the children? Also, his proclivities were known when he was in the seminary, yet he was anointed a priest.

Had the Archidiocese acted more quickly, it would have prevented more children from being exposed to abuse, and it would have limited the Archdiocese's exposure to damages.

Markley observed that “Passersby on the street can turn their heads, but when you are legally responsible for people, that can't be your attitude.”

The next step in the litigation will be an answer by the Archdiocese, follow in late May, 2014 by video depositions of the Cardinal.

Chicago-based Attorney, Lyndsay Markley, has dedicated her legal practice to fighting on behalf of persons who suffered injuries or death as the result of the wrongful or careless conduct of others. For her work as a victims’ advocate, Ms. Markley has received an array of accolades, including selection to the Top 100 Trial Attorneys in Illinois and a Top 40 Under 40 Trial Attorney for 2012-2014 by the National Association of Trial Lawyers. She has also been acknowledged by her colleagues as an Illinois’ Rising Star in 2013 -2014 (SuperLawyers’ Magazine) and as a Top Women Lawyer in Illinois in 2014 by Super Lawyers and Chicago Magazine. Lyndsay's commentary was hosted by The Legal Broadcast Network, a featured network of Sequence Media Group