Recently, a jury in Oakland awarded a Survivor $16 million in a clergy abuse case. Because the Oakland Diocese is also in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, many Survivors in the Santa Rosa bankruptcy have asked: “Why can’t my case go to trial too?”
That is an understandable question. For many Survivors, the Chapter 11 process is unfamiliar and confusing. This website is intended to keep Survivors informed and answer common questions about the bankruptcy process.
Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a voluntary legal process that allows the Diocese of Santa Rosa to reorganize its debts and continue operating. When the Diocese filed for bankruptcy, an “automatic stay” immediately went into effect. That stay paused all lawsuits against the Diocese, including clergy abuse cases that had already been filed or were about to be filed.
The Diocese is seeking to resolve all claims through the bankruptcy process rather than through individual trials. As a result, the Official Committee of Survivors is working to negotiate the strongest possible financial settlement for all Survivors.
So why did a case proceed to trial in Oakland?
In some diocesan bankruptcies, including Oakland and Santa Rosa, the bankruptcy court allows a limited number of “stay relief” cases to move forward. These cases help establish how juries may value abuse claims and provide important information to the Diocese and its insurers about potential liability.
Importantly, any recovery from a stay relief case is typically included in the overall settlement process intended to benefit all Survivors. The purpose is not to give special treatment to one Survivor, but to help inform negotiations for everyone.
In Santa Rosa, the Court has authorized three stay relief cases to proceed. These cases require extensive preparation and may take significant time before reaching trial. The first trial may not occur until 2026 or later.
The Committee recognizes the courage of the Survivors involved, who may face intense scrutiny and possible retraumatization during the litigation process. Their efforts may help strengthen negotiations on behalf of all Survivors.
The Official Committee remains actively involved in every aspect of the bankruptcy process and remains committed to pursuing a fair and appropriate resolution for all Survivors.
If you have questions about how the bankruptcy may affect your individual claim, and you are represented by an attorney, please contact your attorney directly. General questions about the bankruptcy process or comments for the Committee may be sent to santarosasurvivors@stinson.com.