Settlement Amount: $3.1 Million
Abuse Type: Childhood Sexual Assault by Teacher
Background
Emiley, now 30, was abused by her middle school teacher at a Chicago Catholic school starting at age 12. The Archdiocese had received complaints about the teacher from two other families but failed to act.
Trauma & Consequences
- Developed severe PTSD and eating disorders
- $180,000 in therapy/treatment costs
- Dropped out of college due to anxiety attacks
- Struggled to maintain relationships
Legal Barriers Overcome
- Original statute of limitations had expired
- School claimed they “had no way of knowing”
Injurease’s Action
- Filed under Illinois’ 2021 Child Abuse Law extension
- Obtained sealed church documents showing prior complaints
- Partnered with trauma specialists to document damages
Outcome
$3.1 million settlement covering:
✔ Therapy for life ($750K)
✔ Lost educational opportunities ($1M)
✔ Punitive damages against Archdiocese ($1.35M)
