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Reviews and Top-Tier Experience.
Herman Law saved my life. Plain and simple. I am forever grateful for my family at Herman Law. They brought me and my family justice and then delivered accountability to a corrupt and broken system. They uncovered the agency’s cover up and then confronted my perpetrator, holding him accountable.
I had a great experience working with Herman Law. They consistently updated me on my case and helped me get an amazing settlement. Thank you to Attorney Dan Ellis and thank you to everyone at the law firm. I truly appreciate it.
The Herman Law Firm never over promised. They kept everything in perspective. But they sure hit a grand slam for me in the end. The firm always kept in contact with me to let me know things were getting done. I was blessed with this firm. Thank you Jeff and Jason for all your empathy and professionalism. You guys really helped me to get closure in my life.
For many who experienced childhood sexual abuse, deciding to speak out is a significant and often life-changing step. A Massachusetts sexual abuse lawyer at Herman Law provides legal guidance to help navigate that journey. Our focus is solely on representing minors and adults who were sexually abused, pursuing civil claims against the institutions that failed to protect them.
We understand how trauma can delay disclosure for years or even decades, and we approach each case with patience, respect, and discretion. Drawing on decades of experience and a proven history of advocating for survivors, we are dedicated to providing clear guidance and unwavering support every step of the way.
At Herman Law, our mission is to help victims heal by giving them a voice through civil litigation. Start your path towards justice and healing with a member of our team — confidentially and with care.
Our firm treats every client as an individual, not a case file. We have built our practice on a deep understanding of the lasting effects sexual abuse can have and the strength it takes to share such experiences. Our team combines extensive courtroom experience with a survivor-focused approach that prioritizes understanding, privacy, and respect.
We believe in listening first, creating an environment where you can share your story at your own pace. From the moment you contact us, you will receive clear explanations of your options, honest answers to your questions, and thoughtful guidance through every stage of the process. We take the time to prepare you for what to expect, offering consistent communication that ensures you never feel alone or uninformed.
Our track record reflects our dedication: years of successfully advocating for survivors in cases that have exposed negligence, changed policies, and helped create safer environments. We are committed to holding the responsible parties accountable while ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
A Massachusetts sexual abuse lawyer provides much more than courtroom representation. Our role is to be both your advocate and your ally, guiding you through each stage of the legal process. We:
In addition, we help prepare survivors for what to expect during the process, whether that involves depositions, settlement negotiations, or trial proceedings. We focus on gathering and organizing the information needed to present a strong case while prioritizing your comfort and well-being.
Our representation is designed to reduce stress, shield you from unnecessary confrontation, and protect your dignity. We understand that taking legal action is a significant decision, and we focus on making the process as transparent, steady, and respectful as possible.
Massachusetts law defines childhood sexual abuse as sexual acts involving anyone under the age of 18 that are prohibited by statute. The law recognizes that minors cannot legally consent to sexual contact with adults. Our civil claims focus on the negligence of institutions, such as schools, churches, youth organizations, and foster care agencies, that failed to prevent or stop abuse.
This definition allows survivors to pursue accountability even when no force was used and even if the abuse was not reported at the time. Many survivors may not have understood the nature of the abuse until years later. Civil law exists to ensure they still have a path toward justice, regardless of how much time has passed.
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Sexual abuse can take place in a variety of settings where trust and safety should be guaranteed. Over the years, Herman Law has represented survivors in cases involving:
Educators are entrusted with significant authority and influence. When a teacher abuses that trust, the harm extends beyond the individual survivor. Our firm has handled cases where schools failed to respond appropriately to reports, enabling ongoing abuse. These cases often reveal systemic issues, such as inadequate training, poor oversight, and a reluctance to remove staff accused of misconduct. Civil action can push for stronger protective measures, from improved hiring practices to mandatory reporting reforms.
Children placed in foster care are entitled to protection, yet many face serious risks due to lapses in oversight, insufficient monitoring, or inadequate caregiver vetting. We have represented survivors who were harmed in foster homes and residential facilities where agencies ignored clear warning signs, failed to respond to credible complaints, or allowed unfit caregivers to remain in the system. These failures leave children vulnerable to ongoing harm.
Civil claims seek accountability for the damage already suffered and can prompt systemic changes such as more thorough background checks, better training for foster parents, increased frequency and quality of home visits, and stronger internal reporting and follow-up procedures. These measures ensure agencies meet their responsibility to protect those in their care.
Daycare centers should provide nurturing and secure environments where children learn and grow safely. Unfortunately, negligent hiring practices, lack of proper background checks, inadequate training, or insufficient supervision can lead to devastating harm. We have pursued cases to hold daycare operators accountable when they failed to protect children, including when warnings were ignored or incidents were not promptly reported to authorities.
These lawsuits can result in improved staff screening, enhanced safety protocols, and mandatory ongoing training to ensure staff understand their responsibility to protect those in their care.
Clergy members often hold positions of deep trust within their communities, and when abuse occurs, the emotional and spiritual damage can be profound. In many cases, institutions have chosen to protect their reputation over the safety of children, allowing abusers to remain in positions of power or be quietly reassigned.
Civil cases can expose hidden patterns of misconduct, reveal institutional failures, compel policy changes, and promote transparent reporting practices, ultimately creating safer spaces for congregants.
Coaches and athletic staff often develop close relationships with young athletes, sometimes involving extended travel, private training sessions, or mentorship roles. Without strong oversight, these relationships can be exploited.
When organizations fail to act on complaints or enforce safety policies, abuse can continue unchecked. These cases often involve grooming behaviors, where trust is built and boundaries are gradually violated. Civil claims can secure accountability and prompt sports programs to adopt stronger safeguards, implement regular training on recognizing abuse, and require comprehensive background checks for all staff and volunteers.
Youth detention facilities must provide a safe environment for minors in their custody, who are entirely dependent on staff for their welfare. When staff members abuse their authority to exploit detained youth, the harm is profound and can have long-term effects on a survivor’s mental health and trust in institutions.
Civil litigation can hold individuals and the responsible institutions accountable, leading to improved hiring standards, enhanced surveillance and monitoring systems, mandatory abuse prevention training, and stronger reporting mechanisms to prevent future incidents.
Before understanding how Massachusetts law defines sexual abuse in a civil context, it’s helpful to distinguish it from related terms that appear in criminal or policy discussions. These terms help clarify the scope of behavior that falls under different legal categories and why the civil definition we use in our work is more specific to minors.
Under Massachusetts law, “sexual abuse” generally refers to acts involving minors, who cannot legally consent to sexual activity with an adult. In a civil context, the focus is on addressing failures or negligence that contributed to the abuse, rather than solely on the criminal conduct of the person who committed it.
In 2023, the scale of childhood sexual abuse in Massachusetts became clearer through data from child advocacy centers across the state. These centers assisted 6,663 children, 1,883 boys, 4,598 girls, and 182 whose gender was not disclosed. Nearly half were teenagers between 13 and 18, and over 1,000 were under 7 when they first engaged with services.
According to the Massachusetts Children’s Alliance 2023 Annual Report, 6,045 alleged offenders were also tied to these cases statewide. These numbers reflect more than just a crisis; they reflect thousands of childhoods disrupted by abuse. At Herman Law, we work with survivors to help them reclaim their voices and hold institutions accountable when they fail to protect those in their care.
Many survivors come forward years after the abuse occurred. There is no deadline for when you “should” be ready to speak out. You do not need a police report, documented evidence, or prior legal action to begin a civil claim. When you feel ready, speaking with a Massachusetts barred sexual abuse attorney can help you understand your rights without pressure.
Our attorneys explain your options and help you make informed choices about how to proceed. We respect your timeline and your comfort level. Empowering survivors with clear information and compassionate support is key to helping them take the next step.
Massachusetts has strengthened access to justice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse through significant legal reforms. Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 4C, the 2014 reforms dramatically extended previous restrictions that required claims to be filed by age 21.
Survivors now have until age 53 (thirty-five years after turning eighteen) to file claims against their abusers. This extended timeline applies retroactively, meaning survivors can pursue these claims even if the abuse occurred before the 2014 reforms.
For claims against institutions—such as schools, churches, or youth organizations—for negligent supervision or conduct that enabled abuse, the law distinguishes between when the abuse occurred. Survivors of abuse that occurred after June 26, 2014 have until age 53 to file claims against these institutions.
All survivors have seven years from discovering the connection between their trauma and the abuse to pursue claims, regardless of when the abuse occurred. This discovery rule recognizes that many survivors do not immediately understand the full impact of their trauma.
The law pauses these time periods until the survivor turns eighteen, recognizing that children often lack the means, knowledge, or emotional readiness to pursue legal action while they are still minors. In addition, Massachusetts provides a revival window, which allows previously time-barred claims to be brought forward.
These timelines may vary by circumstance, making legal guidance essential. Even if you believed your opportunity to act had expired, you may still have a viable legal path. The state’s expanded timelines reflect a broader understanding of the long-term impact of trauma, the frequent delays in disclosure, and the importance of giving survivors a fair opportunity to seek justice on their terms.
Through civil litigation, survivors can pursue compensation for a variety of damages directly linked to the harm they endured, which may include:
In some cases, damages may also cover other costs connected to restoring stability in a survivor’s life, such as expenses for supportive resources that aid in their healing journey. Beyond financial recovery, these cases often serve a dual purpose: they drive institutional change, encourage better protective policies, and help prevent future harm to others.
Our team approaches each case intending to support the individual survivor while fostering systemic accountability that benefits the broader community. Each successful case can set a precedent, influencing how other institutions respond to allegations and shaping safer environments for future generations.
Herman Law is committed to protecting survivors’ rights and providing the legal and emotional support needed to explore options for justice at your own pace. Every consultation is confidential and handled with care. Call 800-686-9921 to connect with a member of our team who will listen to your story and answer your questions.
You are welcome to reach out whenever you feel ready. Contact us for a private, no-obligation consultation, and our team will guide you through each step with empathy, clarity, and respect. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Jeff Herman is a nationally recognized attorney and founder of Herman Law, known for his dedication to helping survivors of sexual abuse. With over 35 years of experience, Jeff has represented thousands of clients across the U.S. and secured landmark victories, including a $100 million verdict. He is trained in trauma-informed advocacy and works closely with survivors to guide them through the legal process with care and determination. Jeff is admitted to practice in Florida and New York and leads a team committed to justice and healing.
Speaking up is never easy—but you’re not alone. If you’re ready to explore your legal options, our compassionate team at Herman Law is here to listen, support, and guide you forward. Reach out today in complete confidence.
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