WINONA (MN)
Star Tribune [Minneapolis MN]
September 4, 2026
By Trey Mewes
The settlement is expected to involve the more than 145 victims of sexual abuse whose claims had been delayed by the diocese’s 2018 bankruptcy and other factors.
Attorneys for survivors of sexual abuse at the hands of southeast Minnesota priests announced Thursday a $30 million settlement with the Diocese of Winona-Rochester’s largest insurer.
Jeff Anderson & Associates, a St. Paul-based law firm representing clients in clergy sex abuse cases, announced it had reached a deal with U.S. Fire Insurance Company, saying the insurance company had yet to pay out claims in dozens of sex abuse cases filed against the diocese.
“U.S. Fire Insurance denied, delayed, and for business reasons, chose to oppress survivors in bringing closure and making settlements,” attorney Jeff Anderson said in a release. “U.S. Fire and the entire insurance industry is now required to reckon in a way like never before.”
The Minnesota Star Tribune reached out to Anderson and representatives of U.S. Fire Insurance but has not received a response.
The settlement is expected to affect over 145 survivors’ claims in the wake of the diocese’s 2018 bankruptcy.
U.S. Fire Insurance was notably absent from a 2021 settlement agreement involving the diocese and two other insurers for $28 million, according to Anderson & Associates.
Attorneys with Anderson & Associates say U.S. Fire Insurance was liable for paying out claims connected to a series of high-profile sexual abuse cases involving priests at Lourdes High School in Rochester and St. Mary’s Parish and School in Winona that took place in the 1970s.
In three cases decided last year, juries awarded close to $17 million for plaintiffs.
Anderson & Associates also pointed out that a lawsuit on behalf of the diocese’s bankruptcy against the insurance company would have gone forward this month. The suit involved more than $27 million in claims against the diocese on behalf of nine survivors against former priest Thomas Adamson.