Judge approves $85 million sex abuse settlement in Kentucky diocese

Published: 2006-02-01

BURLINGTON, Ky. (CNS) -- Boone Circuit Court Senior Judge John W. Potter approved an $85 million settlement Jan. 31 between the Covington Diocese and 382 plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit over clergy sexual abuse of minors. "We hope that this class settlement can promote healing both for the many victims who were abused and for the diocese itself," diocesan spokesman Tim Fitzgerald said. In his 15-page order approving the settlement, Potter said he found it a "fair, reasonable and adequate" way of providing counseling and compensation for injury to current claimants with an additional set-aside for possible future claimants. The Covington Diocese is to provide up to $40 million of the fund. Its insurers are to provide up to $45 million. Under the agreement victims are to receive awards ranging from $5,000 to $450,000 under a four-tier system based on the severity of the abuse.

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