Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn v. National Union Fire Insurance

OPINION OF THE COURT

Rivera, J.

This insurance coverage dispute involves the apportionment of liability for a settlement between the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn (the Diocese), and a minor plaintiff in an underlying civil action charging sexual molestation by a priest. We agree with the Appellate Division that the incidents of sexual abuse constituted multiple occurrences, and that any potential liability should be apportioned among the several insurance policies, pro rata. We therefore affirm.

In November 2003, Jeanne M. N.-L., individually and as mother and natural guardian of Alexandra…