I am pleased to announce that Ronald Martin’s class action against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Antigonish on behalf of persons who were sexually abused by priests employed by the Diocese has been settled.
Settlement Agreement
At a press conference today, Ron Martin and Bishop Raymond Lahey signed a settlement agreement to resolve the class action lawsuit.
13 Million Dollars
The Diocese of Antigonish has agreed to a fund of up to 13 million dollars to compensate anyone who was sexually abused by a priest that was a member of the Antigonish Diocese.
Private Compensation Process
The settlement also creates a private process where survivors claims can be evaluated in a private, confidential manner and receive fair and reasonable compensation.
You can find out more about the terms of the class action settlement on my website www.novascotiaclassaction.com
You can read a copy of the official Court Notice announcing the terms of the settlement.
Approval Hearing in September
The class action is still subject to approval by the court. Justice David MacAdam of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court will hold a hearing on September 10 and 11, 2009, to determine whether the class action can be certified and to review and approve the Settlement Agreement.
If you or a family member were sexually abused by a priest that was a member of the Antigonish Diocese between 1950 and 2009 you may be eligible for compensation under the class action settlement. You can contact me for more information or call my assistant Sarah Winfield toll free in Atlantic Canada at (877) 423-2050 to arrange an appointment.
Media Reports
N.S. diocese makes $13M sex-abuse settlement
Settlement reached in lawsuit against N.S. diocese over alleged sex abuse
Canadian diocese pays millions to abuse victims