Were You Sexually Abused by a Member of the Catholic Church in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s New Law Gives Survivors a Renewed Opportunity to Seek Justice

If you were sexually abused by a priest, clergy member, teacher, volunteer, or another individual affiliated with the Catholic Church in Rhode Island, a new state law may allow you to pursue a civil claim even if the statute of limitations had previously expired.

Beginning July 1, 2026, Rhode Island opened a two-year revival window allowing many survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file claims that were previously time barred. The window is currently scheduled to remain open through June 30, 2028.

Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonanni & Rivers is reviewing potential claims on behalf of Rhode Island survivors. Our attorneys have decades of experience holding powerful institutions accountable when they fail to protect children and other vulnerable individuals. We are committed to helping survivors understand their legal rights with compassion, respect, and discretion.

Meet Megan Bonanni: A Trusted Advocate for Survivors 

Megan Bonanni has dedicated her career to standing up for survivors of sexual abuse and holding powerful institutions accountable when they fail to protect those in their care. She is nationally recognized for her work in high-profile cases, including: 

  • The Larry Nassar litigation, representing over 400 survivors and securing a historic $390 million recovery 

  • The University of Michigan’s Dr. Robert Anderson case, involving more than 1,000 survivors and resulting in a $490 million settlement 

  • Sexual assault claims involving the University of Kentucky swim team, Hillsdale College, Eastern Michigan University, and more 

Megan understands that every survivor's experience is unique. She approaches every case with compassion, discretion, and a commitment to helping clients understand their legal rights while pursuing meaningful accountability through the civil justice system.

“Megan Bonanni is truly one of the most caring and competent people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. She is relentless in her pursuit of justice for her clients and goes above and beyond to build and maintain lasting relationships. I’ve personally known Megan for over five years and have worked with her on multiple court cases. In each one, she consistently advocated for me while also empowering me with the space and tools to advocate for myself. I can’t think of anyone I would trust more as my attorney.”

 — Survivor of the Larry Nassar case

Your Experience Matters

When trusted institutions fail to protect children, coming forward can feel overwhelming. But you deserve to be heard—and to be treated with dignity. Pursuing a civil claim can be a meaningful step toward accountability, healing, and change.

We understand the emotional weight of these cases. We also understand how to hold powerful institutions accountable when they fail to protect those in their care. Our attorneys are committed to guiding survivors through the legal process with compassion, respect, and discretion every step of the way.

What to Expect

  • Free, confidential consultation—no pressure, no obligation

  • Trauma-informed representation from an experienced legal team

  • Discreet case handling to protect your privacy

  • No legal fees unless we win compensation for you

Take the First Step Today

Rhode Island’s new law gives many survivors of childhood sexual abuse a renewed opportunity to pursue justice.

If you believe you may have a claim against the Catholic Church or another institution, contact Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonanni & Rivers today to learn more about your legal rights and options. You are not alone—we are here to listen, support, and advocate for you every step of the way.

  • (248) 398-9800 

  • mbonanni@pittlawpc.com 

  • All inquiries are strictly confidential. 

Contact us.

Please provide your contact information and we’ll move the conversation on from there.

Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonanni & Rivers
117 West 4th Street, Suite 200
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
(248) 398-9800 phone
(248) 268-7996 fax