San Diego Roman Catholic Diocese Sued By Its Insurer

The insurance carrier for the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego filed a lawsuit Friday contending that because the diocese violated the terms of its insurance policies, the company should not have to pay out any money to settle claims from hundreds of people alleging they were victims of sexual abuse by clergy over the past several decades.

The lawsuit was filed in San Diego federal court by Catholic Mutual Relief Society of America, the insurance provider for San Diego and other Catholic dioceses.

The company wants a judge to order that it has no duty to ‘defend or indemnify’ the diocese or any parish against claims of sexual abuse by clergy from 1958 through 1990.

It is not exactly clear why the lawsuit gives that time frame. The lawyer for Catholic Mutual did not respond to messages seeking comment on Friday.

However, many of the 400 claims that are currently pending in San Diego Superior Court allege clergy abuse in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, said Irwin Zalkin, the lawyer representing more than 100 claimants.