Child sexual abuse can occur in any location or social situation, including at school, in the home, or while participating in community activities. Most commonly, an adult abuser will engage in a “grooming process” before and during the abuse. This term refers to a pattern of behavior an abuser uses to gain access to a… Read More
Some Recommended Steps You Can Take to Preserve Your Rights if You Are Sexually Assaulted
Here is a reprint of Lamothe Law Firm attorney Kristi Schubert‘s article from August, 2018 on what to do if you have been sexually assaulted. There are no “wrong” ways to respond to a sexual assault or rape. Each individual will go through their own process of psychological recovery. Whether you report a sexual assault… Read More
New Law Helps Child Abuse Survivors Seek Justice and Benefits Society
A new Louisiana law has expanded the time for survivors of child sexual and physical abuse to file civil claims against their abusers and those who enabled the abuse. Re-Opening a Window for Time-Barred Claims Act No. 322 creates a three-year window for survivors of child sexual and physical abuse to file civil claims against… Read More
What to Do After Someone You Care About Has Been Raped
Rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse are unfortunately all too common. According to the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault (LaFASA), there are 237,868 incidents of rape in the US every year. Only 40 percent of rapes are reported, and even fewer result in the perpetrator’s conviction. If someone you love has been raped or assaulted,… Read More
Historic Bill Removes Deadlines for Child Sex Survivors to Pursue Claims
The Louisiana State Legislature passed a historic bill yesterday that removes deadlines for child sex abuse victims to pursue damages in civil court. The former time limit for child sex abuse victims was before their 28th birthday. However, the new bill creates a 3 year window where all unresolved child sex abuse claims can be… Read More
Settlement Reached with Diocese of Lafayette for Molestation Perpetrated by Ex-Priest Michael Guidry
The Lamothe Law Firm negotiated a substantial settlement on behalf of our client and his family against the Diocese of Lafayette and ex-priest Michael Guidry. The lawsuit related to abuse during an incident in April of 2015 when our client, who was 16 years old at the time, was molested by Father Michael Guidry, a… Read More
Child Predators Are Everywhere – Even at Christian Camps
Christianity Today recently published this article, Kanakuk Kamps Abuse Reexamined In New Report, about a former Kanakuk director’s sexual abuse of children. Pete Newman worked for 15 years at the Christian camp in Missouri and as many as 57 victims have come forward. There could be hundreds of sexual abuse victims of Newman but because… Read More
What Happens With a Rape Kit and How Is Evidence Collected
Rape and sexual assault are some of the most horrific crimes imaginable. The immediate aftermath of an attack can be confusing. There are questions from police – and family – as well as intrusive medical examinations to gather evidence. But just what is a rape kit, and what does it do? What happens if no… Read More
Abuse Claimants Question Legitimacy of Archdiocese of New Orleans Bankruptcy
Lamothe Law Firm attended Thursday’s federal bankruptcy hearing that covered the Creditors’ Committee’s Motion to Dismiss. The Committee argued that the church is solvent and is just filing bankruptcy to avoid discovery. The Archdiocese said they don’t have to be insolvent to file for bankruptcy. They also argued that is is very common for debtors… Read More
New Orleans Archdiocese Bankruptcy Hearing on July 30, 2020
On July 30, 2020, the Lamothe Law Firm attended a hearing in the Archdiocese of New Orleans bankruptcy proceedings in which the Court ruled upon the Archdiocese request that the Court establish a procedure for designating certain documents confidential, including documents containing information about sexual abuse claims. The Creditors Committee, which represents abuse survivors, argued… Read More
