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	Attorney: 50 Come Forward in SC Roman Catholic Sex Abuse By Bruce Smith Associated Press, carried in Myrtle Beach Sun News March 8, 2007 http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/myrtlebeachonline/16861448.htm Charleston, S.C. — Nearly 50 people have come forward since the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston announced it would set aside as much as $12 million to settle claims of sexual abuse by priests and church workers, an attorney said Thursday. The diocese has since 1950 settled about 50 sexual abuse claims for roughly $3 million. About four dozen people have contacted attorneys since a class-action settlement was announced in January, said attorney David Haller, who worked on the agreement on behalf of abuse victims. "At least from what they have told us, they seem to be legitimate," Haller said. Those who have recently come forward are alleged victims and family members. He would not say exactly how many abuse victims have come forward. Steve Gajdosik, a spokesman for the statewide diocese of 158,000 Catholics, would not comment on the figures. The previous 50 abuse claims involved 28 clergy members or other diocesan employees, church officials have said. Those claims are not part of the new settlement. Word of the new possible victims came a day before a scheduled court hearing to review any objections to the settlement. When it was announced publicly in January, church officials said they knew of at least eight other victims, but expected more to come forward. Circuit Judge Diane Schafer Goodstein scheduled a hearing for Friday on the settlement, which would grant abuse victims anywhere from $10,000 to $200,000 while spouses and parents would receive $20,000. Haller said the court is expected to hear at least one objection the settlement amounts for each victim should be higher. The judge is expected to set a deadline for victims to file claims. There is no deadline in the settlement, but attorneys are suggesting July 17, Haller said. The settlement allows victims to have their claims heard without individually suing the diocese. When a claim is filed, it will be reviewed and sent to an arbitrator who issues the award. There is no requirement to take part in the settlement and those who opt out can bring their own lawsuits, Haller said. The settlement allows compensation for abuse victims born before August 30, 1980, a date negotiated to assure the settlement would cover those who otherwise could not sue because of the state statute of limitations. The diocese has agreed to set up an initial pool of $5 million to cover claims and will have a second pool of $7 million if needed. The $12 million was agreed on by reviewing similar settlements across the country. John Barker, the diocese's chief financial officer, has said the money will come from insurance, investment interest and, if needed, selling church property.
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