A judge is recommending that all sexual abuse lawsuits against Catholic priests in Los Angeles and Orange County be heard in a single court to avoid inconsistent rulings.
For the alleged victims, it could have an effect on both the time they spend in court and any money they might receive. With as many as 300 cases, some lawyers fear that if the cases aren't consolidated, the first to go to trial would exhaust what the dioceses' could pay.
"This is about survival," said plaintiff's lawyer Raymond P. Boucher, noting a $30 million jury award, later reduced to $7 million, in a sexual abuse case in Stockton.
But lawyer Katherine Freberg, who represents 107 alleged victims in cases involving about 50 priests, opposes consolidation, saying her clients want to be heard separately.
"Our victims want to make sure that on an individual basis they get their day in court," she said.
Superior Court Judge Elihu M. Berle recommended consolidating the cases Friday, telling the California Supreme Court that streamlining the legal process is necessary to avoid duplication and inconsistency.
The high court is expected to assign all the case to one judge. Cases involving the Boston Archdiocese are also being heard by a single judge in Massachusetts, where the recent scandal over allegations of sexual abuse by clergy and coverups by church officials started.
Michael Hennigan, lawyer for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, said the archdiocese hopes to settle all claims by the end of the year.
"It is the desire of the archbishop to move quickly to settle all claims, especially with the expected avalanche of cases to come," he said.