Minnesota archdiocese sues insurance companies

November 26, 2014

The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has filed suit against eight insurance companies that declined to pay claims involving the clerical abuse of minors.

Archbishop John Nienstedt expressed hope that the lawsuits “will encourage the insurance companies … to help us achieve an equitable settlement for victims/survivors of clergy sexual abuse,” the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported. The insurance companies providing coverage for the archdiocese reportedly have argued that the claims involving sexual abuse are not “accidents” but rather the predictable result of harmful acts by clerics.

In a rare instance of agreement with Church officials, attorney Jeffrey Anderson, who has won hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements for sex-abuse victims, criticized the insurers. “The insurance companies are not stepping up,” he said.

 

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Further information:

• Twin Cities Archdiocese sues insurers, saying firms won't pay abuse claims (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)
• Minnesota archdiocese weighs bankruptcy option (CWN, 11/21)