BishopAccountability.org
	S.C. Catholic Diocese to Settle Claims By Bruce Smith Houston Chronicle [Charleston SC] January 26, 2007 http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/4503212.html The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston announced Friday it has agreed to settle child sex abuse claims, designating as much as $12 million for damages. The class-action settlement between the diocese and attorneys representing possible victims has been given initial approval by a judge, said Larry Richter, an attorney for four victims whose claims were settled last year. The church knows of at least eight other victims, although others may come forward, said Peter Shahid Jr., an attorney representing the diocese. Under the new settlement, abuse victims could get anywhere from $10,000 to $200,000 while spouses and parents would receive $20,000. Since 1950, 50 abuse claims involving 28 clergy members or other diocesan employees have been settled for almost $3 million, Shahid said. Those claims were not part of the new settlement. Bishop Robert Baker said he hoped the settlement would bring closure to an ugly period for South Carolina's Catholic community. "I deeply regret the anguish of any individual who has suffered the scourge of childhood abuse and I am firmly committed to a just resolution of any instance in which a person who holds the responsibility of a protector has become a predator," Baker said in a letter published in the diocesan newspaper Friday. The settlement allows compensation for sexual abuse victims born before Aug. 30, 1980, and their spouses and parents. Richter said the 1980 date was negotiated between the attorneys and the diocese, generally to assure the settlement would cover victims who otherwise could not sue under the statute of limitations in South Carolina. "What you find in this area is people can't just be molested and the next day step up to the plate and say 'I'm a victim,'" Richter said. "It's often after a very painful time in life." An arbitrator will validate claims and determine the amount of compensation. A final hearing on the settlement will be held in early March. The diocese said it was encouraging anyone who may have been a victim to contact an attorney. John Barker, chief financial officer for the diocese, said the money would come from insurance, interest on investments and the sale of church property, if needed.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.