USA Gymnastics has filed for bankruptcy as a result of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse lawsuits. USA Gymnastics is hoping the move will help resolve those lawsuits, USA Today reported Wednesday.

Chair of the USA Gymnastics board Kathryn Carson said the board has discussed bankruptcy for some time, according to USA Today.

“Our board has been talking about this bankruptcy strategy for a while now — well before the Section 8 complaint was filed,” said Kathryn Carson, chair of the USA Gymnastics board. “Our primary reason to do this is to expedite those survivor claims.” USA Gymnastics estimated it would have to pay between US$75 million and US$150 million to Nassar’s victims, according to financial reports it released in November. USA Gymnastics insurers are expected to pay those claims.

Over 300 women said Nassar abused them during his time at Michigan State University and as Team USA’s Gymnastics’ team doctor. Nassar, 55, was sentenced to 175 years in prison in January for criminal sexual conduct.

(SD-Agencies)