TMP Master Class - Personal Injury Litigation

Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass: Representing Survivors of Mormon Church Abuse Nationwide

Survivors of religious institution abuse bear the weight of speaking out against a community that shaped their lives. As such, we approach every survivor with the sensitivity, discretion, and respect these cases demand.

Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass is a national trial firm built for high-stakes, complex litigation. Our attorneys have secured multiple eight-figure verdicts and have tried more than 127 cases to verdict across 36 states. When you work with us, you get a team that investigates every angle of your claim, handles all contact with Church representatives and opposing counsel, and prepares your case for trial from day one.

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The Scope Of The Crisis

What has emerged from investigations and litigation is the story of a system deliberately designed to protect the institution at the expense of the people it was supposed to serve.

Here are some key points:

  • Since 1995, the LDS Church operated a confidential "Bishop Helpline,” a hotline that clergy were instructed to call when members disclosed abuse. Rather than connecting victims to authorities or services, calls were routed to attorneys at the Church's law firm, Kirton McConkie, who invoked the attorney-client privilege to keep the disclosures secret and advised bishops not to contact law enforcement.
  • A landmark Associated Press investigation published in 2022 exposed this system in detail, revealing how the Church employed a risk-management strategy to handle abuse disclosures; they did not consider the victims above all else. Audio recordings obtained by the AP documented Church attorneys advising bishops not to report known abuse to civil authorities, citing clergy-penitent privilege.
  • In 2023, courts in Arizona ruled that the clergy-penitent privilege shielded Church leaders from mandatory reporting requirements—a ruling critics said effectively allowed churches to conceal crimes against children. In one documented case, that legal shield allowed an abuser to continue victimizing his daughters for seven years after bishops first learned of the abuse.

Monumental Victories Nationwide

$32.5 Million Auto Defect Verdict

Florida

$16 Million Non-Fatal Drowning Judgment

Georgia

$12 Million Nursing Home Negligence Settlement

Georgia

$11 Million Negligent Security Settlement

Clark County, Nevada

$10 Million Industrial Accident Verdict

Jefferson County, Alabama

$9 Million Wrongful Death Medical Malpractice Verdict

Alabama

$2,665,000 Settlement

Atlanta, Georgia

What Type Of Legal Claim Is This?

LDS Church abuse claims fall under personal injury tort law, specifically intentional tort and institutional negligence. Depending on the number of plaintiffs, these cases may be structured as mass tort litigation, coordinating individual lawsuits for efficiency while keeping each plaintiff's case and recovery separate.

Negligent Supervision

  • The Church had a duty to supervise the leaders, clergy, and volunteers it placed in positions of authority over members, particularly minors
  • When it failed to implement safeguards, ignored warning signs, or retained individuals known to pose a risk, it became legally liable for the harm that followed

Concealment of Abuse

  • Actively concealing abuse disclosures, routing reports through legal counsel to avoid mandatory reporting requirements, and suppressing evidence constitute independent wrongdoing
  • This is separate from the underlying abuse itself

Breach of Fiduciary Duty

  • A religious institution holds a profound position of trust with its members
  • When Church leaders exploited that trust—or allowed others to exploit it—rather than protect the people in their care, they breached a duty the law recognizes and enforces

Mandatory Reporter Violations

  • In many states, clergy are legally required to report known or suspected child abuse to law enforcement
  • The LDS Church's documented practice of suppressing those reports through its Bishop Helpline system may constitute a direct violation of mandatory reporting laws and a basis for significant liability
Brett Turnbull

Who Can Be Held Liable?

In LDS abuse cases, civil liability can extend well beyond the person who committed the abuse. Parties who may bear legal responsibility include:

  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for systemic negligence and concealment
  • Local leadership, such as the bishops, branch presidents, and stake presidents who received reports and failed to act
  • Church legal entities and subsidiaries that directed or facilitated the suppression of abuse disclosures
  • Individual abusers who committed the acts
  • Any third party whose negligent supervision or failure to report enabled ongoing abuse

What You May Be Entitled to Recover

Survivors of LDS Church abuse may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Past and future medical expenses, including psychological treatment and therapy
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Costs associated with ongoing rehabilitation and counseling

Punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the defendant's conduct was especially egregious, as is often the case when institutions deliberately conceal abuse.

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Do You Have a Valid Claim?

You may be entitled to pursue legal action if you experienced any of the following within an LDS Church context:

  • Sexual abuse or assault by an LDS bishop, branch president, stake president, or other Church leader
  • Abuse committed by a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, or Church volunteer
  • Abuse that occurred at an LDS church building, youth camp, or Church-sponsored activity
  • Abuse that was reported to Church leadership but never referred to law enforcement
  • Abuse that was actively covered up or concealed by Church officials
  • Abuse sustained as a minor participating in LDS youth programs, including Young Men, Young Women, Primary, or similar programs

Statutes of limitations vary by state, and many states have extended or eliminated filing deadlines specifically for childhood sexual abuse claims. Even if the abuse occurred years or decades ago, a valid claim may still exist.

Monsanto’s Liability

In the first trial against Monsanto, it was revealed that they had engaged in discussions concerning “ghostwriting” scientific papers, a process by which scientific documentation is generated and published by the actions of the company itself in order to discredit other organizations who had concluded that Roundup and glyphosate are harmful and carcinogenic.

A number of other questionable practices by Monsanto have been revealed and bring to light a new level of culpability in the fight for justice and compensation to those affected by the brazen disregard for victims who are suffering as a result of exposure to a product Monsanto has deceptively touted as safe for humans.

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Our Roster of Attorneys The Trial Team Insurance Companies Don’t Want on Your Case

Roundup Lawsuits & Mass Tort Litigation

Since the initial trial involving Dewayne Lee Johnson, a cavalcade of legal action has begun to mount against Monsanto and Bayer AG, including trials, settlements, and class action suits, many of which are yet to be filed or are still pending. Ultimately, the fight and pursuit of justice rests in the hands of the courts, plaintiffs and the plaintiff attorneys like Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass who can stand up to a corporation like Monsanto. Monsanto, of course, has extensive resources and no intention of admitting wrongdoing or paying what these claims are worth to the victims. The varying suits that are in progress and victims who have yet to come forward have a number of options to consider when thinking about an acceptable outcome for their case. A claimant could join a class action suit, opt-out of a class action settlement and/or launch their own suit in hopes to litigate or take the case to trial. When you are a claimant or an attorney representing a client whose desired outcome is to litigate their case and take it to trial, it is imperative that a law firm and attorney with the resources, experience, and capability to litigate the claim is selected carefully.

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Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass Roundup Lawsuits & Litigation

Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass is a top choice when you have a client involved in a Roundup lawsuit who wants to litigate their claim, and we do so with the full intention of trying the case in front of a jury to maximize a settlement for compensatory and punitive damages. In litigating complex cases against a defendant such as Monsanto, the size and scope of the case become enormous and you need a law firm with the resources, endurance and dedication to ensure a successful outcome.

In similar cases against Monsanto it has been shown that dozens of depositions have been taken, each with hundreds of hours of preparation, and in one case, Monsanto disclosed over 10 million documents. Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass have the resources to dedicate to pouring through all of this data and effectively applying the necessary facts to the case, which is a monumental task.

Client Testimonials What Our Clients Say

They actually know what they’re doing, and they do it well. Client Injured in Georgia

Came to Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC after working with an attorney who didn’t know what he was doing. Working with Turnbull was a huge breath of fresh air after that experience. They...

Came to Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC after working with an attorney who didn’t know what he was doing. Working with Turnbull was a huge breath of fresh air after that experience. They actually know what they’re doing, and they do it well. They were very communicative and answered my questions in a way I could understand. Thank you!!

This firm has done an outstanding job helping me Client Injured in Alabama

This firm has done an outstanding job helping me with the legal services I needed. They took extremely good care of me and were straight to the point about every par...

This firm has done an outstanding job helping me with the legal services I needed. They took extremely good care of me and were straight to the point about every part of the process. I 10/10 will recommend them to any of my friends or family that may need legal assistance and will use them again myself. Thank y’all so much!

Very caring, very professional Client Injured in Alabama

Very caring, very professional and made me feel like I choose the right people for the job. Anytime I call answered my call right away or call back the same day. Great people.

Everyone at the Firm was extremely helpful and understanding Client Injured in Alabama

The Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC has been recommended to me by my friend and I couldn’t be happier with his choice. Everyone at the Firm was extremely helpful and understanding, check...

The Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC has been recommended to me by my friend and I couldn’t be happier with his choice. Everyone at the Firm was extremely helpful and understanding, checking on me frequently and providing me with all needed information. Will Lattimore is a great attorney and I’m grateful for all the hard work he did on my case. Returning all the calls promptly and going out of his way on many occasions to help with questions and concerns I had with my case. I highly recommend Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC to anyone with legal needs. Again, thank you all, thank you Will for all you did to help me resolve my case.

I really love the expertise of this firm. Client Injured in Georgia

I really love the expertise of this firm. They are forward in the aspect of your case They answered all my questions truthfully, honestly. Being patient with this firm got me great results. I would...

I really love the expertise of this firm. They are forward in the aspect of your case They answered all my questions truthfully, honestly. Being patient with this firm got me great results. I would recommend them to whomever need help. Thank you for all the great and hard work.

In mid-March this year, my car was rearended pretty badly by another car at an intersection here in Atlanta, GA, causing hefty damage to my car and head concussion and neck/spine pain in me. I&rsqu...

In mid-March this year, my car was rearended pretty badly by another car at an intersection here in Atlanta, GA, causing hefty damage to my car and head concussion and neck/spine pain in me. I’ve got the vehicle damage part done by the insurance company but the bodily injury part, I was not happy with their initial offer. So, I have approached Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC company and they have represented me professionally in my case claim. They were able to get me maximum claim, much to my pleasant delight. Thank you attorney Brett Hollett for representing me. Thank you Constance Tidwell, case manager, for keeping me posted regularly and being patient with me.

Turnbull Ĺaw firm was a life saving for me and my family. The work ethic, the soft but very firm hand handling the case and the reassurance and constant comunicación we had always made me feel I had s...

Turnbull Ĺaw firm was a life saving for me and my family. The work ethic, the soft but very firm hand handling the case and the reassurance and constant comunicación we had always made me feel I had some control even though I had none. I am more than please grateful and satisfied with the representation I received. I got a compensation above what would of been spected. Thank you very much. I hope I never have to use your services again but if in the case of I would not go anywhere else for legal representation. Thank you very much.

I had never hired a lawyer prior to this experience. I was extremely nervous and overwhelmed with the process of choosing one. Will came recommended from several sources I reached out to. He made the ...

I had never hired a lawyer prior to this experience. I was extremely nervous and overwhelmed with the process of choosing one. Will came recommended from several sources I reached out to. He made the process so easy and gave me peace of mind through out our experience. Will was very professional on the business end and made me feel like I had a friend on my side during the entire process. He genuinely cared and went above and beyond by explaining every part of the process during my case. Always working around my unpredictable schedule. He was not only a fantastic lawyer, he was a great human being as well! I highly recommend his services!

Bobby and Whitney were absolutely compassionate and very helpful. We had a very difficult case, but Bobby went above and beyond to take it and get us justice. He was always available if I needed a que...

Bobby and Whitney were absolutely compassionate and very helpful. We had a very difficult case, but Bobby went above and beyond to take it and get us justice. He was always available if I needed a question answered or just for support. I highly recommend them over all these other big time advertising lawyers. He took our case when no one else would… he is really an angel in a suit. Thank you Bobby and Whitney..

Will Lattimore was extremely responsive, an excellent communicator, very professional, has high integrity, and did what he said he was going to do. I highly recommend Will and his firm if you have a l...

Will Lattimore was extremely responsive, an excellent communicator, very professional, has high integrity, and did what he said he was going to do. I highly recommend Will and his firm if you have a legal matter you need help with. I absolutely recommend him and his firm to anyone in need of an attorney that will work hard and get results without any hassle.

My initial feeling after speaking with Ashley was relief; I was confident she had what it took to get the absolute best outcome in our fight for justice for our little man! There was never a moment I ...

My initial feeling after speaking with Ashley was relief; I was confident she had what it took to get the absolute best outcome in our fight for justice for our little man! There was never a moment I felt in the dark, didn’t understand something, or couldn’t reach her to answer any question or concern. She always expressed a genuine concern, care, and love in fighting for what was the best interest of our son and us as a family. Ashley is highly proficient and knowledgeable in what she does and exceeded our expectations every step of the way. She is truly one BADASS attorney and Superwoman got nothing on her!!

There are no words that can express how thankful I am for Drew Haskins and the team at Turnbull Law. Over the last two years, they constantly fought for me, stayed honest, and continued checking on my...

There are no words that can express how thankful I am for Drew Haskins and the team at Turnbull Law. Over the last two years, they constantly fought for me, stayed honest, and continued checking on my well-being during my recovery. I would recommend them to anyone that needs honest, genuine representation.

Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass ,PC is an amazing law firm they are very professional and are always checking to see if you okay, keeping you informed on how your case is going it’s not enou...

Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass ,PC is an amazing law firm they are very professional and are always checking to see if you okay, keeping you informed on how your case is going it’s not enough stars on the board to score how good they are…

Courteous, Tenacious, Professional and attention to detail Client

Courteous, Tenacious, Professional and attention to detail in a calming manner is how I would describe Will Lattimore, the attorney assigned to me. I had a major surgical procedure done last year t...

Courteous, Tenacious, Professional and attention to detail in a calming manner is how I would describe Will Lattimore, the attorney assigned to me. I had a major surgical procedure done last year that went wrong and left me not as I was. I contacted all the major billboard and TV attorneys and no one was interested. I assume it was not drastic enough for them. I was referred by a friend to Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass. From the beginning we met, Will, was very thorough in explaining how all will transpire in a timely manner. Patience, was the key, as it took a year for all the moving parts to work. During this time, I was contacted with steps and details being handled. I would highly recommend Will and this firm should you need legal representation.

I had a problem getting a big insurance company to pay me for one of their clients mistake. They refused to. But within a few days of my having hired Turnbull law firm, the insurance company changed t...

I had a problem getting a big insurance company to pay me for one of their clients mistake. They refused to. But within a few days of my having hired Turnbull law firm, the insurance company changed their tune. Thank you Will and the whole firm. I was able to focus on getting myself healed. If I need another attorney I’ll be back!

So thankful I went with Turnbull Law Firm Client Injured in Alabama

So thankful I went with Turnbull Law Firm to represent me during my time of need. Will Lattimore went above and beyond during the whole process. He was eager to come to my house when I wasn’t...

So thankful I went with Turnbull Law Firm to represent me during my time of need. Will Lattimore went above and beyond during the whole process. He was eager to come to my house when I wasn’t able to travel and made everything so easy. He was always a phone call or text away and made himself available to me easily. He was successful at his job and I highly recommend their law firm and would use them again if necessary.

Thank you for all you did for my family !!!! You all were very kind ! And treated me with respect and was very knowledgeable about the case the whole time ! I have recommended you all to my friends an...

Thank you for all you did for my family !!!! You all were very kind ! And treated me with respect and was very knowledgeable about the case the whole time ! I have recommended you all to my friends and family ! Thank you .Thanks for treating me like family !

Hands down the best I’ve dealt with by far and definitely got me back way more than expected and I’m highly grateful of the results their communication skills with me on my settlement was very consist...

Hands down the best I’ve dealt with by far and definitely got me back way more than expected and I’m highly grateful of the results their communication skills with me on my settlement was very consistent and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this firm thank you guys a lot !!!!!

Ashley Mitchell is highly knowledgeable and dealt with the defense attorney with ease. She is an excellent representative for legal services and I highly recommend her.

Omg guys….First of all-thank you so much! Second of all- just one” thanks” is not enough !! I worked with a few attorneys and law firms in my life, but it’s probably the se...

Omg guys….First of all-thank you so much! Second of all- just one” thanks” is not enough !! I worked with a few attorneys and law firms in my life, but it’s probably the second time when I am leaving a great review and I’m not fearful of saying that they do a great job. Drew-I would like to thank you personally once again bc of the way how quickly you did your homework and even tho we didn’t get to work with each other that much due to my case – I have already gotten a lot of great advices from you and your team. 

If you are looking for a law firm to represent you for an injury, brain injury case in a daycare like we did, then you should highly consider the attorneys at Turnbull, Moak and Pendergrass. We wer...

If you are looking for a law firm to represent you for an injury, brain injury case in a daycare like we did, then you should highly consider the attorneys at Turnbull, Moak and Pendergrass. We were very fortunate to have Ashley Mitchell take care of us from start to finish. She is very thorough and attentive to details. She cared about seeking justice for our son who was involved in a TBI from a negligent daycare center. Ashley has put forth so much effort and hard work into this case to get the outcome that our son deserved. If you are looking for a firm to represent and get you justice in a case involving you or your loved one then we recommend Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass.

Thank you so much for all of your help Client Injured in Alabama

After my car accident in 2020 life for my family turned upside-down. Everything, every movement every action took so much effort and thought, nothing about our life was easy anymore. I hired Tim Ho...

After my car accident in 2020 life for my family turned upside-down. Everything, every movement every action took so much effort and thought, nothing about our life was easy anymore. I hired Tim Holdefer the 1st day we met, then he later on introduced us to Bobby at Turnbull to represent us in court. From the 1st conversations with Ashley on the phone I instantly felt cared for. I felt like my story mattered an I felt heard. Every step of the way they were by my side until we settled. Truly if my family, friends or I ever need a lawyer again for any reason I trust that if they can’t help, they will Send me to some one who will treat us equally as good… Thank you so much for all of your help, my family will never forget you all..

So incredibly kind, hardworking, and intentional. You’ll leave with a smile, a wave, and knowing they got the job done. Thanks again peeps

I’ve had a great experience with this law firm. Client Injured in Alabama

I’ve had a great experience with this law firm. They kept me updated throughout the process and answered all of my questions in a timely fashion. Would definitely recommend them.

If you are seeking a great law firm this one is highly recommended. Clients from Georgia

We heard about Ashley through word of mouth and I am so happy we did! She has been absolutely phenomenal to work with. My parents passed away in a trucking accident and through a devastating time A...

We heard about Ashley through word of mouth and I am so happy we did! She has been absolutely phenomenal to work with. My parents passed away in a trucking accident and through a devastating time Ashley stood by our side. She even came to New York for my parents funeral. She is a stand up person. She got us the outcome we wanted. She has been there every step of the way to help my family (she even listened to us cry a few times). If you are seeking a great law firm this one is highly recommended. Even further I recommend you asking for Ashley Mitchell to work your case. Ashley made it so that my family can open a homeless shelter in our parents name so they will never be forgotten. Ashley, from the bottom of mine, Coby and Sandra’s hearts we thank you tremendously.

I really love the expertise of this firm. Client Injured in Georgia

I really love the expertise of this firm. They are forward in the aspect of your case They answered all my questions truthfully, honestly. Being patient with this firm got me great results. I would...

I really love the expertise of this firm. They are forward in the aspect of your case They answered all my questions truthfully, honestly. Being patient with this firm got me great results. I would recommend them to whomever need help. Thank you for all the great and hard work.

This law firm is absolutely by far the best ever in my eyes. I am so thankful to have been able to work with you’all through this journey. I couldn’t of asked for a better group people to be on my sid...

This law firm is absolutely by far the best ever in my eyes. I am so thankful to have been able to work with you’all through this journey. I couldn’t of asked for a better group people to be on my side. Again words can’t explain how much I sincerely appreciate every little thing you guys have done… Thank you so much for such an amazing outcome.

The Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC has been recommended to me by my friend and I couldn’t be happier with his choice. Everyone at the Firm was extremely helpful and understanding, check...

The Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC has been recommended to me by my friend and I couldn’t be happier with his choice. Everyone at the Firm was extremely helpful and understanding, checking on me frequently and providing me with all needed information. Will Lattimore is a great attorney and I’m grateful for all the hard work he did on my case. Returning all the calls promptly and going out of his way on many occasions to help with questions and concerns I had with my case. I highly recommend Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC to anyone with legal needs. Again, thank you all, thank you Will for all you did to help me resolve my case.

Very caring very professional and made me feel like I choose the right people for the job. Anytime I call answered my call right away or call back the same day. Great people.

This firm has done an outstanding job helping me with the legal services I needed. They took extremely good care of me and were straight to the point about every part of the process. I 10/10 will reco...

This firm has done an outstanding job helping me with the legal services I needed. They took extremely good care of me and were straight to the point about every part of the process. I 10/10 will recommend them to any of my friends or family that may need legal assistance and will use them again myself. Thank y’all so much!

I had a problem getting a big insurance company to pay me for one of their client’s mistake. They refused to. But within a few days of my having hired Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC, th...

I had a problem getting a big insurance company to pay me for one of their client’s mistake. They refused to. But within a few days of my having hired Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, PC, the insurance company changed their tune. Thank you, Will, and the whole firm. I was able to focus on getting myself healed. If I need another attorney I’ll be back!

When the pressure is on, you want these guys in your corner. Rustin Smith, Smith Hulsey Law

Nationally-recognized trial lawyers who handle high stakes personal injury, products liability, mass tort, and medical malpractice cases. When the pressure is on, you want these guys in your corner...

Nationally-recognized trial lawyers who handle high stakes personal injury, products liability, mass tort, and medical malpractice cases. When the pressure is on, you want these guys in your corner.

They were timely, well prepared and a class act. Ed Ortega, Esq.

They were timely, well prepared and a class act. They had a good in-depth understanding of the facts of the case and communicated well to the jury.

I’ve seen them take on the biggest companies and win big for their clients. National Trial Consultant

As a national trial consultant, I know good lawyers, and these lawyers are some of the very best I’ve seen. I’ve seen them take on the biggest companies and win big for their clients.

As a national trial consultant, I know good lawyers, and these lawyers are some of the very best I’ve seen. I’ve seen them take on the biggest companies and win big for their clients.

What’s next?

If you are an attorney who is currently representing a client who wants to further litigate their claim against Monsanto and take it to trial, then you are in the right place. If your client has decided to opt-out of a class action settlement, your search ends here. Simply call us at (888) 488-9616 or contact us on our website to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a highly qualified trial attorney to discuss how we can help and take your case to the next level.

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