Attorney for Sexual Abuse Victims of Father Vincent Gallo
Sexual assault is a form of abuse that can leave a person with not only physical injuries but also long-term psychological trauma. No person should suffer sexual abuse at the hands of another that was meant to teach and safeguard them. Unfortunately, there are members of the clergy that have violated the trust of their parishioners in the most egregious way. If you or a family member was a victim of sexual abuse, contact an experienced Brooklyn sexual abuse attorney today.
At Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, we are dedicated to providing you with the legal representation you deserve when you have to face your abuser in court. We understand how traumatic it can be to relive an experience of sexual abuse, and we are here for you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 843-0300, or contact us online.
Allegations Against Father Gallo
Father Vincent Gallo was a clergy member of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Father Gallo started his career as a clergy member at Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians in Woodside, New Jersey in 1961. Father Gallo also worked at the following churches between 1968 to 2010:
- Mary Magdalene in Springfield Gardens, NY
- Our Lady of Good Counsel, Brooklyn, NY
- Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary and St. Stephen’s in Brooklyn, NY
- Vincent Ferrer, Brooklyn, NY
- Blessed Sacrament, Brooklyn, NY
- Bernard’s Brooklyn, NY
- Pancras, Glendale, NY
Around October 2003, Father Gallo was named in a civil suit for sexual abuse along with two dozen other priests. Specifically, Father Gallo was accused of sexually abusing a boy while he worked at Our Lady of Good Counsel. However, the Diocese’ review board dismissed the allegations and permitted Gallo to continue working as a clergy member due to claims of insufficient evidence.
If you were a victim of sexual abuse carried out by Father Gallo while he was working as a clergy member of the Diocese of Brooklyn, our firm could help you pursue justice.
Proving Sexual Assault in a Civil Claim
Sexual assault is an act that can be carried out in a number of ways. One possibility is that an offender coerces an individual to engage in a sex act involuntarily. For example, threatening to hurt a person unless they agree to have sex is a form of sexual assault. Other forms of sexual abuse include:
- Exposing a child to pornographic material
- Recording a child performing a sex act
- Engaging in inappropriate touching of another person and their intimate areas without consent
- Making inappropriate sexual remarks about the body of another
This is not an exhaustive list. It is important to note that other parties could be held liable for the actions of a priest. For example, if a priest is employed by the Diocese of Brooklyn, or another institution, their employer could be held liable through vicarious liability.
Vicarious liability is when an employer is held liable for the negligent or illegal actions of an employee that was working within the scope of their employment. This means that if Father Gallo committed sexual abuse while working at any of the churches named above, that church could be held liable for his actions. Vicarious liability is also a valuable tool for pursuing employers when a priest happens to pass away before a victim can proceed with their lawsuit.
Filing Deadline for Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in New York
As hundreds of allegations against priests are being brought against clergy members in New York, the state has decided to increase the statute of limitations for sexual abuse victims. The statute of limitations determines the amount of time that a person has to file a particular type of case.
Due to the New York Child Victims Act signed into law in 2019, the statute of limitations for sexual abuse lawsuits is when the victim reaches the age of 55. Additionally, if a victim has had their statute of limitations deadline expire prior to the Act being passed, the victim will have one year to file their lawsuit starting from August 14, 2019.
Many victims of sexual abuse have difficulty coming forward to face their accusers immediately. Recognizing this dilemma, the State of New York has moved to ensure that sexual assault victims are given more rights when it comes to their traumatic experiences. Our firm is prepared to help victims of abuse seek compensation for their injuries.
Work with Our Experienced NYC Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today
If you or a family member was sexually assaulted by Father Vincent Gallo, consult with an experienced NYC sexual abuse lawyer today. The legal team at Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP possesses decades of combined legal experience, and we are prepared to use this knowledge to fight for you. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 843-0300.