New Orleans Clergy Abuse Survivors Outraged Over Payouts

NEW ORLEANS, La. Survivors of clergy sexual abuse connected to the Archdiocese of New Orleans are expressing anger after learning how much they could receive from a massive settlement intended to resolve hundreds of abuse claims.

The settlement totals approximately $305 million, but individual payments are being determined through a points system that evaluates each claim based on factors including the type of abuse and its impact on the survivor.

More than 800 claims reportedly received point allocations. The maximum allocation of 100 points is currently estimated to result in a payment of approximately $641,000.

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Some survivors say they expected substantially more considering the severity of the abuse they reported.

The process is also drawing criticism because survivors who disagree with their point allocation have 30 days to request reconsideration and are required to pay a $1,000 fee to do so.

More than 100 claims reportedly received zero points, including claims determined to involve individuals or organizations outside the scope of the Archdiocese settlement.

The settlement stems from the Archdiocese’s bankruptcy case, which began in 2020 amid hundreds of sexual abuse claims involving clergy and other individuals connected to Catholic institutions.

The settlement fund has been fully funded, but the process of determining exactly how that money will be divided among survivors has continued for months.

Several survivors are now publicly questioning whether the process is fair, particularly after receiving their individual allocations this week.

Also reported by: WWL-TV.