Can You Sue the Diocese of Scranton for Clergy Abuse?
Yes, many survivors can. If you were sexually abused by a priest, deacon, teacher, or other person connected to the Diocese of Scranton, a civil claim can seek to hold the institution accountable, not only the individual. A civil case is separate from any criminal prosecution; you do not need a charge or conviction, and you do not need to have reported the abuse when it happened. What happened to you was never your fault, no matter how much time has passed. Many clergy-abuse survivors wait years before they are ready to ask one question. Reaching out, in confidence and at your own pace, is your decision alone.How the Institution Can Be Held Responsible
The individual abuser is responsible for their conduct. But a diocese can also bear responsibility when its own decisions enabled abuse to continue. Survivors have raised theories such as:- Negligent supervision of clergy and staff with access to children.
- Failure to act on warning signs or prior reports about an individual.
- Reassigning an accused person to a new parish rather than removing them.
- Concealment that allowed continued access to potential victims.
- Failure to report suspected abuse to authorities.
How Long Do You Have to File in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania sets specific deadlines for filing a civil claim, and those deadlines have changed in recent years, so the safest step is to confirm your deadline directly rather than assuming it is already too late. How much time you have can depend on how old you were when the abuse happened, and other factors. That is exactly why we do not print a single number here: getting it wrong could cost you the right to be heard. What matters is this: clergy abuse in northeastern Pennsylvania from years ago may still be within the deadline, and waiting can quietly take the decision out of your hands. A free, confidential call with Ashley DiLiberto gives you a clear, accurate answer about your own deadline, at no cost and with no obligation.How to Start: Safely and Privately
You do not need every detail, a police report, or any paperwork to reach out. You do not need to have told anyone before now. A first conversation is simply that, a conversation, on your terms and at your pace. When you are ready, here is what a confidential review with Ashley DiLiberto looks like:- You share only what you are comfortable sharing — there is no interrogation and no judgment.
- Ashley explains, in plain language, whether the diocese and the people involved can be held accountable, and what your options are.
- If we move forward, the case is handled on contingency — there is no cost unless we win.
Compensation in a Clergy Abuse Case
A civil claim can seek compensation for counseling and future therapy, medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and the lasting impact the abuse has had on your life. For many survivors, a case is about more than money; it is about accountability and forcing the diocese to change how it protects people so no one else is harmed the same way. Survivors of Abuse PA handles these cases on contingency. Past results never guarantee a future outcome; every case is judged on its own facts.About Your Attorney
Ashley B. DiLiberto, Esq., is a Pennsylvania sexual abuse lawyer (PA Attorney ID 323701, admitted 2017, clean disciplinary record) and a Partner at Messa & Associates, P.C., in Philadelphia, where she leads the firm’s national Mass Tort Litigation Team. She has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyers “Rising Star” every year since 2019 and represented survivors in the Boy Scouts of America cases connected to the $2.46 billion settlement. She offers free, confidential consultations 24/7. Past results do not guarantee a future outcome.Frequently asked questions
Can I sue the Diocese of Scranton for clergy abuse?
Many survivors can. A civil claim can seek to hold the institution accountable for negligent supervision, reassignment of accused clergy, concealment, or failure to report. A free, confidential review tells you whether you have a claim.
Was the Diocese of Scranton in the 2018 grand-jury report?
Yes. The 2018 Pennsylvania statewide grand-jury report examined the handling of clergy abuse allegations across six dioceses, including Scranton. It is a matter of public record.
Do I need a criminal case or conviction?
No. A civil claim is separate from the criminal system. You can pursue it even if no one was charged and even if you never reported the abuse.
What if the priest has died?
A claim may still be possible, because it can focus on the institution's responsibility rather than only the individual. Reach out and we will help you understand your options.
How long do I have to file in Pennsylvania?
It depends on your age and when the abuse happened, and PA's rules have changed in recent years. A free, confidential call confirms your exact deadline.
Will my identity be protected?
Your first conversation is confidential, and protecting your privacy is a priority. Many clergy-abuse cases are handled with strong confidentiality protections.
What if I was abused at a Catholic school?
You may still have a claim. Abuse connected to a diocesan school, youth program, or ministry can implicate the institution's responsibility. An attorney can evaluate the specifics.
Does it cost anything to talk to a lawyer?
No. The consultation is free and confidential, and cases are handled on contingency — no fee unless we win.
Do I have to decide anything right away?
No. A first call is just a conversation. You stay in control of the pace and decide if and when you are ready.
Serving sexual abuse survivors across Pennsylvania
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