Attorney for Sexual Abuse Victims of Father Vincent A. Zollo
Many victims of sexual abuse were betrayed by priests and clergy members that they believed had their best interests at heart. Unfortunately, some priests abuse their position of power to manipulate children into performing sexual acts. If you or a family member was abused by Father Vincent A. Zollo, you should contact an experienced Brooklyn sexual abuse attorney today.
At Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, our legal team is dedicated to providing you with the aggressive legal representation that you deserve to pursue compensation for your sexual abuse claim. No person should have to deal with lifelong emotional trauma due to the hideous and irresponsible actions of a member of the clergy. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your potential lawsuit, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 843-0300, or contact us online.
Proving a Sexual Abuse Claim
Sexual abuse can encompass a number of unwanted and illegal sexual acts. For example, forcing a child to consume pornographic material is just one scenario that can give rise to a sexual abuse lawsuit. Other forms of sexual abuse include:
- Exposing your genitalia to a child
- Coercing a child into engaging in sexual acts the fondling of genitalia
- Recording a child engaging in sexual acts
- Making sexual advances or inappropriate sexual comments towards a child
- Threatening a child with retaliation if they do not agree to perform a sexual act
Various factors are considered when determining whether a defendant committed sexual abuse. A plaintiff should be ready to prove when the abuse took place, the extent of the abuse, and how the abuse affected them. For example, it may not be necessary to show physical scars of sexual abuse, showing that you suffered from severe emotional distress as a result could be enough under some circumstances.
Father Zollo was a priest for the Diocese of Brooklyn where he worked for a number of churches between 1981 to 1989. From 1981 to 1983, Father Zollo worked as a member of the Our Lady of Grace Church. During this time, Father Zollo was accused of sexually abusing a male parishioner that attended the church. It is unclear how many other children were abused by Father Zollo.
If you are a survivor of child abuse committed by Father Vincent Zollo, our firm is here to help you explore your legal options.
Increased Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
The New York Child Victims Act (CVA) is a law that is responsible for dramatically extending the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims. The statute of limitations determines the amount of time that a plaintiff has to file their case. The filing deadline will vary depending on the type of claims that a plaintiff wishes to file.
Prior to the CVA, a plaintiff had only one year to pursue a claim against a sexual abuser once the plaintiff turned 18. If the plaintiff wanted to file a claim against an institution that employed or protected an abuser, the plaintiff would only be afforded a three-year deadline. This would make filing a timely case difficult for survivors of abuse that are reluctant to speak out against their abuser.
Fortunately, the CVA extended the filing deadline for sexual abuse cases until the plaintiff reaches the age of 55. Additionally, the CVA has also made it easier for victims of abuse to pursue claims against any organization that was aware or should have been aware of the sexual abuse being committed by its employees.
To learn more about the damages available for sexual abuse claims, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced New York sexual assault lawyer.
Types of Compensation Awarded for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Survivors of sexual abuse may not only live with physical scars from sexual abuse but may also contend with psychological issues as well. While receiving monetary compensation may not solve all their problems, it is at least a start for a survivor to continue healing from abuse.
There are multiple types of compensation available for a plaintiff that succeeds in a sexual abuse claim. For example, if a plaintiff an overall loss of enjoyment of life due to sexual abuse, they could receive compensation for pain and suffering. Other types of compensation available include:
- Medical Expenses: injuries suffered due to sexual abuse, money used to see a therapist, compensation for prescription medication, etc.,
- Financial Losses: Inability to retain gainful employment due to issues like severe depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other issues related to the abuse
Experienced Sexual Abuse Lawyers Representing Victims of Father Vincent A. Zollo
If you were the victim of abuse at the hands of Father Zollo, you should consult with an experienced NYC sexual abuse lawyer today. With a wealth of experience in a wide range of abuse cases, the injury lawyers at Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP is ready to help you face your abuser. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact us at (718) 843-0300.