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1 800 686 9921
Father Samuel J. Lombard was ordained in 1946 and served in the Archdiocese of Boston. He retired in 1997 and died in July 1998. In 2001, a pro se civil lawsuit was filed alleging that Father Lombard had sodomized a 9-year-old altar boy in a sacristy in 1968. That lawsuit was dismissed due to the statute of limitations then in effect. When the Archdiocese released Father Lombard’s personnel records in December 2002, those records were reported to contain no evidence substantiating the allegations against him.
In June 2002, a North Shore woman alleged that Father Lombard had sexually assaulted her as an adult.
Father Lombard’s name was included in the Archdiocese of Boston’s August 2011 publication of accused clergy under Category E, which covers deceased clergy for whom no criminal or canonical proceedings were completed. The Archdiocese stated that there has been no formal determination of guilt in Category E cases, and that inclusion on the list required only that an allegation not be manifestly false.
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 allegations of clergy sexual abuse surface decades after the events occurred, survivors often face renewed emotional and psychological strain. Civil court may offer a forum distinct from church investigations and criminal inquiries, and each system applies its own standards and procedures.
In Massachusetts, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may pursue civil claims that examine both individual conduct and institutional responsibility. Even when a diocese states that an allegation is the first reported instance, courts may evaluate whether adequate supervision, policies, and safeguards were in place to protect children.
Civil litigation may provide financial compensation, but it also serves an important function in promoting transparency. It may allow allegations and institutional responses to become part of the public record. For many survivors, formal acknowledgment of harm carries significant weight.
The passage of time does not automatically prevent civil action. Massachusetts law recognizes that delayed disclosure is common in cases involving abuse during childhood. Survivors may come forward years or 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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