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1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father Michael L. Carney, a Monsignor in the Diocese of Worcester, MA, was an ordained priest who served in parish ministry prior to his death in 1981. Decades later, he became the subject of sexual abuse allegations tied to his time in active ministry.
In December 2004, a lawsuit was filed accusing Father Michael L. Carney of sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy in 1977 and 1978. At the time of the alleged abuse, Father Michael L. Carney was at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Worcester. The civil complaint detailed incidents that allegedly occurred while Father Michael L. Carney was assigned to St. Andrew the Apostle Parish.
Because Father Michael L. Carney had died before the lawsuit was filed, the civil complaint focused on institutional accountability and the role the Diocese of Worcester may have played in enabling the alleged abuse. Records indicated that the civil suit remained pending as of 2006.
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 of sexual abuse by Father Michael L. Carney, civil litigation may provide a mechanism for accountability against the Diocese of Worcester for its alleged failure to protect children in its care. Massachusetts law may allow claims against dioceses for negligent supervision, failure to act on prior complaints, and the retention of clergy despite credible allegations. Even when the priest is deceased, these proceedings may enable survivors to document and validate their experiences.
The legal process often uncovers institutional records, including personnel files, correspondence, and internal investigations, which may reveal knowledge of prior misconduct or systemic failures. Accessing such documentation may be valuable for survivors, as it can provide insight into institutional awareness and the decisions that may have allowed abuse to occur.
Civil claims may result in compensation for long-term psychological trauma, therapy, and emotional distress, but equally important is the public acknowledgment and validation of survivors’ experiences. Pursuing legal remedies may empower survivors to confront historical injustices, contribute to transparency, and reinforce institutional responsibility to prevent future abuse. For many survivors, civil litigation offers an opportunity to reclaim their voice, place their experiences in the public record, and contribute to the kind of accountability that can support healing — both for themselves and the broader community.
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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