The Illinois Supreme Court has turned down a request to throw out a $5 million jury award.
A Catholic diocese in St. Clair County had hoped to fight the jury award granted to James Wisniewski of Champaign. Back in 2008 Wisniewski sued the diocese for clergy abuse that he suffered as a boy in the 1970s. He stated that Rev. Raymond Kownacki sexually assaulted him dozens of times over a period of five years. Wisniewski's lawyers went on to show that the diocese not only knew about the abuse, but hid it, moving around different parishes without notifying the worshippers.
At this time Kownacki himself has not been charged. However, when asked for comments, he has declined all attempts to contact him.
If you or someone close to you has been a clergy abuse victim, know that you have options under the law. In order to become informed of your options, contact us today to discuss your case and abuse with a clergy abuse lawyer.
A Catholic diocese in St. Clair County had hoped to fight the jury award granted to James Wisniewski of Champaign. Back in 2008 Wisniewski sued the diocese for clergy abuse that he suffered as a boy in the 1970s. He stated that Rev. Raymond Kownacki sexually assaulted him dozens of times over a period of five years. Wisniewski's lawyers went on to show that the diocese not only knew about the abuse, but hid it, moving around different parishes without notifying the worshippers.
At this time Kownacki himself has not been charged. However, when asked for comments, he has declined all attempts to contact him.
If you or someone close to you has been a clergy abuse victim, know that you have options under the law. In order to become informed of your options, contact us today to discuss your case and abuse with a clergy abuse lawyer.
