S.C. diocese, lawyers agree to mediated settlements on abuse claims

Published: 2007-01-30

CHARLESTON, S.C. (CNS) -- The Diocese of Charleston and Richter and Haller LLC, the law firm representing alleged victims of clergy sexual abuse, have agreed to reach mediated settlements of abuse claims. Bishop Robert J. Baker announced the decision Jan. 25 in a letter to South Carolina Catholics in The Catholic Miscellany, the diocesan newspaper, and held a press conference Jan. 26. It has the preliminary approval of the Dorchester County Court of Common Pleas and awaits final approval based on a March 9 fairness hearing. "I deeply regret the anguish of any individual who has suffered the scourge of childhood abuse and am firmly committed to a just resolution of any instance in which a person who holds the responsibility of protector has become a predator," Bishop Baker said in his letter. Two classes of claimants will be formed. The first class includes all individuals born on or before Aug. 30, 1980, who claim they were sexually abused as minors by agents of the Diocese of Charleston. The second class includes spouses and parents of those victims. The monetary range is $10,000-$200,000 for first-class settlements and a set amount of $20,000 per claimant for the second class. Those who agree to settle will not be able to make future legal claims against the diocese.

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