BUFFALO, N.Y. - 2 On Your Side has learned that talks have begun in possible settlements for victims who have been sexually abused by priests.
Attorney Kevin Stocker, who is representing eight of the 191 victims told 2 On Your Side that settlements with the Diocese of Buffalo are being negotiated with his client, but settlement numbers are low, in his opinion.
Stocker said a settlement of $35,000 has been offered to his client.
Earlier this week we compared Buffalo's situation with the Diocese in Ogdensburg New York where the average settlement payout to victims of sex abuse was just under $150,000.
Stocker says, through his own research, he'd seen payouts well into six-figure numbers. He also says it's tough to put "any" kind of dollar value on pain and suffering, but he does have a reaction to the initial offer his client received.
"In my way of thinking and talking to them, at least the first letter that came out, its being victimized again. It's insulting, its degrading, it doesn't measure equalization of harm and justice, and the things that the church taught us."
2 On Your Side's Steve Brown was told that numbers could also be as low as $32,000. We have also learned that talks between victims, their attorneys and judges will continue into next week.
Stocker says he thinks this will turn into a class action lawsuit before all is said and done, and he says that's the only way he thinks we get the full truth.
2 On Your Side has reached to the diocese for comment. We are waiting to hear a response.
We will have more on this continuing story on Channel 2 News at 6 and tonight on Channel 2 News at 11.