Clergy Abuse Settlement Calculator
Clergy sexual abuse settlements vary by diocese bankruptcy plans and tier system. Lookback windows, age-revival statutes, and victim demographics drive values.
| Medical specials (current + future) | — |
| Lost wages (current + future) | — |
| Pain and suffering (multiplier × specials) | — |
| Gross damages | — |
| Comparative negligence reduction | — |
| Settlement after fault | — |
| Attorney fee | — |
| Plaintiff net recovery | — |
Diocese bankruptcy proceedings have produced tiered victim compensation funds. State age-revival statutes (NY Child Victims Act, CA AB 218) opened lookback windows allowing previously time-barred claims.
Components of Damages
Economic damages: medical bills (current + future), lost wages (current + future earning capacity), property damage, out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages: pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, disfigurement. Punitive damages rare and capped in most states.
Pain & Suffering Multiplier
Typical multipliers: minor injuries 1.5-2× specials, moderate 2-3×, severe/permanent 3-5×, catastrophic 5-10×. For clergy abuse settlement, typical range is 3-10× medical specials. Multiplier increases with permanence, visible scarring, life disruption.
Comparative Negligence
Pure comparative (CA, NY, FL, AK, AZ, KY, LA, MS, MO, NM, RI, SD, WA): recover reduced by your % fault. Modified comparative 50% bar (most states): no recovery if 50%+ at fault. 4 states still pure contributory: zero recovery if 1%+ at fault (AL, MD, NC, VA, DC).
Attorney Fees & Costs
Personal injury attorneys typically work on contingency: 33% of settlement (pre-litigation) to 40% (post-filing), 45% (trial). Plus case costs (depositions, experts, court fees) deducted from gross. Net to client = gross − attorney fee − case costs − liens.
Last updated May 2026. Sources: USCCB Charter Protection, BishopAccountability.org.