BUFFALO (NY)
WKBW [Buffalo NY]
April 22, 2025
By WKBW News Staff
The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo has reached a $150 million settlement with more than 800 survivors of sexual abuse.
The settlement involves parishes and schools connected to decades of abuse by clergy, lay employees, religious and volunteers within the eight counties of Western New York. Although the settlement amount still needs creditor vote and court approval, it has been accepted by the Committee, meaning each survivor would receive about $187,000.
“This settlement in principle between the Committee and the Diocese represents an essential milestone on this protracted and arduous journey, and importantly, enables us to finally provide a measure of financial restitution to victim-survivors, which has been our primary objective all along,” explained Bishop Michael W. Fisher. “While indeed a steep sum, no amount of money can undo the tremendous harm and suffering the victim survivors have endured, or eliminate the lingering mental, emotional, and spiritual pain they have been forced to carry throughout their lives.”
That $150 million settlement does not include the insurance companies. Mediation between insurance companies and survivors starts Tuesday, which could result in even more money for those survivors.
That hearing is set to take place on Tuesday at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Bishop Michael Fisher was asked about the settlement and what he would say to Western New Yorkers on Voices on Monday evening:
“Have patience, be hopeful, certainly I’m still under the mediation privilege here, but there will be more to come.”
Embedded below are documents filed Monday in the United States Bankruptcy Court: Please see original article for court document