Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father Henry S. Banach served within the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts. He was accused of sexually abusing a boy who was approximately 12 or 13 years old in 1976 and 1977 while assigned to St. Hedwig Parish in Southbridge, Massachusetts.
In October 2002, two brothers filed a civil lawsuit alleging that Father Banach had sexually assaulted them as altar boys at St. Hedwig Parish between 1982 and 1988. Shortly after the suit was filed, a third man joined the lawsuit with similar allegations. A fourth individual also came forward to report that he had experienced similar abuse as an altar boy at St. Hedwig, though he chose not to join the lawsuit.
One case against Father Banach was settled out of court in May 2005 and subsequently dismissed. A second case was scheduled for jury trial in October 2006. Father Henry S. Banach died on January 24, 2023.
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 who were sexually abused by Father Henry S. Banach — at St. Hedwig Parish in Southbridge or in any other context during his ministry in the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts — faced significant challenges in seeking accountability. Multiple men came forward with allegations spanning different periods of his ministry, and at least one case reached a civil settlement.
Those challenges were compounded by the Diocese of Worcester’s longstanding refusal to publicly identify accused clergy. Worcester remains the only diocese in Massachusetts that has declined to publish a list of credibly accused priests — a decision that drew sharp criticism from survivor advocates and attorneys, even after the diocese acknowledged 173 credible allegations of abuse in a 2023 report. Every other Massachusetts diocese, including Boston, Springfield, and Fall River, has released such a list.
Civil litigation may provide an independent avenue for survivors to seek accountability and compensation regardless of whether a diocese chooses to publicly identify accused clergy. When multiple individuals report similar patterns of conduct by the same priest, that consistency may be a meaningful factor in establishing the credibility of individual claims and an institution’s potential liability.
For survivors of Father Banach’s sexual abuse, or others harmed by clergy in the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts, the civil justice system may be a meaningful option. Massachusetts courts have considered cases involving abuse that occurred decades ago, and the passage of time does not necessarily bar recovery — particularly where the harm was ongoing or where its full impact was only recognized later in life.
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.
Attorney Advertising Disclaimer
This is an advertisement for legal services. The content provided is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect current legal developments. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Legal outcomes depend on numerous factors, including specific facts, applicable law, opposing parties, and other circumstances. Do not take action based solely on the information in this advertisement. Every case is different. Any discussion of past results is for illustrative purposes only and does not guarantee or predict similar outcomes in future cases. No statement in this advertisement should be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of results. In the absence of a recovery, no fee will be charged to you and you will not be liable for any litigation expenses.
Attorney-Client Relationship & Confidentiality
Viewing this advertisement, contacting our firm, or requesting a consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship. Such a relationship is only formed through a signed agreement with our firm. Any information shared between you and our firm before an attorney-client relationship is established is not confidential, privileged, or protected from disclosure. If you require immediate legal assistance, please contact our office directly.
Responsibility for Content
This advertisement is sponsored by Herman Law Firm.
Data Collection & Tracking
This advertisement may use tracking technology and allow third parties, including Meta, to collect data from user interactions for advertising and analytics purposes. These third parties may use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies for targeted advertising. To learn more about data collection practices and opt-out options, visit: https://optout.aboutads.info/?c=2&lang=EN.
Call us: 1 866 850 3766 
call us: 1 866 850 3766 
Message Us 
Call Us