Catholic Church in Boston offers to settle claims

BOSTON (AP) -- The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston has offered to settle another round of sexual abuse claims for less per person than it paid in hundreds of cases two years ago, according to several lawyers for alleged victims.
The offer was for $5,000 to $200,000 per claim, depending on the severity of the abuse and the strength of the allegations, said the lawyers, who represent about 100 alleged victims.
The Boston Globe, quoting unidentified plaintiffs' lawyers, reported Friday that the payout would total about $7.5 million for about 100 plaintiffs. That would amount to an average payout of about $75,000 if everyone were paid. The 2003 settlements, to 554 people, averaged $153,000.