BishopAccountability.org
	Court Hearing Begins in SC Roman Catholic Sex Abuse Settlement By Bruce Smith Times and Democrat March 9, 2007 http://www.thetandd.com/articles/2007/03/09/ap-state-sc/d8nopl1o6.txt Charleston, S.C. — Anyone disapproving of a settlement between the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston and victims of sexual abuse by priests and church workers may testify during a court hearing Friday. The diocese, which represents South Carolina's 158,000 Catholics, agreed to designate as much as $12 million to settle abuse claims. Since the amount of money was announced in January, almost 50 people, both alleged victims and family members, have come forward, said attorney David Haller, who worked on the settlement. Circuit Judge Diane Schafer Goodstein held a hearing Friday to listen to any objections to the settlement, which would give abuse victims anywhere from $10,000 to $200,000. Spouses and parents would receive $20,000. Attorneys for both sides said the settlement worked out last year was hotly contested. "The diocese was brought here kicking and screaming," lawyer Larry Richter, who represents the victims, told the judge. An attorney for the diocese agreed the negotiations were contentious but said the work resulted in an agreement. The new settlement allows compensation for abuse victims born before August 30, 1980, a date negotiated to ensure the settlement would cover those who otherwise could not sue because of the state statute of limitations. The diocese 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. Since 1950, the statewide diocese has settled about 50 other sexual abuse claims for roughly $3 million. Those claims involved 28 clergy members or other diocesan employees and are not part of the new settlement.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.