Have you or someone you know experienced abuse in the LDS Church? Economic exploitation of potential victims of trafficking?
If that sounds familiar, you are not alone — and you might have some legal options. Lawsuits against the LDS Church are catching fire, from sexual abuse to funds scandal. The cases are an effort to hold the church accountable for harm to its members.
If you’re wondering whether you are eligible, here is the short answer: Yes, you may be eligible if you were a victim of sexual abuse by someone affiliated with the LDS Church or if you have proof that the church cheated you financially.
Compensation varies widely — settlements involving sexual abuse usually range from $50,000 to upwards of $2 million dollars, again, depending on severity. In instances of fund mismanagement claims, the payout could be somewhat less, perhaps $5,000 to $100,000, but that’s based on your particular scenario.
In this blog, we will be guiding you through what you need to know about suing the LDS Church. Let us tell you how to initiate the process, what some compensation scenarios might look like, and why acting now can be the game changer.
Who Can Sue the LDS Church?
If any of this sounds familiar, you could be asking yourself, “Do I qualify?” Here’s the breakdown:
Sexual Abuse Claims: If someone who had ties to the LDS Church in a leadership position, as a missionary, as a teacher or as a member sexually abused you, you probably qualify. This extends to incidents that occurred years ago — because of laws like the discovery rule, which lengthens the statute of limitations.
As well, allegations of Mismanagement of Funds Claims: If you believe the church has misappropriated funds like tithing or donations; you could also have a case. That might include financial records, emails or accounts from whistle-blowers.
But whatever category fits you, the point is, we all have to show evidence we’re not criminals. Your message is important, and a seasoned lawyer can assist you in finding out whether your case is valid.
How Do You Begin a Lawsuit Against the LDS Church?
Now, filing a lawsuit may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how it all works step by step:
Request a Free Case Review
Begin by reaching out to a credible source like Legal Claim Helper. Their experts are experienced with private case consultations, and can help you with the next steps. You can tell your story just by visiting their website, or calling up.
Give Details of the Incident During the review, you’ll need to describe what happened. For sexual abuse claims, include:
- Names of perpetrators (if known)
- Dates and locations of incidents
- Supporting documentation (e.g. medical records, witness statements) Any supporting documentation
To challenge fund mismanagement, collect papers that corroborate your claims, like bank statements, donation receipts or even internal communications.
Let Attorneys Assess Eligibility
After you have provided the information requested, lawyers will review your case. A single litigation or a class-action suit may be joined, depending on the particulars. And either way: You won’t pay upfront fees — it’s all on a contingency basis.
What Compensation Could You Receive?
Now let’s talk numbers. There is no one-size-fits-all, but past settlements are a strong guide.
Sexual Abuse Settlements
Victims in similar types of sexual abuse cases (such as those involving the Boy Scouts and the Catholic Church) have obtained payouts ranging from $50,000 to more than $2 million. Factors influencing the amount include:
- Severity of the abuse
- Long-term psychological impact
- Strength of the evidence
- Age of the victim when the abuse occurred
Young children and victims who were subject to longer periods of abuse typically receive larger awards for the life-long consequences on many areas of their life.
Fund Mismanagement Claims
Payouts are usually smaller for financial fraud or mismanagement—ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. In these cases, there is a heavy burden to demonstrate that the church’s acts inflicted direct harm. So, for instance, if you had given a large amount based on lies, you’d have a better chance of a big cash recovery.
