This is the property of the Daily Journal Corporation and fully protected by copyright. It is made available only to Daily Journal subscribers for personal or collaborative purposes and may not be distributed, reproduced, modified, stored or transferred without written permission. Please click "Reprint" to order presentation-ready copies to distribute to clients or use in commercial marketing materials or for permission to post on a website. and copyright (showing year of publication) at the bottom.

Torts
Professional Negligence
Sexual Abuse

John Salberg, Kenneth Archambault, et al. v. San Francisco Archdiocese

Published: Jul. 23, 2005 | Result Date: Apr. 20, 2005 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: DUM0002978 Verdict –  $5,780,000

Court

San Francisco Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Robert L. Mezzetti II

M. Jean Starcevich

Laurence Drivon

Robert M. Tobin


Defendant

James M. Goodman
(Hassard Bonnington LLP)


Facts

The plaintiffs are John Salberg, Kenneth Archambault and two unnamed churchgoers. They claimed that as children, and members of St. Martin Tours Roman Catholic Church in San Jose, they were repeatedly molested by Rev. Joseph Pritchard.

Injuries

The plaintiffs sought compensatory damages for psychological suffering caused by the sexual molestations. They testified to problems with drugs, alcohol and homelessness. The defendant disputed the plaintiffs' claims that the molestations were a substantial factor in their continuing personal problems. For example, it pointed to evidence that one plaintiff also suffered violence at the hands of family members which was the more likely cause of her ongoing problems. The defendant suggested that a total of $1 million for all plaintiffs was appropriate.

Result

The jury awarded plaintiffs $5,780,000.

Other Information

PLEASE PROVIDE THE CASE NUMBER

Deliberation

16 hours

Poll

12-0

Length

three weeks


#93646

For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:

Email jeremy@reprintpros.com for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390