News Summary
The Archdiocese of New Orleans has proposed a $230 million settlement for survivors of clergy sexual abuse, increasing from an earlier offer of $180 million. This proposal comes after five years of negotiations and allows for individual payments based on the severity of abuse. Lawyers representing victims advocate for a figure closer to $300 million, referencing previous settlements in similar cases. The proposed settlement is pending survivor approval by October 29 and includes commitments to stricter child protection measures.
New Orleans – The Archdiocese of New Orleans has proposed a substantial settlement of $230 million for survivors of clergy sexual abuse, an increase from the initial offer of $180 million made earlier this year. This announcement was made on September 8, 2023, and marks a critical step in addressing the long-standing issues surrounding sexual abuse claims within the church. Attorneys representing approximately 200 of the 660 claimants have encouraged their clients to accept this new settlement offer.
The increase in the settlement amount comes as a result of the archdiocese securing a buyer for Christopher Homes, a property valued at $50 million that has been providing affordable housing and assisted living for low-income individuals for the past fifty years. This financial maneuver has allowed the archdiocese to enhance its compensation package for the survivors, showing a commitment to addressing the impact of the abuse more comprehensively.
Legal representatives for the victims, including attorney Richard Trahant, originally deemed the first settlement offer as “dead on arrival.” They have been advocating for a total closer to $300 million, referencing a recent settlement by the Diocese of Rockville Centre in New York, which agreed to a payout of $323 million in 2024. Historical data from significant settlements in related cases illustrates that attorneys can receive substantial portions of total payouts; in the Rockville Centre case, they received approximately 30% of the total, which adds up to around $96.9 million.
In another major case, the Los Angeles Archdiocese settled for $660 million in 2007, with attorney fees ranging from $165 million to $217.8 million, which accounts for about 25% to 33% of the total settlement involved. In Louisiana, the proposed settlement details include a point system designed to determine individual payment amounts based on various factors related to each claim, including the nature of the alleged abuse and the victim’s personal impact, assessed by a court-appointed trustee and an independent claims administrator.
This proposed settlement comes after five years of negotiations in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, where the Archdiocese filed for bankruptcy in May 2020 in response to the increasing sexual abuse claims, which have led to growing public and legal scrutiny over the Church’s past handling of abuse allegations. The settlement must receive approval from the survivors by October 29; if not, the bankruptcy case may be dismissed, potentially leading to individual lawsuits.
In 2021, the Louisiana Legislature eliminated the statute of limitations for civil claims related to the sexual abuse of minors, allowing survivors the ability to pursue cases indefinitely for abuse occurring from June 14, 1992, onward. This legislative change was upheld by the Louisiana Supreme Court in June 2024, reinforcing the rights of victims and enabling them to seek recourse through civil litigation.
In addition to the financial settlement, the Archdiocese has pledged to implement stricter child protection measures and develop a public database regarding past abuse cases and known offenders. However, some survivors assert that while any financial compensation is appreciated, it cannot truly reflect the trauma and lasting effects they have endured. These individuals stress the necessity for accountability and significant changes in the Church’s procedures regarding abuse prevention.
As the situation develops, many will be watching closely to see how the proposed settlement unfolds and its broader implications for the Archdiocese and its commitment to supporting the survivors of clergy sexual abuse.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Clergy Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church
- The Guardian
- Google Search: Clergy Sexual Abuse Settlement
- NOLA.com
- Google Scholar: Clergy Sexual Abuse Compensation
- Catholic News Agency
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Clergy Sexual Abuse
- Fox 8 Live
- Google News: Archdiocese of New Orleans Settlement
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NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
