Associated Press, carried in CBS 2
July 16, 2007
http://cbs2.com/topstories/local_story_197150807.html
Los Angeles — A judge has approved a landmark $660 million settlement between the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles and more than 500 alleged victims of clergy abuse.
 |
| Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Haley Fromholz called the settlement "the right result." |
The deal was formally approved Monday in a dramatic hearing marked by the sobs of victims and their attorneys, and a moment of silence for those victims who died during the years of negotiations.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Haley Fromholz called the settlement "the right result."
The deal came after more than five years of negotiations and is by far the largest payout by any diocese since the clergy abuse scandal emerged in Boston in 2002. The amount averages a little more than one and one-third million dollars per plaintiff, although individual payouts will vary according to the severity and duration of the abuse.
Cardinal Roger Mahony sat through the hearing but did not speak. He issued an apology Sunday after the settlement was announced.
The lead plaintiffs' attorney for alleged victims asked his clients to stand during the hearing and thanked them for their resolve and their courage.
The attorney for the archdiocese, Michael Hennigan, also appeared emotional. He told the court his views of clergy sexual abuse changed dramatically during the years he spent trying to hammer out an agreement. He said private meetings with 70 of the plaintiffs made the most impact.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.