The Archdiocese of New Orleans (AON) is nearing resolution of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings filed in 2020, largely due to hundreds of sexual abuse claims by survivors of clergy and church personnel.
As part of this, a significant settlement plan was negotiated. The proposed payout trust is initially estimated at roughly $179 million and later increases to as much as $220 million or more for survivors. The deal also includes non-monetary protections:
- Public archives of abuse-related documents
- Binding child-protection reforms within the Archdiocese
- “Survivors’ Bill of Rights,” and oversight for compliance.
Survivors who filed claims in the bankruptcy were given ballots to vote on whether to approve the plan, with a deadline of October 29, 2025.
Why This Matters (Especially for Louisiana Survivors)
Local Law Changes Enable Filings
Louisiana’s legislature passed a law in 2021 removing certain statute-of-limitations barriers for older abuse claims, allowing more survivors to bring civil claims even decades after the fact.
Stronger Transparency & Protections
For survivors, beyond monetary compensation, this settlement represents a shift toward transparency: making files public, involving outside oversight, and codifying rights for survivors. These are meaningful changes in a state-law context where abuse claims historically faced obstacles.
What Settlement Means in a Personal Injury Context
If you are a survivor of abuse, you are dealing with a personal injury claim: bodily injury, trauma, and emotional distress, often long after the event. This settlement indicates:
- A recognition by the Archdiocese of liability exposure.
- Bankruptcy as a forum for resolution, but one that may limit individual lawsuits.
- Rights to pursue separate civil suits depend on eligibility and plan terms.
Key Considerations for Survivors & Their Lawyers
- Check your eligibility: Ensure you filed a proof of claim in the bankruptcy case.
- Understand the claim value: Payments are based on a point system depending on severity and circumstances.
- Review non-monetary protections: Oversight and reform measures are vital for long-term accountability.
- Consider civil litigation alternatives: Some settlements release the Archdiocese from future lawsuits; understand your rights before accepting.
- Act timely: Filing deadlines are strict — delay can forfeit your rights.
- Address emotional injury: A qualified attorney can ensure that compensation reflects both financial and psychological harm.
What This Means for You If You’re a Survivor in Louisiana
If you were abused by clergy or in a church-affiliated institution in Louisiana:
- You may be eligible under the settlement trust if you filed a claim.
- You may still be able to pursue a civil lawsuit depending on the plan language.
- You deserve counsel who understands both abuse law and Louisiana’s unique civil law system.
- You are not alone; legal and emotional support are available.
FAQ
Q: If I was abused decades ago, can I still file a claim under this settlement?
A: Possibly. Louisiana’s 2021 law removed many prior limitations, and the Archdiocese’s plan may include older cases. However, review the specific eligibility deadlines carefully.
Q: Does voting in the bankruptcy settlement mean I give up my civil-suit rights?
A: Possibly. Many bankruptcy plans include releases that prevent further suits against the debtor. Seek legal advice before submitting a claim or vote.
Q: What happens if the settlement is rejected?
A: If survivors reject the plan, the Archdiocese could emerge without a settlement, forcing survivors into separate lawsuits that can be lengthier and more uncertain.
Q: I live in Baton Rouge or South Louisiana — does this apply to me?
A: Yes. The Archdiocese covers multiple parishes in South Louisiana, and a local Louisiana personal injury attorney can assess your specific eligibility.
Contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse by clergy or church-affiliated personnel in Louisiana, call Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers today to discuss your rights and case. You deserve to be heard and to find justice.
We proudly serve East Baton Rouge Parish, Lafayette Parish, Orleans Parish, and their surrounding areas:
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Baton Rouge Office
404 Europe Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70124
(225) 263-4787
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – New Orleans Office
365 Canal Street Suite 415
New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130
(504) 294-3804
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Lafayette Office
1318 Camellia Boulevard Suite 206
Lafayette, Louisiana, 70508
(337) 473-2991
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Metairie Office
111 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Suite 255
Metairie, Louisiana, 70005
(888) 601-0127