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1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father Francis E. O’Brien, Jr. served in the Archdiocese of Boston and was publicly accused of sexually abusing a young boy multiple times between 1966 and 1971. The victim was between the ages of 7 and 12 at the time of the alleged abuse, which occurred while Father O’Brien was assigned to Christ the King Parish in Hudson, Massachusetts. The allegations were resolved through a civil lawsuit that settled in June 2021 for a high five-figure sum. Father O’Brien passed away in 2008, decades after the alleged abuse occurred.
The settlement, while not constituting an admission of liability, reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the archdiocese’s decision to resolve the claims. It also underscores that civil remedies may be available to survivors even after the death of an accused priest, depending on the specific circumstances of each case.
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 childhood sexual abuse by clergy often carry lasting emotional, psychological, and personal consequences that can affect every aspect of their lives. Survivors are encouraged to seek legal guidance about civil options that may be available under Massachusetts law. Civil litigation may provide a formal avenue for accountability and, where appropriate, financial compensation for the harm suffered.
Massachusetts law may allow survivors to pursue civil claims even years after the abuse occurred, recognizing that delayed disclosure is common in cases of childhood sexual abuse. The specific timeframes and legal options available depend on the facts of each individual case. Where applicable, civil proceedings may also examine the role of the Archdiocese in supervising clergy and responding to allegations of misconduct — potentially holding the institution accountable for failures in oversight.
Civil actions can serve not only as a formal avenue for individual recognition but also as a means of contributing to public awareness and institutional reform. By pursuing legal remedies, survivors help ensure that historical abuse is documented, and that the Church and other institutions are held to higher standards of accountability and child protection going forward.
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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