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1 800 686 9921
Father Joseph D. Maguire served in numerous parishes throughout the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. In January 2021, the Diocese publicly named him on its list of clergy credibly accused of the sexual abuse of a minor. He died on September 11, 2024.
During his ministry, Father Maguire held assignments at St. Anthony of Padua in Fall River; St. John of God in Somerset; Santo Christo in Fall River; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in New Bedford; Our Lady of the Angels in Fall River; Espirito Santo in Fall River; Immaculate Conception in New Bedford; Our Lady of Health in Fall River; St. Michael in Fall River; St. John the Baptist in New Bedford; and St. Anthony in Taunton.
The Diocese’s decision to include his name on its 2021 list reflects its internal determination that the allegations met its credibility standard. Survivors who experienced sexual abuse connected to any of these parish communities 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.
When a diocese publicly identifies a priest as credibly accused, survivors may experience a combination of validation and renewed distress. Public acknowledgment can confirm that concerns were taken seriously, yet it may also bring forward difficult memories.
Civil court provides a forum independent from church determinations. In Massachusetts, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may be able to pursue claims that examine both the conduct of the individual priest and the oversight provided by the institution responsible for supervision. Courts may review assignment histories, policies, and whether leadership took reasonable steps to safeguard children.
Even when the accused priest is deceased, civil claims may be able to proceed against the diocese or other responsible entities. Civil standards differ from internal church processes and are evaluated under state law.
For many survivors, civil litigation serves purposes beyond financial recovery. It may create a formal record and promote transparency regarding institutional decision making. Massachusetts law recognizes that delayed disclosure is common in cases involving abuse during childhood. Survivors may come forward decades later, and in certain circumstances, legal remedies may still be available.
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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