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Father Thomas James McCarthy was ordained in 1951 and served within the Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts. The Diocese has determined that an allegation of child sexual abuse against Father McCarthy — covering the period from 1954 to 1957, when he was assigned to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish in Springfield — is credible.
At least one claim involving Father McCarthy was included in the Diocese’s November 2008 settlement with 59 plaintiffs totaling $4.5 million. That settlement addressed claims against multiple clergy members. On June 2, 2021, the Diocese of Springfield added Father McCarthy’s name to its public list of clergy against whom credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor have been made.
Father McCarthy died in 2003. The allegation against him was received after his death, and no formal criminal or canonical proceeding was completed. The 2008 diocesan settlement and the Diocese’s June 2021 disclosure brought the allegations into the public record. Survivors who had contact with Father McCarthy — particularly during the period identified in the allegations — may wish to explore whether legal options are available to them 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 allegations involve conduct that occurred many decades earlier, survivors may face complex emotional and legal challenges. Civil suits are separate from internal church processes. In civil litigation, claims are evaluated under Massachusetts law.
In cases arising from broader diocesan settlements, civil proceedings may examine both an individual priest’s conduct and the institution’s oversight and response. Large settlements involving multiple plaintiffs can raise questions about supervision and the institutional response by church leadership.
Even when an accused priest has died, civil claims against the institution responsible for his placement and oversight may still be available, depending on the circumstances and applicable law. Inclusion in a diocesan settlement or on a public list of credibly accused clergy does not, in itself, determine civil liability, but it may provide important context for survivors considering legal action.
Massachusetts courts have long recognized that delayed disclosure is common in cases of childhood sexual abuse, and the law has evolved to reflect this reality. Survivors who come forward years or decades after the alleged events — including those prompted by public disclosures like the 2021 diocesan list — may wish to speak with an attorney about whether legal options remain available to them.
For many survivors, civil litigation provides acknowledgment, documentation of harm, and transparency. It creates a formal public record and allows allegations and institutional responses to be examined through the legal system. The civil justice process may offer a structured path toward accountability and recognition.
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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