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1 800 686 9921
Father James W. Fahey was a Roman Catholic priest ordained for the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts on May 1, 1970. During his ministry, Father Fahey served at Our Lady of the Assumption in Osterville, Immaculate Conception in North Easton, and St. Theresa of the Child Jesus in South Attleboro. Father Fahey died in December 2016.
In January 2021, the Diocese of Fall River released a list of clergy credibly or publicly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. Father Fahey’s name was included on that list, with his status recorded as “Faculties Restricted.” The Diocese’s inclusion of his name reflects that allegations against him met the diocese’s internal review standard — defined as allegations meeting a “semblance of truth” threshold. The Diocese of Fall River’s publication of this list was part of a broader effort to increase transparency regarding historical cases of clergy sexual abuse within its boundaries.
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 James W. Fahey during his ministry in the Diocese of Fall River may be able to pursue civil claims against the Diocese. Father Fahey’s name appears on the Diocese’s January 2021 list of credibly or publicly accused clergy, with his faculties recorded as having been restricted prior to his death.
Civil litigation may provide a mechanism through which survivors could seek access to internal records and personnel files — potentially shedding light on what diocesan officials knew about concerns regarding Father Fahey’s conduct, when they knew it, and what steps were taken in response. Questions remain about what the Diocese knew and when, and a civil proceeding may allow survivors to seek a fuller accounting of how the Diocese supervised and placed Father Fahey during his ministry.
The Diocese’s public acknowledgment of allegations against Father Fahey may provide a starting point for civil proceedings. Survivors who pursue claims may help bring about formal documentation of what the Diocese knew and how it responded to concerns about Father Fahey’s conduct during his assignments — and may be able to seek compensation for therapy costs, long-term psychological harm, and emotional distress.
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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