The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is making history this month with a new $880 million settlement to 1,353 survivors of clergy sexual abuse, bringing its total payouts to an unprecedented $1.5 billion. This latest agreement is a powerful acknowledgment of the decades-long trauma endured by thousands and reflects the significant progress made in holding institutions accountable.
PCVA Partners Mike Pfau and Jason Amala represent 75 survivors among the 1,353 receiving the $880 million settlement. Michael Pfau and Jason Amala also represent hundreds of clergy abuse victims in California, Washington, New York, and across the country in cases against Catholic dioceses and religious orders.
The New York Times reports that more than 4 million Catholics and almost 300 parishes are part of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. This recent settlement will benefit survivors who experienced abuse dating back decades but were never brought to justice due to statutes of limitation. California passed a law allowing a three-year window for the revival of sex abuse claims in 2019, which has enabled a significant number of survivors to seek justice for the abuse they experienced.
Partner Michael Pfau said:
“This settlement by the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Los Angeles marks the end of another chapter in that Archdiocese’s shameful history of clergy abuse and human suffering. Paying hundreds of millions of dollars to abuse victims is only part of the solution. While the settlement demonstrates a level of accountability, organizations like the Catholic Church should join the call for legislation nationwide that would abolish the criminal and civil statutes of limitations for sexual abuse. They should also make their secret files public, so that we can truly understand the scope of the problem and enact needed legislation and required training to prevent future harm to our children and victims who still have not come forward.”
We are client-centered, trauma-informed, and have over 20 years of experience successfully seeking justice for the abuse our community has faced from priests of the Seattle Archdiocese. We aim to protect our community with the same tireless passion and relentless dedication that we have demonstrated over the past 20+ years in the Pacific Northwest.
Read about more our work against Clergy & Priest Sexual Abuse here.
About PCVA Law
PCVA Law is proud to be the leading law firm in Washington State fighting for the rights of sexual abuse survivors of the Seattle clergy, representing hundreds of people who have filed lawsuits against religious leaders over the last 20+ years.
If you or a loved one has been sexually abused by a clergyman or church volunteer, you need an attorney advocate on your side that understands what you’re going through. Our trial attorneys have helped many clients successfully navigate the legal process to recover compensation.
When you’re ready, our lawyers are here to listen and help. Talk to a lawyer for free by completing our online form or calling us at (253) 289-1412 or (206) 451-8260. All conversations are confidential.
Our Results:
- $40M bankruptcy settlement for 70 victims of sexual assault by Jesuit priests
- $31M bankruptcy settlement for 74 victims of sexual abuse by members of the Spokane Catholic Diocese
- $12.125M settlement for victims of sexual abuse at the hands of a Seattle Archdiocese priest
- $10.15M settlement for victims of sexual abuse by a notorious pedophile Catholic priest
- $9.15M settlement for 8 men sexually abuse in the Seattle Archdiocese
- $4.232M Jury Verdict for 2 victims of sexual assault by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church)
- $2.45 M sexual abuse settlement with Seattle Archdiocese and Parkland School District
- $1.46M Settlement in Two Sex Abuse Lawsuits Against Seattle Archdiocese
- $1.1M Settlement Reached in Church of Latter-Day Saints Sex Abuse Lawsuit
News related to Our Archdiocese Cases
- Archdiocese of Los Angeles Agrees to Pay $880 Million to Settle Sex Abuse Claims – The New York Times
- Seattle Archdiocese Christian Brothers Reach $7 Million Settlement – Seattle Times
- Seattle Archdiocese Settles Abuse Lawsuits for $12 Million – Seattle Times
- Catholic Church Abuse: Seattle Archdiocese pays $1.3 Million to Settle Case – Newsweek
- Seattle Archdiocese and Pierce County School District Settle Suit Over Pedophile Priest for $2.45 Million – Seattle Times
- Seattle Archdiocese pays $12 Million to Settle Sex Abuse Claims – Huffpost
- Seattle Archdiocese Settles Molestation Suite for $635,000 – Seattle Times
- Seattle Archdiocese Settles with Local Woman After Molestation Allegation — KIRO 7
- Burlington Woman One of 8 to Receive Settlement from Seattle Archdiocese – Fox 13 Seattle