Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father Paul J. Mahan was ordained in 1968 and served within the Archdiocese of Boston. Civil lawsuits alleging sexual abuse were first filed in 1999. One lawsuit alleged that Mahan had sexually abused a young relative who was approximately 11 years old when the abuse began; additional lawsuits followed in 2000 and subsequent years. By early 2002, at least 12 lawsuits had been filed against him, with additional filings reported through January 2003.
Public records indicate that the Archdiocese had received allegations concerning Father Mahan as early as the late 1980s. Treatment evaluations from 1994 and 1995 resulted in serious documented warnings about the risk he posed: he was reportedly described at that time as “dangerous” and “a threat to adolescent males.” He was sent for treatment at multiple facilities on more than one occasion, including evaluations at the St. Luke Institute in Maryland and the Southdown treatment center in Ontario, Canada. The Archdiocese moved to defrock him in 1997, and he was involuntarily laicized in 1998.
These records reflect a series of allegations and institutional responses spanning several years. Survivors connected to any period of his ministry 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 multiple lawsuits are filed over a period of time, patterns of alleged misconduct may come into sharper focus. For survivors of sexual abuse, coming forward can be especially difficult — particularly when earlier complaints were reportedly communicated to church leadership and went unaddressed.
Civil court provides a forum independent from church disciplinary processes. In Massachusetts, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may pursue claims that examine both individual conduct and institutional oversight. Courts may review whether appropriate action was taken upon receiving warnings, whether supervision was adequate, and whether minors were protected from foreseeable harm.
Even when a priest has been removed from ministry or laicized, civil accountability may still be able to be pursued. The removal of priestly faculties or referral to treatment does not necessarily resolve questions regarding prior harm or institutional response.
Civil litigation may result in financial compensation, but it also creates a public record and promotes transparency. Massachusetts law recognizes that disclosure of childhood sexual abuse is often delayed. Survivors may come forward years later, sometimes after learning that others have filed similar claims.
The civil justice system may offer a structured path toward acknowledgment and accountability, ensuring that allegations are examined under state law rather than solely through internal church processes.
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.
Attorney Advertising Disclaimer
This is an advertisement for legal services. The content provided is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect current legal developments. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Legal outcomes depend on numerous factors, including specific facts, applicable law, opposing parties, and other circumstances. Do not take action based solely on the information in this advertisement. Every case is different. Any discussion of past results is for illustrative purposes only and does not guarantee or predict similar outcomes in future cases. No statement in this advertisement should be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of results. In the absence of a recovery, no fee will be charged to you and you will not be liable for any litigation expenses.
Attorney-Client Relationship & Confidentiality
Viewing this advertisement, contacting our firm, or requesting a consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship. Such a relationship is only formed through a signed agreement with our firm. Any information shared between you and our firm before an attorney-client relationship is established is not confidential, privileged, or protected from disclosure. If you require immediate legal assistance, please contact our office directly.
Responsibility for Content
This advertisement is sponsored by Herman Law Firm.
Data Collection & Tracking
This advertisement may use tracking technology and allow third parties, including Meta, to collect data from user interactions for advertising and analytics purposes. These third parties may use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies for targeted advertising. To learn more about data collection practices and opt-out options, visit: https://optout.aboutads.info/?c=2&lang=EN.
Call us: 1 866 850 3766 
call us: 1 866 850 3766 
Message Us 
Call Us