Brooklyn Diocese to pursue global settlement of child sexual abuse cases, though victims' lawyers hesitant * Brooklyn Paper

"Approximately 1,100 child sexual abuse cases remain pending against diocese clergy and staff after thousands filed suit under the Child Victims Act, the state's lookback window temporarily removing the statute of limitations to sue over sexual assault. Since 2017, the Diocese of Brooklyn has paid more than $100 million to more than 500 victims of sexual assault in the church. The purported forthcoming settlement could be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, the diocese said."

"On Thursday, Bishop Robert J. Brennan said it was after speaking with the attorneys of victims that the diocese wanted to enter a global settlement in order to "expeditiously resolve" claims and avoid the time, expense and emotional strain for survivors that accompany individual trials. Brennan said he had agreed with the attorneys for hundreds of victims to retain mediators."

"However, attorneys at PCVA Law, which represents 50 victims and is not part of the "victim liaison committee," said they have had no discussions with the diocese about a settlement, calling it a "pseudo-offer" and saying their clients were left "completely in the dark." "This is nothing short of a PR stunt masquerading as a settlement offer," Anelga Doumanian, a partner at PCVA Law, said in a statement. "For years, the Brooklyn Diocese has fought tooth and nail to delay justice""

Approximately 1,100 child sexual abuse cases remain pending against Diocese of Brooklyn clergy and staff after thousands filed suit under the Child Victims Act. Since 2017 the diocese has paid more than $100 million to over 500 victims. The diocese said a global settlement could total in the hundreds of millions. Bishop Robert J. Brennan said the diocese wants a global settlement to "expeditiously resolve" claims, avoid trials and associated strain, and agreed with attorneys for hundreds of victims to retain mediators. PCVA Law, representing 50 victims and not on a victim liaison committee, said it had no settlement discussions, called the offer a "pseudo-offer," and said clients were "completely in the dark."

Read at Brooklyn Paper