Hundreds of survivors of Louisiana clergy abuse have come forward in recent years to file childhood sexual abuse lawsuits because of a lookback law – a window of time that allows victims to hold accountable the perpetrators and institutions that concealed the abuse. It has provided an avenue for justice, empowerment, and compensation for victims who were previously unable to file a civil lawsuit due to the statute of limitations.
Since the Louisiana lookback law was signed in 2021, the clergy abuse attorneys at Herman, Katz, Gisleson & Cain have been on the front lines of the massive legal battle; our attorneys, in partnership with other litigators, are representing more than 180 survivors, but we’ve also fought to uphold the constitutionality of the law. This year, the Supreme Court upheld the lookback law’s constitutionality, and the Louisiana Legislature extended the window to file clergy sexual abuse lawsuits by three years. Now, survivors have until June 14, 2027, to file claims.
The extension of the lookback window allows more survivors of childhood sex abuse the opportunity to get justice and compensation from those liable for these heinous crimes. Life-changing trauma has been inflicted by individuals and institutions that should have been a safe haven and kept children free from harm. Instead, clergy and others in positions of power took advantage of the trust placed in them and harmed innocent children and vulnerable adults for decades.
Given that child sex abuse victims typically don’t disclose what happened until later in life, if at all, the extension of the Louisiana lookback window was a huge win for survivors and their families.
Recently, a New Orleans clergy abuse trial verdict has demonstrated that justice is possible thanks to the lookback law, and that those who file a claim may be fairly compensated for the long-term effects of child sexual abuse. And as the Archdiocese of New Orleans’ bankruptcy case moves forward and timelines are set, what happens in the coming months will affect hundreds of people who have filed clergy abuse lawsuits.
Millions Awarded in First Clergy Abuse Trial Verdict
On June 25, 2025, a historic jury verdict was reached in a clergy abuse trial in which the plaintiff alleged he was sexually abused as a child at a summer camp run by the Holy Cross school in New Orleans in the 1960s. This was the first New Orleans clergy sex abuse case to go to trial and reach a verdict under the lookback window.
The Congregation of Holy Cross, Southern Province, Inc., was found liable for the alleged child abuse committed by the Camp Director at the time. The religious order must pay $2.375 million to the clergy abuse survivor. Without the Louisiana lookback law, the plaintiff and others who are older than 28 years of age would be barred from filing a claim due to the statute of limitations.
The multimillion-dollar jury award sets a powerful precedent for future cases and gives hope and validation to survivors of clergy child sexual abuse. It’s also shown that civil lawsuits can be an effective way to ensure that institutions don’t get away with hiding these crimes, failing to investigate allegations or report them to police, or allowing those suspected of abuse to keep working with children.
What Louisiana Clergy Abuse Victims and Their Families Should Know
The Catholic Church and the perpetrators of child abuse should be held liable for the significant harm they’ve caused to countless individuals. Childhood sexual abuse often leads to lifelong struggles, and survivors must get justice – not just for themselves, but for every victim. Holding those liable accountable can help prevent clergy abuse from happening to others and spur change within institutions.
Anyone who’s been the victim of clergy abuse in Louisiana should know that there is still time to file a claim. Under the extended Louisiana lookback window, the deadline to file a child sex abuse claim is June 14, 2027.
While survivors have a few more years to seek justice through a Louisiana child sex abuse lawsuit, these cases take time. It’s important to speak with one of our clergy abuse attorneys sooner rather than later so we can begin protecting your rights and build the strongest possible case.
Through decades of representing child sex abuse survivors, we understand the amount of courage and strength it takes to come forward. We offer a safe, confidential space to share what you’ve endured, and we’ll walk you through your legal options so you can make the best choice for you and your family.
If you or a family member were sexually abused by clergy or someone else, contact HKGC online or call 1-844-943-7626 for a free and confidential consultation.
Other Clergy & Priest Abuse News
Award-nominated documentary God As My Witness highlights clergy sexual abuse and the fight for justice.
The first jury verdict was reached in a case relying on the Louisiana sex abuse look-back window, which revived claims related to childhood sexual abuse.
Over the past several months, our firm along with co-counsel, Johnny Denenea and Richard Trahant, on behalf of certain abuse survivors, has been holding the Archdiocese of New Orleans accountable by filing several motions to address concerns.
Court Says Louisiana “Lookback Window” Clergy Abuse Lawsuit Against Diocese of Lafayette Can Proceed
The Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal upheld a lower court ruling of a law that allows victims of child sexual abuse to file claims regardless of when the abuse occurred.
This week The Guardian published a series of articles comprising the most comprehensive account that the Archdiocese of New Orleans is the largest known employer of pedophiles in Louisiana history.
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