LDS Church told to pay $4.2 million in abuse case (Jesus Christ, Latter-Day Saints)

[jonny]

LDS Church told to pay $4.2 million in abuse case
Jury holds the church liable for emotional distress because a bishop did not report the sexual abuse of two girls

A Washington state jury has ordered The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to pay at least $2.5 million to two sisters who alleged their bishop failed to protect them from a stepfather who sexually abused them for years.
The church also is on the hook for an additional $1.7 million unless its attorneys can convince a judge that it shouldn't have to pay for damages related to Peter Taylor, who served just over four years in prison for the crimes.
Seattle attorney Timothy Kosnoff, known for filing similar lawsuits in other states, called the ruling a win for victims often abandoned by church leaders who try to keep sexual abuse under wraps by not reporting it to police.
His client, Jessica Cavalieri, 24, said she hopes the verdict is a wake-up call for the church and a "sign to other victims that they too can have their voices heard."
Church attorney Von Keetch, however, called Friday's verdict "a miscarriage of justice," and said he will encourage church leaders to appeal.
Jurors, he said, were more interested in sending a message than considering the evidence.

http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_3240961

[jonny]

I have a few thoughts on this. First, the church leader should have reported it.

That being said, is it unreasonable to be fined $4.2 million in damages for emotional distress because you knew something and didn't tell anyone? If I found out that someone was being abused and didn't report it could they come after me for millions of dollars years later? What about the other people who knew about it? Shouldn't they be fined millions?

[Bright-ness' Shadow]

Originally Posted by jonny

I have a few thoughts on this. First, the church leader should have reported it.

That being said, is it unreasonable to be fined $4.2 million in damages for emotional distress because you knew something and didn't tell anyone? If I found out that someone was being abused and didn't report it could they come after me for millions of dollars years later? What about the other people who knew about it? Shouldn't they be fined millions?

We'd have to know the details becofre we could conclude it was or was not reasonable.

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by jonny

I have a few thoughts on this. First, the church leader should have reported it.

That being said, is it unreasonable to be fined $4.2 million in damages for emotional distress because you knew something and didn't tell anyone? If I found out that someone was being abused and didn't report it could they come after me for millions of dollars years later? What about the other people who knew about it? Shouldn't they be fined millions?

I don't know how you put a dollar amount on failure to report abuse. It seems the children went to their bishop for help and the bishop failed to do the only decent thing: report the crimes being committed. Abuse is such a life changing event. Maybe 2.5 million to each kid is not too much. But, again, I don't know how to put a dollar amount on the damages caused by it.

[Ardent Listener]

Originally Posted by jonny

LDS Church told to pay $4.2 million in abuse case
Jury holds the church liable for emotional distress because a bishop did not report the sexual abuse of two girls

A Washington state jury has ordered The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to pay at least $2.5 million to two sisters who alleged their bishop failed to protect them from a stepfather who sexually abused them for years.
The church also is on the hook for an additional $1.7 million unless its attorneys can convince a judge that it shouldn't have to pay for damages related to Peter Taylor, who served just over four years in prison for the crimes.
Seattle attorney Timothy Kosnoff, known for filing similar lawsuits in other states, called the ruling a win for victims often abandoned by church leaders who try to keep sexual abuse under wraps by not reporting it to police.
His client, Jessica Cavalieri, 24, said she hopes the verdict is a wake-up call for the church and a "sign to other victims that they too can have their voices heard."
Church attorney Von Keetch, however, called Friday's verdict "a miscarriage of justice," and said he will encourage church leaders to appeal.
Jurors, he said, were more interested in sending a message than considering the evidence.

http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_3240961

It is easy for us to judge the jury in such cases, but we were not the ones who sat in court and heard all the facts as presented.

This abuse went on for years? How do you put a dollar value on years of sexual hell? I would not trade the years of sexual abuse they were forced live, because of his silence, for the millions they might receive.

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by Ardent Listener

I would not trade the years of sexual abuse they were forced live, because of his silence, for the millions they might receive.

Neither would I.

[nutshell]

The Bishop's failure not to report the abuse is in direct conflict with the Church policy to report instances of criminal activity to the police. I believe the Bishop should undergo Church discipline for his failure. (This comment is based on the information available and I am, obviously, not aware of all the facts surrounding the situation).

[MdmSzdWhtGuy]

Originally Posted by Ardent Listener

This abuse went on for years? How do you put a dollar value on years of sexual hell? I would not trade the years of sexual abuse they were forced live, because of his silence, for the millions they might receive.

I might be a bit more flexible on this issue. If there are any multimillionaires wanting someone to abuse for a fee, please feel free to drop me a line. Million dollars buys a lot of pride.

B.

[Feathers in Hair]

Being abused against your will takes more pride than a million dollars could ever reach.