Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father Hernando Herrera was assigned to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish when he was placed on administrative leave in August 2003 due to allegations of sexual abuse with two minors. At the time of his suspension, Herrera was serving as executive director of youth ministries for the Diocese of Fall River — a position he had held since June 2002. He had also served as a part-time chaplain at Coyle & Cassidy High School in Taunton from 1999 to 2002.
Herrera was included on the Diocese of Fall River’s list of credibly accused clergy in January 2021. The list notes that he was laicized in 2004, meaning he was removed from the clerical state and no longer permitted to function as a priest.
The scope of Herrera’s diocesan-level role as executive director of youth ministries is significant context for understanding his potential access to minors. This position involved coordinating diocesan-wide youth programs, supporting parishes in developing youth ministry activities, and providing related training — responsibilities that may have extended his contact with children and youth across multiple parishes throughout the diocese.
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.
The allegations of sexual abuse against Father Herrera underscore the importance of civil litigation as a tool for survivor empowerment and institutional accountability. Civil claims may help survivors address the harm they experienced, create a formal legal record of their experience, and pursue potential financial compensation for emotional and psychological injuries.
Massachusetts law may provide survivors with avenues to pursue civil claims against institutions that failed to prevent or respond appropriately to abuse — including claims against the Diocese of Fall River — even when the alleged abuser has been removed or laicized. Whether a claim may be brought depends on individual circumstances, including applicable statutes of limitations. Survivors are encouraged to consult with an attorney to assess their options.
Civil litigation can also help ensure that survivors’ experiences are documented and that institutions are held accountable for failures in supervision, reporting, or oversight. Pursuing legal action may also contribute to broader systemic reform, encouraging religious organizations to adopt and enforce policies that better safeguard minors.
Beyond any financial or legal remedy, litigation can offer survivors a path to reclaim their voice, assert their narrative, and achieve personal closure. Each civil action reinforces the principle that abuse is never acceptable and that survivors deserve acknowledgment, support, and the opportunity to seek redress.
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