Archdiocese of New York Offers $800 Million to Settle Abuse Lawsuits
More than 1,300 plaintiffs would each receive $250,000 under the proposed settlement. All claimants must agree to the terms for any payments to proceed.
catholicnewsagency.comThe Archdiocese of New York has proposed an $800 million settlement to resolve more than 1,300 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by clergy and lay leaders. Under the terms, each plaintiff could accept a one-time payment of $250,000 or seek a higher amount through arbitration after review of individual claims.
The proposal also requires the archdiocese to publish names of clergy and lay leaders credibly accused of abuse on its website and to maintain public records of documented cases at Iona College.
The settlement is contingent on unanimous acceptance by all plaintiffs. If any reject the offer, the archdiocese has indicated it would likely seek bankruptcy protection. Plaintiffs have until an unspecified deadline to decide whether to accept the lump-sum payment or pursue arbitration.
Walker, executive director of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said money alone would not address the issue.
“Money alone is not enough. That whole culture of silence, that hiding behind the shadows, that’s got to stop.”
One plaintiff, now 66, described long-term effects including flashbacks, anxiety, and sleep issues that began after alleged abuse as a teenager in the Bronx.
