Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father Paul Niehauser was a member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), Chicago Province, who served in various locations throughout his religious ministry, including assignments in Japan, Illinois, Iowa, New York, Oregon, and Massachusetts. In February 2024, his name was publicly identified on the religious order’s list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse.
According to available records, an allegation concerns abuse that reportedly occurred in 1951 in Duxbury, Massachusetts. At the time, Niehauser was stationed in Duxbury, which falls within the geographic boundaries of the Archdiocese of Boston. His primary institutional affiliation was with the Society of the Divine Word. While public documentation about the circumstances of the allegation remains limited, the listing reflects a determination by the religious order that the allegation was credible based on the information available.
Niehauser died in 1968, long before the allegation became a matter of public record. As is common in clergy abuse matters, allegations may surface decades after the alleged misconduct occurred. Survivors often come forward later in life after processing their trauma and feeling safe enough to speak about their experiences.
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.
Childhood sexual abuse can cause long-lasting emotional and psychological harm, and survivors may spend decades confronting the effects of that trauma before deciding to come forward. Civil litigation may provide a pathway for survivors to seek recognition and accountability, even in cases where the accused priest has died. In cases involving clergy abuse, the legal process may examine not only the actions of the individual priest but also the role of the religious institution responsible for his supervision. Decisions about assignments, oversight, and responses to complaints may become important factors in determining whether institutional negligence contributed to the harm.
Massachusetts civil law recognizes the complex nature of delayed disclosure in cases involving childhood sexual abuse. Survivors may still have the opportunity to pursue civil action that acknowledges the abuse and the lasting impact it has had on their lives. Pursuing civil action may help hold institutions entrusted with the care of children accountable for failures that allowed abuse to occur.
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