Church of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) Sex Abuse Mass Torts in Mississippi

LDS Church Sexual Abuse Claims

’Maggio Law represents survivors of sexual abuse committed by Elders, employees, or trusted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). If you were under 18 when the abuse began, and you can identify your abuser—or the location and time frame in which the abuse occurred—you may be eligible to join a mass tort case seeking justice and financial compensation.

Pursuing Justice for Survivors and Accountability for Abusers

Coming forward as a survivor of sexual abuse is an act of profound courage, especially when the abuse is tied to a powerful institution like the LDS Church. Our Mississippi sexual abuse attorneys understand the deep emotional toll of revisiting these experiences. At ’Maggio Law, we hold both abusers and the institutions that enabled them accountable, ensuring they cannot harm others again.

Pursuing Justice for Survivors and Accountability for Abusers

Mississippi Laws Governing Sexual Abuse Mass Torts

State civil laws, federal procedural rules, and, in some instances, special statutes for child sexual abuse claims shape sexual abuse mass tort cases in Mississippi.

These legal considerations include:

Mississippi generally allows victims of child sexual abuse to file a civil lawsuit within three years of the abuse or discovery of the abuse (Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49)
The statute may be tolled (paused) until the survivor turns 21 or until they reasonably discover the abuse’s connection to their injuries
Mississippi does not currently have a universal “lookback window” like some other states, making early legal action critical
In some cases, Mississippi claims may be transferred to a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) to coordinate discovery and pretrial matters with cases from other states

Who May Qualify to Join This Mass Tort

You may qualify if:

You were under the age of 18 when the abuse began
The abuse was committed by an LDS Elder, employee, or other trusted member of the church
You can:
- Identify your abuser by name, OR
- Identify that the abuser was an LDS member, the location where abuse occurred, and the years it took place
You can identify at least the state and time frame of the abuse
The abuse involved one or more of the following:
- Anal or vaginal rape
- Penetration by a foreign object (anal or vaginal)
- Digital penetration (anal or vaginal)
- Masturbation (giving or receiving)
- Abuser caused ejaculation or orgasm
- Fondling of genitals or breasts/nipples (under or over clothing)
- Sexual photography or videography
- Unnecessary gynecological or pelvic/breast exams for false reasons
- Transmission of an STI
- Causing unwanted pregnancy
- Exposing genitals to the victim
- Forcing sexual acts with another individual to be watched or recorded by the abuser
- Forcing the victim to watch pornography or the abuser’s sexual acts
The abuser was a trusted family member (biological, step, foster, or extended family)—unless the abuse began before that family relationship was established

Why Mass Torts Matter in Mississippi LDS Abuse Cases

Survivors of LDS sexual abuse often face a legal battle against one of the most resource-rich religious organizations in the world. Alone, it can feel overwhelming, especially when there are allegations of systemic cover-ups, institutional silence, and failures to protect children.

A mass tort changes that dynamic. By joining with other survivors whose experiences share common threads, you:

Gain the leverage of combined legal resources to match the institution’s size and power
Connect your story to a broader pattern, helping to demonstrate that the abuse was not an isolated incident
Increase the depth and scope of evidence through shared testimony, records, and investigative findings
Send a unified message that survivors will not remain silent and that those responsible will be held to account

This united approach strengthens each survivor’s case while keeping your claim—and your voice—distinct. Together, survivors can do what’s often impossible alone: force transparency, demand accountability, and secure meaningful compensation.

What Compensation Can Survivors Recover?

No amount of money can erase the pain and trauma caused by sexual abuse, but holding your abuser and the LDS Church accountable can provide the resources you need to rebuild. Through an LDS sexual abuse mass tort claim, survivors may be able to recover compensation for:

Medical Expenses

Past, present, and future treatment related to the abuse
Includes doctor visits, surgeries, and rehabilitation

Therapy and Counseling Costs

Mental health treatment, such as trauma therapy, psychiatric care, and medication

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for the emotional anguish, mental distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the abuse

Loss of Income and Earning Capacity

Wages lost due to the abuse and its long-term effects
This also includes diminished future earning potential

Educational Disruption

Compensation for lost educational opportunities or delays caused by trauma and recovery

Cost of Relocation or Safety Measures

Moving expenses, security systems, or other steps taken to ensure safety after the abuse

Punitive Damages

Additional damages to punish the abuser and the institution for willful, reckless, or malicious conduct

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Call Today (601) 588-8811 Schedule a Consultation

You Deserve a Legal Team with Exceptional Resources and Resolve

‘Maggio Law has built its reputation by challenging large organizations and delivering results that make a real difference in people's lives. Most importantly, we prioritize trauma-informed representation. We understand the sensitive nature of sexual abuse cases and handle every detail with compassion and confidentiality. That’s why you will work directly with an attorney rather than being passed off to a case manager or assistant.

We believe that justice should not be influenced by your financial situation. You won’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation for you. If you have experienced sexual abuse by an LDS Church leader, employee, or trusted member in Mississippi, please contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.

FAQs

Can I remain anonymous if I file a claim in Mississippi?

Yes. Mississippi courts may allow survivors of sexual abuse to file under a pseudonym—such as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe”—to protect their identity in public records. Your attorney can request this protection when your case is filed.

What if my abuser has passed away?

You may still have a valid claim. Even if the individual abuser is deceased, the LDS Church or other responsible institutions can still be held accountable for negligence, enabling abuse, or failing to protect children.

Do I have to testify in a Mississippi courtroom?

Not always. Many mass tort cases settle before trial, and we work to protect survivors from unnecessary public testimony. If testifying becomes necessary, we will fully prepare you and request special accommodations such as closed courtrooms or video testimony when possible.

Will the LDS Church know I filed a claim?

Yes, the defendant must be notified for your case to proceed. However, your identity can remain confidential in public filings if the court approves. All communications with your legal team remain private.

Can I file in Mississippi if I now live in another state?

Possibly. If the abuse occurred in Mississippi or the LDS Church has substantial connections here, you may still be able to file in the state. We can help determine the most strategic jurisdiction for your case.

Can I join the mass tort if I’m not an LDS member?

Yes. Your membership status at the time of the abuse is not relevant—what matters is that the abuse was committed by an LDS Elder, employee, or trusted member, and you meet the eligibility requirements.

What happens if I join and later want to withdraw?

In most cases, you can withdraw before a settlement or trial if you decide not to proceed. Your attorney will explain your options and any consequences before you make a final decision.

Sources Cited

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “About Child Sexual Abuse.” (Prevalence, definitions, health impacts.) https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/about/about-child-sexual-abuse.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childsexualabuse/fastfact.html
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC). “What Do You Need to Know About Child Sexual Abuse.” (Education, risk factors, prevention.) https://www.nsvrc.org/what-do-you-need-know-about-child-sexual-abuse
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. “Statutes of Limitation in Sexual Assault Cases.” (Overview of limitation periods and policy considerations.)
https://leb.fbi.gov/articles/featured-articles/statutes-of-limitation-in-sexual-assault-cases
RAINN. “Child Sexual Abuse.” (Signs, effects, and survivor resources.)
https://rainn.org/articles/child-sexual-abuse
Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute (LII). “Multidistrict Litigation (MDL).” (Procedural framework for coordinating similar federal cases.)
https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/multidistrict_litigation
Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute (LII). “Mass Tort.” (Definition and how mass torts differ from class actions.)
https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/mass_tort