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1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Deacon William R. Emerson was ordained as a permanent deacon by the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska in 1973 and was granted faculties in the Archdiocese of Boston in 1982, where he was assigned to St. William’s Church in Tewksbury. He has been accused of sexually abusing a boy between the ages of 8 and 13 on over 100 occasions during the period from approximately 1973 to 1978 in the church basement. Prior to his service in the Boston Archdiocese, Emerson held positions in St. Louis, Missouri, and Omaha, Nebraska, including service at Boys Town U.S.A.
The allegations against Emerson were addressed through a civil lawsuit, which was settled in June 2021 for a reported amount in the high five figures. Emerson passed away in 2018. The resolution of this case reflects the legal system’s capacity to provide recognition and some measure of restitution to survivors even after an accused individual is deceased. The survivor’s account underscores the lasting impact of alleged childhood sexual abuse and the importance of holding institutions accountable for their potential role in enabling or failing to address such harm.
With decades of dedicated advocacy, we have held abusers and institutions accountable, helping survivors secure justice and the resources to move forward.
For over two decades, we have focused solely on advocating for survivors, combining legal skill with compassion to guide them toward justice and healing.
We are honored to have guided thousands of survivors through the legal process, offering support, advocacy, and the resources they need to reclaim their lives.
Individuals who believe they were sexually abused by Deacon Emerson may have avenues to pursue justice through civil court, depending on the specific circumstances of their case and applicable statute of limitations. Civil claims may allow survivors to seek compensation for harms including the cost of mental health treatment and the lasting emotional and psychological effects of abuse. Civil proceedings can also provide an opportunity to access diocesan records and internal communications, potentially shedding light on how the institution responded to allegations and whether it took adequate steps to protect children in its care.
Pursuing accountability through civil litigation can be an important part of a survivor’s healing process — it validates lived experience, helps survivors regain a sense of agency, and promotes transparency within institutions. Civil action can also drive meaningful institutional reform, encouraging the implementation of safeguards to prevent future abuse. Herman Law is committed to standing with survivors throughout this process, holding individuals and organizations accountable for the harm caused by the alleged conduct of those entrusted with the care of children.
Every survivor deserves compassion and acknowledgment. This video explains how civil law empowers individuals harmed by clergy abuse to pursue accountability and closure. Justice extends beyond courtrooms; it allows survivors to reclaim their voice and aids them on their healing journey. Survivors across Massachusetts continue proving that truth carries strength and healing begins with being heard.
Our experienced and compassionate team of attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and support staff have extensive training in working with sexual abuse victims.
These cases are complex; however, our team are experts in these types of cases and will diligently ensure our clients are compensated for full and fair value. We always do our best to help our clients heal by giving them a voice
and helping them seek a measure of justice.
Massachusetts Disclaimer:Herman Law has a multistate practice representing victims of sexual abuse in civil cases. A Herman Law attorney is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts. Each case is different, and results in prior cases do not assure a similar outcome in future cases. If there is no recovery, no fees or expenses will be charged. Attorney Advertising by Jenny Rossman.
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