UNITED STATES
Legal Examiner
Eric Chaffin
Attorney
In February 2012, a Connecticut jury awarded a $1 million verdict to a boy who was sexually abused by a priest 30 years ago. The plaintiff brought claims against the Archdiocese of Hartford, arguing it was negligent and reckless when appointing the priest, who had a history of child abuse.
Though trying a child sexual abuse case against an institution can be more challenging than trying one against the perpetrator, it can also result in more substantial compensation for the plaintiff. Understanding the steps necessary to prove such a case can help increase the odds of securing a result the client deserves.
Negligent Hiring and Negligent Supervision
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in six boys and one in four girls are sexually abused before the age of 18. The American Psychological Association (APA) adds that other research indicates about 300,000 children are abused every year in the U.S., though the problem is likely underreported.
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