Attorney for Sexual Abuse Victims of Father Callahan
The church is intended to be a safe place where parishioners can go to interact with members of their community and members of the clergy. However, some members of the clergy would disregard these values to prey upon children. If you or a family member was the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of Father Brian Callahan, contact an experienced Brooklyn sexual abuse attorney today.
At Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, we are determined to help you pursue a claim against the sexual abuser that assaulted you and the institution that sheltered them. Father Callahan and other members of the clergy should be held accountable for misusing their position to take advantage of children. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your claim, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 843-0300, or contact us online.
Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Brian Callahan
Father Brian Callahan was a priest in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Callahan worked at a number of churches between 1966 to 1981, such as St. Michael-St. Edward, St. Boniface, and St. Catherine of Genoa. While working at St. Michael-St.Edward in the 1970s, Father Callahan was accused of sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy on three separate occasions. Father Callahan had lured the boy securing him a job at the rectory where he carried out the attacks.
This incident of sexual abuse was reported by three nuns who worked with Father Callahan at the time. The nuns also suggested that Father Callahan had engaged in the sexual abuse of other children at the church.
After passing away in December of 2003, the diocese would wait until February of 2019 to place Father Callahan on a list of clergy members with credible sexual abuse claims against them. Despite how late this information has been released, it may be used to benefit victims of sexual abuse. If you want to know more about filing a sexual abuse lawsuit in New York, continue reading and speak with an experienced NYC injury attorney.
How the New York Child Victims Act Works
The New York Child Victims Act (CVA) is a law designed to assist victims of abuse that may have difficulty coming forward to face their abuser. Many victims of sexual abuse may not recognize that they were abused or may want to avoid reliving the trauma of sexual abuse. That is why the New York Child Victims Act was passed to increase the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases.
The statute of limitations dictates when a plaintiff can file a certain type of lawsuit against a defendant. For example, before the CVA was passed on February 2019, the victim of sexual abuse would only have a few years to file their case. If a plaintiff did not file their lawsuit within this timeframe, the court would bar their claim. The CVA increased the statute of limitations for sexual assault lawsuits until the victim/plaintiff reaches the age of 55. This would allow ample time for a victim who is struggling with their abuse to seek compensation for their physical or emotional injuries.
Additionally, if the statute of limitations on a sexual abuse lawsuit has already expired prior to the passing of the CVA, the law allows a plaintiff a one-year window to file their lawsuit. This window began to run on August 14, 2019. If your sexual assault claim was previously barred by the statute of limitations, you should not waste time in speaking with a lawyer about the renewed statute of limitations.
It is important to note that potential sexual abuse lawsuits are not instantly defeated because the abuser passes away. In fact, the CVA provides that victims of sexual abuse can also pursue an organization that protected a sexual abuser from civil or criminal litigation. For example, if you were abused by Father Callahan while he worked for the Diocese of Brooklyn, the diocese could be held vicariously liable for his actions.
Vicarious liability allows a plaintiff to pursue an employer for negligent or inappropriate actions performed by an employee within the scope of their employment. For example, if a priest was engaged in the abuse of children while they were in charge of an education program, this could make their employer liable for their actions.
The CVA is also not solely for filing lawsuits against religious figures or organizations. The law applies to victims of sexual abuse no matter who their abuser is. Additionally, the CVA can grant a victim more time to press charges against an abuser.
Work with an Experienced Sexual Assault Lawyer About Abuse by Father Callahan
If you or a family member was sexually assaulted by Father Brian Callahan, consult with an experienced NYC sexual assault lawyer today. The legal team at Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP possesses over 30 years of combined legal experience, and we would be proud to use this knowledge to represent you. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 843-0300.