Suing the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for Clergy Abuse
Abuse by a priest, deacon, teacher, or other individual connected to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia can open the door to a civil claim against the institution itself, not just the person who caused the harm. A civil case is entirely separate from any criminal matter: no police report, prior disclosure, or conviction is required to move forward. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia spans the city and four suburban counties, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery, home to one of the largest Catholic populations in the country. A civil claim examines the archdiocese’s decisions across that entire five-county footprint. What happened was never your fault, no matter how long ago it was.Your Deadline to File: Get a Clear Answer
Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations or deadlines for filing a civil claim have changed in recent years, and how much time you have depends on your age when the abuse occurred and other individual circumstances. If the abuse happened years ago, there is a good chance the window is still open, but it won’t stay open indefinitely. Call Ashley DiLiberto for a clear, no-obligation answer about your specific situation.What a Free Consultation Looks Like
When you are ready, here is what a confidential review with Ashley DiLiberto looks like:- You share only what you are comfortable sharing: this is a conversation, not an interrogation, and there is no judgment about when or how you are coming forward.
- Ashley explains, in plain language, whether the Archdiocese and those involved can be held accountable and what your options are.
- If we move forward, there is no cost to you unless we win.
What a Civil Claim Can Recover
For many survivors, a case is first and foremost about accountability, forcing an institution to change how it protects people so no one else is harmed the same way. A civil claim can also seek meaningful financial recovery. That includes the cost of counseling and future therapy, medical care, lost income, and compensation for the pain and lasting impact the abuse has had on your life. Every case is evaluated on its own facts. Past results do not guarantee a future outcome; every case is evaluated on its own facts.Your Attorney: Ashley DiLiberto
Ashley B. DiLiberto is a Philadelphia attorney who has built her practice around representing survivors of institutional abuse, people failed not just by one person, but by the organizations that were supposed to protect them. As a Partner at Messa & Associates, P.C., she leads the firm’s national Mass Tort Litigation Team. She has represented survivors in the Boy Scouts of America cases connected to a $2.46 billion settlement. Ashley has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyers “Rising Star” every year since 2019, and she is available for free, confidential consultations around the clock. (PA Attorney ID 323701, admitted 2017.) Past results do not guarantee a future outcome; every case is evaluated on its own facts.Frequently asked questions
Was the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in the 2018 statewide grand jury report?
No. Philadelphia was investigated separately, in the 2005 and 2011 Philadelphia grand juries, so it was not among the six dioceses in the 2018 statewide report. Those earlier reports are public record, but a civil claim does not require being named in any of them.
What did the Philadelphia grand juries find?
The 2011 grand jury identified 37 priests who remained in ministry despite credible allegations and led to the first U.S. criminal conviction of a church official for the institutional handling of abuse. It is a matter of public record.
Which counties does an Archdiocese of Philadelphia case cover?
The archdiocese spans Philadelphia and the suburban counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery. Abuse tied to a parish, school, or ministry anywhere in that footprint can implicate the institution.
Where would a Philadelphia archdiocese case be filed?
Often in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County — the First Judicial District — or in the suburban county where the abuse occurred. Ashley DiLiberto, based in Philadelphia, handles the venue analysis.
Do I need a criminal case or conviction first?
No. A civil claim is independent of the criminal system and can proceed whether or not anyone was charged and whether or not you reported.
Can I still sue if the priest has died?
Often, yes — a claim can focus on the archdiocese's own negligence rather than only the individual.
Will my identity be protected, and what does it cost?
Your first conversation is confidential and protecting your privacy is a priority. The consultation is free and cases are handled on contingency — no fee unless we win.
Serving sexual abuse survivors across Pennsylvania
Ashley DiLiberto represents survivors statewide. Explore help in your area:
