SPRINGFIELD (MA)
Telegram & Gazette
The Associated Press
SPRINGFIELD, Mass.— About 30 clergy sex abuse victims with claims pending against the Diocese of Springfield may have to wait up to two years before settling, a judge says.
At a court hearing on Thursday to determine the status of unresolved civil suits against the diocese, Hampden Superior Judge John A. Agostini issued a stay on continuing litigation on the suits while the diocese pursues legal action to determine the obligation of insurance carriers in paying for settlements.
"It's not going to be a few weeks or a few months, it may take a long time," said Agostini, who previously stated it could be a year or two to settle the insurance issues.
One alleged victim with a pending suit against the Roman Catholic diocese, Paul M. Herrick of Springfield, Vt., said he is disappointed but plans to stick it out.
"People don't understand that the diocese has given us promises and they have broken them all. None of their deadlines have been met," Herrick told The Republican of Springfield.