Parker Waichman LLP

L.A. Priest-Abuse Payout Could Soar

L.A. Priest-Abuse Documents. Damages claimed by hundreds of people who say they were sexually abused by Roman Catholic priests could exceed $1.5 billion in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, far more than any other diocese has paid to date, according to newly released documents. That total is based on a request by the lead lawyer […]

L.A. Priest-Abuse

L.A. Priest-Abuse Documents. Damages claimed by hundreds of people who say they were sexually abused by Roman Catholic priests could exceed $1.5 billion in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, far more than any other diocese has paid to date, according to newly released documents.

That total is based on a request by the lead lawyer for plaintiffs that insurers put aside at least $3.1 million per individual claimant to resolve child-molestation cases involving the dioceses of Los Angeles and Orange. There are more than 500 child-molestation claims naming Los Angeles-area priests and 60 more alleging abuse by Diocese of Orange priests.

Sexual-Abuse Lawsuits

A attorney for the plaintiffs says the amount is justified based on jury verdicts and settlements of other clergy sexual-abuse lawsuits across the United States. He says it is also consistent with a Los Angeles judge’s secret valuation of the local claims after a closed evidentiary hearing earlier this year.

The dimensions of those key questions if claimants win, how much they can collect and from whom were revealed last week in letters to the insurers. Most of the proceedings in the consolidated cases, designed to settle once and for all the potential liability for the two dioceses, are held in secret.

The amount that insurers are willing to pay has already emerged as a stumbling block to pretrial settlements in the first wave of cases, the 60 against the Orange Diocese. The claims against the diocese could reach at least $186 million if the $3.1 million-valuation method prevailed.

Need Legal Help Regarding L.A. Priest-Abuse?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

Further sex abuse resources:

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
They were really professional answered all my questions walk me through the end of my case i will surely recomend to my family and friends
Malini Prasad
6 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
They are so friendly is crazy there so into there work they made me feel like family and I live in the mid-west I would recommend them to anybody thanks Parker waichman
Chris Jabouin
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I am very happy and grateful for the assistance to my case from the PARKER WAICHMAN law firm, very efficient and fast in solving my case. Many thanks to MARYAM GALLIZI for her kindness and commitment. 100% recommended.
Sandry Castro
6 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038