WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A TEACHER OR SCHOOL STAFF?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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MASSACHUSETTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
Fighting For Survivors Sexually Abused at Massachusetts Catholic Schools
Massachusetts Catholic School Sexual Abuse Lawsuits outline cases where students were allegedly abused by clergy, teachers, and staff at Catholic schools.
Levy Konigsberg is investigating claims that students at Catholic schools in Massachusetts were sexually abused by clergy, educators, or school personnel.
Catholic schools across Massachusetts, including institutions in Boston and surrounding communities, have been linked to allegations of sexual abuse involving clergy members, teachers, and school staff. Reported cases describe misconduct spanning decades, including incidents of inappropriate contact, coercion, and exploitation of students. Lawsuits also raise concerns about institutional oversight, including claims that school leadership or affiliated religious organizations failed to prevent abuse or respond adequately to complaints.
If you or a loved one was harmed, contact us today.
Were you sexually abused?
History of Sexual Abuse at Massachusetts Catholic Schools
Examples of alleged abuse, and of conditions likely to lead to abuse, include the following:
Boston College High School
- In June 2024, Kevin White, a former theology teacher and Jesuit priest at Boston College High School in Massachusetts, was indicted and charged for allegedly raping a former student at the school between 2008 and 2009.
- In January 2005, Rev. James Talbot, former teacher and athletic coach at Boston College High School, was sentenced for sexually assaulting two students in the 1970s.
Talbot allegedly held aggression drills with students where he encouraged them to remove most of their clothing and grabbed their genitals while wrestling with them.
He allegedly raped one student orally and attempted to do the same to the other.
Talbot has allegedly settled lawsuits with more than a dozen victims regarding his conduct.
Arlington Catholic High School
- In December 2023, a teacher at Arlington Catholic High School resigned following allegations of inappropriate contact toward students.
In February 2023, an employee was fired following an alleged inappropriate interaction with a student in a hallway.
- In May 2023, three former students filed a lawsuit against against leaders of the Archdiocese of Boston, alleging they failed to protect the students from sexual abuse by Stephen Biagioni, former administrator at Arlington Catholic High School.
Between 2011 and 2016, Biagoni allegedly engaged in explicit sexual behavior and lewd and lascivious conduct.
- In August 2022, a former student filed a lawsuit against former leaders of the Archdiocese of Boston, for allegedly failing to properly supervise and vet staff at Arlington Catholic High School.
Between 1999 and 2001, Biagioni allegedly repeatedly abused the victim.
St. John’s Preparatory School
- In July 2019, the Xaverian Brothers released a list of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse including some individuals who served at St. John’s Preparatory School, namely:
- Thomas Morrissey
- William M. Burns
- Albert F. Kerressey
- Thomas Harrison
- Francis E. Dailey
- Thomas F. Holihan
- John Augustine
- Robert Flaherty
- Francis E. Dolan
- John J. Sullivan
- In December 2003, Br. George Donnelly, the Director of Student Activities at St. John’s Preparatory School resigned following an allegation of inappropriate sexual conduct made by a former student, which allegedly occurred ten years back.
Xaverian Brothers High School
- In July 2019, the Xaverian Brothers identified nearly three dozen men in a list of clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse, including some individuals who served at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, namely:
- Francis E. Dolan
- In April 2002, reports revealed that Rev. Richard O. Matte, former chaplain at Xaverian Brothers High School in the 1970s allegedly abused a student during confessions.
Marian High School
- In August 2016, a lawsuit was filed by a former student alleging that former teacher and coach Diane Ryszewski repeatedly sexually abused and raped her between 1975 and 1977.
Ryszewski allegedly provided the victim with drugs and alcohol.
School administrators were allegedly aware of the abuse but failed to take action.
Catholic Memorial School
- In June 2014, reports revealed a history of alleged sexual abuse involving faculty and staff at Catholic Memorial School in Massachusetts.
In 1983, allegations surfaced that English teacher Benjamin Hopkins had sexually abused at least one student. A sexual abuse claim against him was settled, and he was accused of abusing at least two students in his apartment and other locations.
In 1986, Br. Michael Walsh allegedly took sexually explicit and nude photographs of students during a camping trip.
Br. George Paramo was accused of voyeurism by many students in the locker room of the school and at a local sports venue.
Assistant Athletic Director James Cerbo allegedly sent sexually explicit messages to students.
- In 1981, a staff member notified school authorities that Msgr. Frederick J. Ryan, former chaplain, allegedly sexually abused students in the 1980s.
In 2002, two students went public with allegations of abuse.
In January 2003, a Superior Court judge ruled that a civil lawsuit against Msgr. Frederick J. Ryan could move forward. It alleged that Ryan sexually assaulted a student at Catholic Memorial High School in 1981.
LK is Investigating Sexual Abuse Claims in Catholic Schools in Massachusetts
Levy Konigsberg is investigating cases of sexual abuse and assault that occurred at Catholic Schools in Massachusetts.
You may have a potential claim if you were sexually abused in these or any other Catholic Schools in Massachusetts:
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
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We work on contingency, which means there’s no cost to hire and no fee unless we win.
Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
Do I Have a Case?
You may have grounds to file a civil legal action if:
- You were sexually abused by a teacher or staff at a school.
- The abuse occurred at any school.
Levy Konigsberg represents survivors in civil lawsuits that aim to hold schools accountable for their failures to stop abusive teachers and staff.
As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:
- Your abuser is no longer alive.
- Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.
Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims
In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:
- Past medical and mental health expenses
- Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and psychological harm
- Lost income
- Other economic and non-economic damages
Massachusetts Sexual Abuse Attorneys
In 2015, Massachusetts lawmakers passed groundbreaking legislation to greatly expand the rights of child sexual abuse survivors. Specifically, these legislative amendments gave survivors, whom research has shown can take years or decades to process their abuse and its resulting impact on their lives, far more time to file civil lawsuits than what was previously provided for under the law.
Claims against abusers
Under current Massachusetts law (Chapter 260 § 4C), survivors of child sexual abuse must file civil claims against their abuser within 35 years of the final act of abuse or within 7 years of discovering that they suffered damages as a result of their abuse, whichever is later.
There are two important facts about the law and its application in child sexual abuse cases:
- The statute of limitations can be “tolled” until child victims turn 18, which means that survivors have 35 years from the date they turn 18 to file civil claims.
- The statute contains a “delayed discovery” provision allowing child victims to file claims within 7 years of discovering that they suffered damages due to their abuse. This means that victims may still be eligible to file civil lawsuits even if it has been more than 35 years since their abuse, provided they had not previously discovered the connection between their abuse and resulting damages, which may include addiction, anxiety, depression, and other emotional and psychological injuries.
Claims against others, including organizations responsible for the abuse
A separate Massachusetts law governs claims against persons or entities other than the abuser, such as the operator of a facility who allowed the abuse to occur. Under this law, survivors of child sexual abuse that occurred after June 2014 may file civil claims against persons or entities other than the abuser within 35 years of the final act of abuse.
The “delayed discovery” rule allowing survivors to file within 7 years of discovering that they suffered damages due to their abuse applies the same as in claims against abusers.
Massachusetts’ current statute of limitations for child sexual abuse survivors provides far more time for survivors to take legal action than the previous law, but advocates and some lawmakers are still pushing to eliminate the statute of limitations entirely in child sexual abuse cases. There is currently a proposed bill (S.1038) that is making its way through the state Legislature that would do just that.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse at a Massachusetts Catholic school, our dedicated legal team is ready to guide you through the process and fight relentlessly for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Determining the statute of limitations that applies to your sexual abuse case against a Massachusetts school can be challenging, which is why it is best to bring your matter to the attention of an experienced lawyer.
We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and seeking justice for survivors of sexual abuse in schools. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing legal representation and support to survivors, and we are actively investigating allegations of abuse. We are working tirelessly to ensure that survivors have access to justice and that future generations of young people are safe from harm within these institutions.
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.