The Baltimore Archdiocese has a long history of priests, lay brothers, and others affiliated with it committing sexual abuse. In response to the thousands of claims filed by survivors of sexual abuse within the church, the Archdiocese declared bankruptcy in September 2023.
The bankruptcy fund administrators now have substantial power over survivors’ claims. The Baltimore Archdiocese bankruptcy settlement fund lawyers at Phillips Law Group can help you navigate complicated claims processes. The firm’s skilled attorneys have considerable experience in advocating for sexual abuse survivors in bankruptcy proceedings.
When the Maryland Child Victims Act became law in 2023, it abolished the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims and allowed anyone to file a claim alleging sexual abuse regardless of when the conduct had occurred. The Archdiocese was already facing numerous lawsuits claiming compensation for sexual abuse and anticipated that the number would greatly increase as a result of the new law. The Archdiocese filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy so that it could reorganize while maintaining its operations and better manage the claims against it.
People who filed civil claims against the Archdiocese before May 31, 2025, alleging sexual abuse become creditors, and their claims are considered in bankruptcy court, not in civil court before a jury. The bankruptcy court will oversee negotiations and help the parties reach a global settlement so all survivors receive compensation.
The bankruptcy court in this case has already held two sessions in which the judge heard impact statements from survivors. A group representing them has asked the judge to schedule more. Attorneys from Phillips Law Group can help church sex abuse survivors prepare impact statements if the Baltimore bankruptcy judge schedules further sessions about the settlement fund.
In early 2025, the state legislature made several changes to the Maryland Child Victims Act. Originally, the settlement fund was going to pay up to $1.5 million to sexual abuse survivors who demonstrated they had credible claims. However, the amended law limits the potential financial recovery for survivors who file lawsuits after May 31, 2025, to $700,000.
The settlement fund attorneys representing the survivors of sexual abuse in the Baltimore Archdiocese are seeking clarification from the bankruptcy judge on numerous issues concerning the law’s impact on their claims. The process for resolving already filed claims is likely to proceed with mediation and negotiation. Later-filed claims will be held dormant while the negotiations to settle earlier claims proceed.
While most sexual abuse claims against the Catholic Church in this city will be resolved through the bankruptcy court, some survivors still have an opportunity to bring cases in civil court. If the perpetrator or the organization that enabled the abuse is not under the supervision of the Baltimore Archdiocese, survivors can file claims in civil court.
Multiple Catholic churches, parishes, summer camps, and other organizations in the area are not part of the Baltimore Archdiocese. Sexual abuse claims against these organizations or people affiliated with them can proceed as any other civil claim would. The Baltimore Archdiocese settlement fund attorneys at Phillips Law Group can provide assistance in bringing sex abuse lawsuits against local Catholic individuals and institutions outside of bankruptcy court.
It is incredibly difficult to come forward with a claim of sexual abuse, especially when the perpetrator was a priest or another person asserting moral authority. The complications and uncertainty of bankruptcy court may add to your stress.
The Baltimore Archdiocese bankruptcy settlement fund lawyers at Phillips Law Group can answer all your questions and guide you through the claims process. Call them today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of their team if you have a sexual abuse claim against the Archdiocese.
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