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Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father John W. Pegnam served as a priest in the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. He was the nephew of Cardinal Francis Spellman and was assigned to St. Francis Parish in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts — the home parish of President John F. Kennedy. He later transferred to the Military Ordinariate and served as a Navy chaplain. His obituary notes that he is survived by an adopted son. Father Pegnam passed away on April 16, 1996.
In January 2021, the Diocese of Fall River publicly named Father Pegnam on its list of clergy credibly accused of sexually abusing a minor — a designation that reflects the diocese’s own determination that the allegation meets the applicable standard. Because Father Pegnam served in both parish and military chaplaincy roles, survivors of his alleged conduct may have been spread across different locations and periods of time, which can make disclosure and the pursuit of legal action particularly challenging. Survivors in these circumstances often experience significant and long-lasting emotional and psychological effects and are encouraged to consult with qualified legal counsel to understand their options.
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.
Civil legal options may allow survivors of Father Pegnam’s alleged abuse to seek accountability and formal recognition of the harm they endured. Massachusetts law may provide pathways for survivors of historical sexual abuse, including in cases involving delayed reporting or abuse that occurred during childhood. Survivors are strongly encouraged to speak with a qualified attorney to understand what civil options may be available given the specific facts and circumstances of their situation.
Civil litigation also provides a mechanism to hold institutions accountable for potential oversight failures. If diocesan authorities had knowledge of inappropriate conduct and failed to take adequate steps to protect children in their care, civil claims may help establish institutional accountability. Beyond potential compensation, civil suits contribute to a documented public record of alleged abuse and institutional response, supporting broader transparency and awareness.
By pursuing civil remedies, survivors may reclaim their voices, seek acknowledgment of the harm they suffered, and contribute to efforts aimed at preventing future abuse. Depending on the facts and circumstances of each individual case, civil remedies may include financial compensation, formal acknowledgment, and public documentation — outcomes that reflect the importance of survivor-centered accountability.
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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