Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Nasty case generates a lot of dissention in the community.
“Wrongful death lawsuits may, literally, involve anyone, even members of the clergy,” said Stephen Ozcomert, a lawyer practicing personal injury, accidents and malpractice law in Atlanta, Georgia.
In this case, a father shot his son to death in what he claimed was self-defense. The man’s son developed post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of being abused by two priests when he was 13-years-old, “a violation that shattered the boy’s trust in others and drove him to rage and depression. He attempted to commit suicide as an adult,” said Ozcomert.
Two years ago, the son broke into his father’s home, high on cocaine and meth. His father ended up shooting him in self-defense. The son did not go to the hospital after he was wounded and was later found dead. The church continues to deny any sexual abuse occurred and suggests that the son was treated with love and respect by the clergyman.
The man’s lawsuit names not only the diocese but the two priests and seeks damages for grief, pain and suffering. “The point of the lawsuit is not to get revenge, but to ensure that sexual abuse does not happen to another boy associated with that church,” said Ozcomert.
Interestingly, one of the clerics named in the lawsuit was suspended in 2011, as the result of an investigation launched to investigate allegations from the boy’s father and three other victims. “The investigation found the evidence of sexual abuse to be credible,” said Ozcomert.
Wrongful death lawsuits are difficult for everyone, and in this instance, even more wrenching when the father bears the lifelong pain of knowing he shot his son. Not all cases are this difficult, but a vast majority of them do involve the other party not wanting to admit liability. Hiring a personal injury lawyer with a good track record will help victims achieve justice and some form of peace and closure. Additionally, there may be some form of financial damages awarded. Typically, the families pass this on to a charity or promote healing in another way, in an attempt to ensure no one has to experience what they did.
To learn more visit http://www.ozcomert.com.