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Father Richard Francis Meehan was ordained in 1969 and served within the Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts. In 1994, following a determination that credible accusations of sexual misconduct had been made against him, he was removed from parish ministry by the Diocese. Despite that removal, he was subsequently assigned to an administrative archival role within the Diocese, organizing diocesan records — a position he held until 2002, when he was removed from all diocesan work following the adoption of new national standards for the handling of clergy abuse.
In September 2003, he was named in a civil lawsuit filed in Hampden Superior Court. The Diocese had referred the matter to the Vatican in 2002, and Father Meehan was laicized on April 28, 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI. Claims involving him were among those resolved in a multi-million dollar settlement reached in August 2004 between the Diocese of Springfield and dozens of claimants involving 18 priests. Additional claims were settled in 2008.
Father Meehan died on June 1, 2017, in Holyoke, Massachusetts. His name appears on the Diocese of Springfield’s list of clergy against whom a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor has been found.
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 priest is removed from ministry following a credible allegation of sexual misconduct and subsequently assigned to another diocesan role, survivors may have questions about how those decisions were made and whether adequate safeguards were in place. Civil litigation may allow those questions to be examined under Massachusetts legal standards.
In cases where prior settlements have been reached, courts may still review institutional conduct — particularly where multiple individuals have reported harm. A settlement reflects a negotiated resolution of claims but does not necessarily address every survivor’s experience or circumstances. Each claim may be evaluated on its own facts and legal basis.
The laicization of a priest through Vatican proceedings addresses his status within the Church and does not constitute a determination of civil liability. State courts apply independent legal standards regarding negligence, supervision, and the protection of minors. Civil claims may focus on how reports of abuse were handled, whether prior misconduct was known to diocesan officials, and whether continued assignments may have placed others at risk.
For survivors, the civil legal process may provide access to documents, personnel records, and institutional timelines. It may offer a form of formal acknowledgment that goes beyond internal disciplinary proceedings. Even after a priest’s death, claims may potentially proceed against the diocese if applicable legal standards are met, though eligibility depends on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.
The civil justice system may serve as a means of accountability and recognition, particularly in matters involving patterns of reported misconduct reflected across multiple legal proceedings over time.
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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