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Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father Eugene Adalbert Dranka was a priest ordained in 1944 and a member of the Missionaries of La Salette who served the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts from 1964 until his death in 1974.
During his ministry, he was assigned to parishes including Holy Trinity in Westfield and St. Bartholomew in Bondsville. Decades after his death, multiple survivors came forward alleging that Dranka sexually abused minors while serving in the diocese between the mid-1960s and 1968.
Two accusations against him were among the claims resolved as part of a civil settlement in 2004 in which the Diocese of Springfield agreed to pay $7.75 million to 45 claimants who alleged abuse by 18 priests — the first time Dranka’s name was publicly disclosed in connection with abuse allegations.
The Diocese of Springfield added him to its list of clergy with credible allegations in 2021, reflecting a broader effort by diocesan leadership to disclose historical abuse and assist survivors.
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.
Survivors of sexual abuse by Father Eugene Adalbert Dranka may be able to pursue civil claims against the Diocese of Springfield and the Missionaries of La Salette for alleged institutional failures that may have allowed harm to occur during his assignments between the mid-1960s and 1968. The 2004 civil settlement — in which 45 claimants resolved claims involving 18 priests, including two accusations attributed to Dranka, for $7.75 million — reflects that civil claims connected to his conduct have been pursued and resolved. Questions about the Diocese’s role in his placement and supervision may be further examined through litigation.
Civil litigation may be able to examine what diocesan and order officials knew about Dranka’s conduct during his assignments at Holy Trinity in Westfield and St. Bartholomew in Bondsville, and whether adequate safeguards were in place. If claims proceed, internal records and personnel files sought through discovery could potentially shed light on the institutional decisions that preceded and followed the alleged abuse.
Survivor claims may expose systemic failures that might otherwise remain hidden, creating accountability that could help protect future generations from similar harm. The legal process may provide survivors with a formal avenue to be heard, affirming that their experiences matter and that seeking accountability remains possible, however long delayed.
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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