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Father John J. Scanlon served within the Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts. He died in 1967. At least one claim naming Father John J. Scanlon for sexual abuse was included in the Diocese of Springfield’s settlement of $4.5 million, reached in November 2008 with 59 plaintiffs.
The November 2008 resolution represented a significant civil accountability moment for the Diocese of Springfield, encompassing allegations brought by dozens of survivors. Father Scanlon’s inclusion in that settlement indicates that at least one survivor came forward with allegations that were incorporated into the diocese’s civil settlement, even though Scanlon had been deceased for more than four decades by the time the settlement was reached.
The willingness of survivors to come forward so many years after both the alleged abuse and the death of the accused reflects the lasting impact that clergy abuse carries and the importance of civil mechanisms that allow for accountability regardless of the accused priest’s death.
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 inclusion of Father John J. Scanlon in the Diocese of Springfield’s 2008 settlement demonstrates that civil accountability in clergy abuse cases can extend to allegations involving priests who are no longer living. In such circumstances, civil litigation often focuses on the institution itself — examining what diocesan leadership knew, what records were maintained, and how complaints were handled during the years the accused was in active ministry.
The Diocese of Springfield’s decision to include claims tied to a priest who died in 1967 within a broader $4.5 million settlement reflects the willingness of survivors from earlier eras of ministry to come forward and pursue civil accountability. Multi-claimant settlements of this scale can reflect years of survivor testimony, internal documentation, and sustained legal pressure.
For survivors whose experiences have not yet been part of any prior resolution, the existence of this settlement within the Diocese of Springfield is a relevant context. Massachusetts law recognizes the particular circumstances of survivors of childhood sexual abuse and the significant barriers many face in coming forward. The death of an accused priest does not necessarily eliminate all potential civil avenues directed at the diocese or its leadership, depending on the specific facts and applicable law.
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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