January 10, 2006

Abuse payouts reduced

BURLINGTON (KY)
Kentucky.com

By Brett Barrouquere
ASSOCIATED PRESS

BURLINGTON - Attorneys announced a settlement yesterday in a federal lawsuit that would lessen the total amount that could be paid out to alleged victims of sexual abuse in the Covington Diocese.
The settlement in the federal case would mean alleged victims of abuse would receive a total of up to $85 million instead of the $120 million first proposed in the state class-action case, attorneys said.
The federal suit was brought by the diocese against its insurers.
The announcement yesterday was made during a hearing in Boone County Circuit Court in which a judge heard testimony on whether to accept a proposed settlement in the class-action suit. The suit accuses the diocese of a 50-year cover up of sexual abuse by priests and other employees. The judge did not immediately issue a ruling in that case.

Posted by kshaw at January 10, 2006 08:04 AM