Last year, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee filed for bankruptcy protection, stating that sexual abuse lawsuits against it could lead to debts that it could not afford. The bankruptcy court set February 1 as the deadline for claims to be filed against the Archdiocese. Before this deadline, approximately 550 clergy sex abuse claims were filed. In fact, one priest was accused of abusing around 200 boys at a suburban school for deaf students over a 24 year period.
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee has already paid more than $30 million to settle clergy sex abuse claims. Sadly, the number of victims and size of these settlements demonstrate the pervasiveness of the abuse and the crippling harm that it has caused so many people.
Although it is unfortunate that this deadline had to be set, I am glad to see that 550 victims had the courage to come forward. If you are a victim of sexual abuse or are inquiring on behalf of a friend or family member who has suffered a sexual assault, contact experienced trial lawyers immediately to confidentially discuss your claims.
