Judge Littlefield Rules Insurers Do Not Have Standing to Object to Survivor Claims

In a significant victory for Survivors, Judge Littlefield has issued a decision that has wide-ranging implications. Specifically, Judge Littlefield concluded that insurers who deny that they are financially responsible for survivor claims do not—without more—have standing (the ability to act in Court) to object to survivor claims. The decision is instructive with regard to when and whether insurance companies have the ability to act in bankruptcy cases.

In the Diocese of Albany case, two of the Diocese’s insurance carriers, London Market Insurers and the Hartford, objected to nearly 50 survivor claims. The Committee challenged the objections, arguing that the insurers did not have standing to object. Judge Littlefield agreed, writing:  “As the Court stated on the record, it is difficult to “understand how [the Insurers] create the thread that [the Insurers] have standing when [they] have nothing at stake, [they] have no skin in the game.” 

The Committee applauds this decision and is hopeful that it will recognized across the country in situations where insurance companies attempt to interfere in bankruptcy cases to the detriment of Survivors.

At the confirmation hearing on August 28, Judge Wendy Kinsella indicated that she would issue a ruling approving the bankruptcy reorganization plan of the Syracuse Roman Catholic Diocese.  This is very good news for the more than 400 Survivors of sexual abuse who have been waiting over five years for this bankruptcy to be resolved.  This website will be updated as more information is released.  Any Survivor who is represented by legal counsel should communicate with their attorney to discuss how this development impacts their individual case.

The Official Committee of Survivors of Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Syracuse bankruptcy invites all Survivors to view the video below.  The Committee recognizes that this has been a lengthy and difficult process for many Survivors and wants to share its views, in the hope that they help Survivors, as the next confirmation hearing approaches on August 27.

Please click here to watch the video.

A Survivor in New York was recently awarded $30 million by Supreme Court Justice Meagan K. Galligan.  Represented by Pfau Cochran Vertitis Amala, the Survivor was abused at a Boy Scout Camp by the defendant who was unlawfully posing as a doctor.   Details of this case can be read via this link.  Please be aware that details may be difficult to read and re-traumatizing for some Survivors.  From that article, Ben Watson an attorney representing the Survivor commented “This verdict is a major victory for Mr. Pringle and for survivors across New York.  It also sends a clear message to any individual or institution that believes they can get away with the sexual abuse of children: the law will hold you accountable.”

The first day of the confirmation hearing in the Syracuse Diocese bankruptcy was held on July 2, 2025.  This is a positive step in reaching the resolution of this bankruptcy.  Of note, shortly before the hearing started the Official Committee of Survivors and the Traveler’s Insurance Company agreed on a $15 million settlement.  This brings a total of nearly $180 Million in financial settlements reached to date.  As well, the Diocese has agreed to the Committee’s robust child protection measures.  Because of the late settlement with Travelers, it became necessary to revise the settlement documents prior to final confirmation.  To do that, the proceedings will continue on August 27.  While the delay may be frustrating, it isn’t uncommon in complex bankruptcies.  The Committee remains hopeful that this settlement plan, which is overwhelmingly supported by Survivors, will be approved. 

In what is a victory for all Survivors who find themselves part of a Diocese bankruptcy, a Survivor abused by a Diocese of Winona NY priest has been awarded $7.6 million by a jury.  This is an important development because the defendant in the lawsuit was US Fire Insurance, an insurer who chose not to settle with the Official Committee of Survivors in the Winona bankruptcy.  Now, that insurer is liable for this settlement and the costs associated with its defense.  Further information regarding the Winona decision can be found at Survivor Abused by Diocese of Winona Priest Sees Victory in the Courtroom, Awarded $7.6 Million – Jeff Anderson and Associates

The Court continued the confirmation hearing to July 2, 2025 to allow the parties additional time to document the insurance settlement agreements that have been achieved and related plan amendments. It is anticipated that the Court will decide whether to approve the plan at that hearing or soon thereafter. The Committee continues to work as hard as it can to achieve confirmation of the plan in accordance with the bankruptcy code to bring a resolution to survivors as soon as possible.

The Committee appointed in the Diocese of Syracuse bankruptcy case to advocate on behalf of survivors has noted the election of a new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV.  This has raised concerns among some regarding his commitment to the prevention and investigation of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.  This article summarizes those concerns.  The Committee wishes to acknowledge those concerns and share that it is fully committed to its work in this case to both achieve a financial settlement for survivors and the adoption of policies that will end sexual abuse within the Catholic Church.

Dear Survivors, those supporting Survivors, and others interested in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse bankruptcy case:

On behalf of the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (the “Survivors’ Committee”), welcome to the Syracuse Survivors’ webpage. We, the Survivors Committee, were appointed by the US Trustee’s Office to advocate on behalf of all Survivors of abuse within the Diocese of Syracuse.  The Survivors Committee is made up of seven Survivors of abuse related to this Diocese, whom represent a diversity of ages and genders. As Survivors ourselves, we understand the pain and trauma that other Survivors may be experiencing during this bankruptcy case. We understand that each Survivors’ journey is unique, and we empathize with each one of you as we navigate and process the trauma we have all experienced. Whether you are just beginning that journey or have been on it for many years, we are with you.   We have designed this website to help with the questions you may have about the bankruptcy case.

This website provides the following information regarding the bankruptcy case of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse: 

• Overview of the bankruptcy process
• Diocesan Bankruptcy frequently asked questions (FAQ)
• News feed detailing case events and the Survivors’ Committee’s activities
• Mental health resources for Survivors

The website will be regularly updated over the course of the case. The Survivors’ Committee hopes Survivors find this information useful, and encourage any Survivors with questions to contact their personal attorneys or the Survivors’ Committee’s bankruptcy counsel, Stinson LLP. To contact Stinson LLP, you may email syracusesurvivorteam@stinson.com