New York Catholic Church Agrees to Pay Over $800 Million to Settle Sexual Abuse Claims by 1,300 Victims

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

The Archdiocese of New York has agreed to pay more than $800 million to settle sexual abuse claims filed by about 1,300 people who alleged they were abused by clergy members and other individuals in leadership positions within the Roman Catholic Church.

Lawyers representing the claimants announced the proposed settlement in an email to priests in the archdiocese on Friday, according to The New York Times.

However, the agreement will not be finalised until all the alleged victims, their lawyers and the archdiocese approve the deal, Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks confirmed on Saturday.

“We are on the verge of being able to, please God, bring some measure of healing and reconciliation to all victim-survivors,” Hicks said.

Under the proposed agreement, each claimant would have the option of receiving a lump-sum payment of at least $250,000. Some could receive larger amounts following an assessment of the extent of the abuse they alleged they suffered.

Lawyers representing the claimants warned that the archdiocese could file for bankruptcy if the settlement was rejected. Such a move could result in lower compensation and prolong the legal process for several years.

For claimants who reject the offer, the archdiocese has reportedly negotiated with an insurer to set aside $20 million for them, which would be shared equally among those who decline the settlement.

Paul Mones, a lawyer representing 33 claimants, praised the alleged victims for their persistence in pursuing justice.

He said the settlement could provide survivors with some relief after years of pain and struggle.

Another lawyer, Jordan Merson, whose firm represents 60 claimants, said the agreement would help survivors obtain justice without waiting through a lengthy bankruptcy process.

The archdiocese first proposed the settlement in April, offering claimants a quicker resolution through payments starting at $250,000.

The growing number of sexual abuse claims has also forced other Catholic dioceses, including those in Albany, Rockville Centre and Rochester, to seek bankruptcy protection.