A Survivor in New York was recently awarded $30 million by Supreme Court Justice Meagan K. Galligan.  Represented by Pfau Cochran Vertitis Amala, the Survivor was abused at a Boy Scout Camp by the defendant who was unlawfully posing as a doctor.   Details of this case can be read via this link.  Please be aware that details may be difficult to read and re-traumatizing for some Survivors.  From that article, Ben Watson an attorney representing the Survivor commented “This verdict is a major victory for Mr. Pringle and for survivors across New York.  It also sends a clear message to any individual or institution that believes they can get away with the sexual abuse of children: the law will hold you accountable.”

The Official Committee of Survivors of Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Santa Rosa bankruptcy has been fully engaged in this bankruptcy process and is sharing this update:

1. Mediation is ongoing with full Committee involvement.  Throughout previous months the Committee has been engaged in discussions with the mediators and representatives of both the Diocese and Hannah Boys Center.  These meetings continue to follow the principles of “Mediation Confidentiality,” and allows the parties to negotiate and discuss issues confidentially as they seek resolution to this bankruptcy.  The Committee understands that some Survivors may be frustrated that more details of the mediation sessions can’t be shared.  This website will continue to be updated whenever possible, to include significant Court decisions.

2. The Diocese of Santa Rosa has proposed the sale of property located on Spring Street in Hopland, CA for $275,000. The proceeds will stay with the Diocese until the case is resolved.   In consultation with Stout, our real estate advisors, this sale would be within the range of reasonable value for the property, so the Committee is not objecting.  The Committee will continue to review all proposed real estate sales to ensure that the maximum amount will be available to Survivors in a bankruptcy settlement.

In what is a victory for all Survivors who find themselves part of a Diocese bankruptcy, a Survivor abused by a Diocese of Winona NY priest has been awarded $7.6 million by a jury.  This is an important development because the defendant in the lawsuit was US Fire Insurance, an insurer who chose not to settle with the Official Committee of Survivors in the Winona bankruptcy.  Now, that insurer is liable for this settlement and the costs associated with its defense.  Further information regarding the Winona decision can be found at Survivor Abused by Diocese of Winona Priest Sees Victory in the Courtroom, Awarded $7.6 Million – Jeff Anderson and Associates