Canada.com reported that 53-year-old Lou Ann Soontiens agreed to a record-breaking settlement in her Canadian clergy abuse case against the London, Ontario Diocese.
The diocese has agreed to pay Soontiens $1,745,000 in addition to covering her legal costs.
Soontiens filed the lawsuit against the London Diocese because of years of rape and abuse survived at the hands of Father Charles Sylvestre. According to attorney Rob Talach, if the suit had gone to trial, the court would have seen evidence that the London Diocese was aware of complaints against Sylvestre.
Soontiens wasn't the only woman to come forward and report abuse at the hands of the deceased Sylvestre. More than 40 other survivors of clergy abuse accused Sylvestre during his criminal trial in 2006.
If you have survived clergy abuse, you can always speak with an attorney to discuss your rights. The clergy abuse lawyers at the Zalkin Law Firm are experienced and compassionate and they will work to offer you legal assistance.
