Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921Father James T. McKeon was ordained in 1928 and served as a priest within the Archdiocese of Boston during a period when allegations of clergy sexual abuse were rarely brought into public view. In 2002, a woman reported that he had sexually abused her as a child in the 1940s. She further alleged that several of her female cousins were also abused.
According to her account, when their parents raised concerns, they were told to remain silent “for the good of the church.” Statements of this nature reflect the culture of institutional secrecy that many survivors describe from that period.
Father McKeon died on August 3, 1965. The August 2011 Boston Archdiocese list reported no formal determination of guilt, noting that he either died before a canonical investigation could take place or that proceedings were not completed at the time of his death. For some survivors, public acknowledgment — even decades later — can be an important part of addressing the harm they experienced. Individuals who had contact with Father McKeon or the Archdiocese of Boston during his ministry may have legal rights under Massachusetts law.
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.
For survivors whose abuse occurred many decades ago, the passage of time does not erase harm. When families are told to remain silent, institutional responsibility can become a central issue in civil litigation. Courts can examine whether complaints were reported, how they were handled, and whether steps were taken to protect children.
Even when an accused priest has been deceased for many years, claims may proceed against the diocese or other entities responsible for oversight. Civil liability focuses not only on individual misconduct but also on patterns of concealment or failure to act.
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse often face unique challenges when it comes to disclosing what happened to them. Many individuals only come forward after learning that others have reported similar experiences. An attorney can advise you on what legal options may be available given the timing and circumstances of your experience.
For many survivors, seeking justice is not solely about financial recovery. Civil litigation may provide acknowledgment, accountability, and a public record of what occurred. It offers a structured process for addressing allegations in accordance with legal standards rather than private institutional processes.
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.