A Survivor in New York was recently awarded $30 million by Supreme Court Justice Meagan K. Galligan.  Represented by Pfau Cochran Vertitis Amala, the Survivor was abused at a Boy Scout Camp by the defendant who was unlawfully posing as a doctor.   Details of this case can be read via this link.  Please be aware that details may be difficult to read and re-traumatizing for some Survivors.  From that article, Ben Watson an attorney representing the Survivor commented “This verdict is a major victory for Mr. Pringle and for survivors across New York.  It also sends a clear message to any individual or institution that believes they can get away with the sexual abuse of children: the law will hold you accountable.”

The first day of the confirmation hearing in the Syracuse Diocese bankruptcy was held on July 2, 2025.  This is a positive step in reaching the resolution of this bankruptcy.  Of note, shortly before the hearing started the Official Committee of Survivors and the Traveler’s Insurance Company agreed on a $15 million settlement.  This brings a total of nearly $180 Million in financial settlements reached to date.  As well, the Diocese has agreed to the Committee’s robust child protection measures.  Because of the late settlement with Travelers, it became necessary to revise the settlement documents prior to final confirmation.  To do that, the proceedings will continue on August 27.  While the delay may be frustrating, it isn’t uncommon in complex bankruptcies.  The Committee remains hopeful that this settlement plan, which is overwhelmingly supported by Survivors, will be approved. 

In what is a victory for all Survivors who find themselves part of a Diocese bankruptcy, a Survivor abused by a Diocese of Winona NY priest has been awarded $7.6 million by a jury.  This is an important development because the defendant in the lawsuit was US Fire Insurance, an insurer who chose not to settle with the Official Committee of Survivors in the Winona bankruptcy.  Now, that insurer is liable for this settlement and the costs associated with its defense.  Further information regarding the Winona decision can be found at Survivor Abused by Diocese of Winona Priest Sees Victory in the Courtroom, Awarded $7.6 Million – Jeff Anderson and Associates

The Court continued the confirmation hearing to July 2, 2025 to allow the parties additional time to document the insurance settlement agreements that have been achieved and related plan amendments. It is anticipated that the Court will decide whether to approve the plan at that hearing or soon thereafter. The Committee continues to work as hard as it can to achieve confirmation of the plan in accordance with the bankruptcy code to bring a resolution to survivors as soon as possible.