New Orleans archdiocese says it reached abuse settlement as lawyers say deal falls short about $100m

Some lawyers of more than 600 abuse claimants trying to block approval of current agreement of chapter 11 case

Some attorneys involved in the bankrupt New Orleans Catholic archdiocese's federal financial reorganization say they have reached terms on an agreement to settle decades' worth of clergy molestation claims, but lawyers representing a sizeable share out of more than 600 abuse claimants contend the proposed deal falls short by about $100m - and they're hoping they have the votes to block its approval.

Both developments came on Wednesday amid a struggle to resolve a tortuous chapter 11 case that has cost the church more than $45m in legal and other professional costs. The case theoretically could get dismissed at a hearing toward the end of June if the presiding judge, Meredith Grabill, determines she is unsatisfied with its progress.