Clergy abuse in Delaware: Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, survivors settle suits - Framework would set aside $77.4M to pay abuse claims By SEAN O'SULLIVAN The News Journal February 3, 2011
WILMINGTON -- Attorneys representing the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wilmington and survivors of priest abuse reached a $77.4 million lawsuit settlement Wednesday night following a marathon negotiating session.
Some details are yet to be worked out, but both sides announced around 9 p.m. that a general framework that sets aside $77,425,000 in a trust to pay survivor claims was hammered out along with a number of non-monetary conditions, including the release of files related to abusive priests.
Wilmington Bishop W. Francis Malooly and some survivors of priest sexual abuse were part of the lengthy negotiations.
"After a seven-year fight, we are on our way to a fair compensation for survivors. This is an average payment of $530,000 for each survivor," said attorney Thomas Neuberger, who represents the majority of the approximately 150 plaintiffs with claims against either the diocese or one of its parishes....
"Due to our long court battle, there has now been more public exposure of church child abuse, misdeeds and evil practices here in Delaware than in any other state," Neuberger said. "Due to the public release of secret church archives, which the Official Committee [of survivors] demanded, these records now will permanently see the light of day."
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20110203/NEWS01/102030346/Diocese--survivors-settle-suit
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