The Church Was Supposed to Protect Them. Instead, It Protected Itself.

Trial Lawyers United LLC’s attorneys represent survivors of child sexual abuse within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon Church) who were silenced, ignored, or re-traumatized by institutional cover-ups.

In the Relentless Pursuit of Justice. Results without Risk.

Overview

For decades, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has faced allegations of widespread sexual abuse and institutional concealment. Survivors across the United States — from Arizona and Utah to Idaho, Washington, and beyond — have come forward describing how church leaders failed to report abuse to law enforcement and, in some cases, actively shielded predators to protect the Church’s reputation.

At the center of many lawsuits is the Church’s “Help Line” system, operated through LDS Family Services, which directed bishops and local leaders to call church attorneys — not police — when abuse was reported. This protocol has allowed abusers to remain in positions of authority while victims suffered in silence.

Trial Lawyers United LLC represents survivors of these systemic failures, exposing how the LDS hierarchy prioritized secrecy over safety — and helping survivors reclaim their power through civil litigation.

Who’s Liable / How Fault Works

Civil lawsuits against the LDS Church focus on institutional negligence, concealment, and failure to protect children. Plaintiffs allege that the Church:
– Failed to report known or suspected child sexual abuse to law enforcement, even when legally required.
– Used its internal “Help Line” to funnel reports to legal counsel, preventing investigations.
– Transferred or reassigned known offenders to new wards or communities.
– Encouraged silence among victims and families through pressure, shaming, or religious authority.
– Prioritized reputation and financial interests over child safety and justice.

Trial Lawyers United pursues claims under state civil statutes, including negligent supervision, failure to warn, institutional cover-up, and aiding and abetting sexual abuse. In states with “look-back windows” (such as Arizona, Utah, and California), survivors can file claims even for abuse that occurred decades ago.

Evidence and Institutional Cover-Ups

Our team has obtained evidence through prior and ongoing litigation revealing:
1. Internal LDS Church records and correspondence acknowledging known abusers.
2. Policies instructing bishops and stake presidents to contact the Church’s legal department rather than law enforcement.
3. Testimony from former clergy and employees who were discouraged from reporting abuse.
4. Records of abusers being relocated rather than removed from positions of authority.
5. Victim statements corroborating decades-long patterns of concealment and retaliation.

These findings demonstrate a deliberate corporate strategy to control information and minimize liability — at the expense of children’s safety.

Impact of Abuse and Long-Term Harm

Child sexual abuse inflicts deep, lifelong wounds. Survivors may experience:
– Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
– Depression, anxiety, and panic disorders
– Substance abuse and self-harm
– Relationship and trust difficulties
– Sexual dysfunction or avoidance
– Suicidal thoughts or attempts
– Financial instability from trauma-related disability

Trial Lawyers United LLC works closely with trauma specialists and mental-health professionals to ensure survivors receive compassionate support and comprehensive restitution.

How We Help

We approach every case with confidentiality, dignity, and survivor-centered advocacy. Our representation includes:
– Private, trauma-informed intake and case evaluation.
– Investigation of Church records, personnel files, and prior complaints.
– Collaboration with survivor advocates, journalists, and law enforcement.
– Filing claims in state and federal courts where applicable.
– Pursuing full compensation for therapy, lost income, emotional distress, and punitive damages.

All cases are handled on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win. Results without risk.

FAQ

Q: Can I file a claim if the abuse happened decades ago?

A: Yes. Many states have enacted “look-back windows” or extended statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse. Our attorneys can assess your eligibility based on where and when the abuse occurred.

Q: Will my identity remain private?

A: Yes. Courts routinely allow survivors to proceed under pseudonyms or initials to protect their privacy.

Q: What if the abuser has died or the Church denies involvement?

A: Civil suits can proceed based on institutional negligence and cover-up, regardless of the abuser’s current status.

Q: What evidence do I need?

A: Even if you lack records, we can build your case through testimony, corroborating witnesses, and discovery of Church documents.

Q: What does it cost to hire Trial Lawyers United?

A: Nothing upfront. We only get paid when we recover compensation — results without risk.