Massachusetts Sex Abuse Lawsuits

If you were the victim of sexual abuse or assault, either as a child or an adult, you have the right to bring a civil lawsuit against both your abuser and any school, company, or organization that might be liable for the abuse.

In this post, we will provide a brief overview of sexual abuse lawsuits in Massachusetts. Our lawyers explain the Massachusetts statute of limitations for sex abuse civil cases and the potential settlement amounts you might see if you bring a claim.  We will also discuss how a new proposed law in Massachusetts could make it much easier for child sex abuse victims to bring lawsuits.

If you have a Massachusetts sex abuse case, contact our law firm today for a free consultation at 800-553-8082.

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Massachusetts Sex Abuse News & Updates

The landscape of sexual abuse litigation in Massachusetts continues to evolve, with new lawsuits, legal precedents, and legislative reforms shaping the rights of survivors. As more victims come forward and demand accountability, courts are increasingly recognizing the long-term impact of sexual trauma, leading to expanded opportunities for civil claims. Recent rulings, such as the Massachusetts Appeals Court’s application of the discovery rule in sex abuse cases, have reinforced the ability of survivors to seek justice even years after the abuse occurred. Additionally, lawmakers are pushing to eliminate statutes of limitations for civil sex abuse lawsuits, further strengthening the legal pathways for victims.

These legal changes coincide with mounting lawsuits against predatory doctors, teachers, clergy members, and institutions that failed to protect victims. High-profile cases—such as the allegations against Dr. Richard Kauff, Dr. Derrick Todd, and former Miss Hall School teacher Matt Rutledge—underscore the systemic failures that have allowed abuse to continue unchecked for decades.

Meanwhile, the push for institutional accountability is leading to increased scrutiny of schools, medical centers, religious organizations, and corporations that enabled or concealed abuse. As the law continues to shift in favor of survivors, more victims are stepping forward, strengthening the fight for justice and long-overdue institutional reforms.

Mounting Lawsuits Against Dr. Richard Kauff Highlight Systemic Failures

March 8, 2025:  Lawsuits against Dr. Richard Kauff are piling up, and the allegations paint a disturbing picture of a pediatrician who abused his position of trust for decades. Former patients are coming forward, claiming that Kauff performed unnecessary pelvic and breast exams under the guise of medical care—violating their trust and leaving them with lasting emotional and psychological scars.

But this case is not just about Dr. Kauff. The lawsuits also lock in on South Shore Medical Center, where he practiced for 40 years. Plaintiffs argue that the medical center failed to implement safeguards that could have stopped this abuse before it ever started. With multiple lawsuits now in play—and discussions of consolidating the cases—it is clear that this is not an isolated incident but a systemic failure. As more victims come forward, this litigation will expose just how deep the negligence ran and whether the institution turned a blind eye to warning signs.

Miss Hall School Faces Allegations of Sexual Misconduct by Former Teacher

January 21, 2025: Matt Rutledge, a long-time history teacher at Miss Hall School, an elite all-girls boarding school, has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple former students, with allegations dating back to the 1990s. Despite reports, the school’s administration allegedly failed to take appropriate action, leading to further trauma among victims.

Dr. Derrick Todd Indicted on Charges of Rape

January 20, 2025: Dr. Derrick Todd was indicted on charges of rape, adding to the growing scrutiny of sexual misconduct by healthcare providers.

Massachusetts Appeals Court Expands Rights for Sexual Abuse Survivors

January 10, 2025: In the case of C.C. v. B.L., the Massachusetts Appeals Court addressed the statute of limitations in cases of sexual assault where injuries manifest over time. The plaintiff, who alleged she was violently raped by the defendant in 2015, filed a lawsuit in 2023 after discovering in 2020 that her gastrointestinal issues were directly linked to the trauma of the assaults. The court reversed the trial judge’s dismissal, relying on the discovery rule to allow claims for injuries that are “separate and distinct” from those initially apparent. This ruling strengthens the possibility of legal recourse for survivors with delayed manifestations of trauma.

Boston-Area Priest Accused of Sexual Misconduct

January 8, 2025: A Boston-area Catholic priest, previously known for his advocacy against clergy abuse, now faces allegations of sexual misconduct. A lawsuit accuses the priest of coercing a 20-year-old Brandeis University student into non-consensual oral sex during a 2014 trip to New York City. The priest denies the allegations but acknowledges the trip and the identity of the accuser.

Five Women File Lawsuit Against Dr. Richard Kauff and South Shore Medical Center

December 29, 2024: Five women have filed a civil lawsuit against former pediatrician Dr. Richard Kauff and his employer, South Shore Medical Center, alleging years of sexual abuse during routine medical visits. The suit accuses Kauff of performing unnecessary pelvic, vaginal, and breast exams, causing severe emotional distress. This lawsuit follows another case filed in August and includes criminal charges against Kauff for child rape and assault.

Massage Therapist Accused of Sexual Assault in Arlington Spa Lawsuit

November 15, 2024: A Massachusetts woman has filed a lawsuit alleging she was sexually assaulted during a massage at L&Z Organic Spa LLC in Arlington. The complaint claims the spa negligently hired and retained the therapist, who had a prior history of sexual assault allegations. The lawsuit also accuses the spa’s insurer, Travelers, of unfair practices for failing to settle the claims.

Uber Faces New Sexual Assault Lawsuit in Federal MDL

November 8, 2024: A woman has filed a lawsuit alleging she was sexually assaulted by her Uber driver during a ride in Essex County, Massachusetts. The case is part of a larger Multi-District Litigation (MDL) consolidating similar lawsuits against Uber nationwide, aiming to streamline the legal process and facilitate settlement discussions.

Massachusetts Woman Files Sex Trafficking Lawsuit Against Hotel Chains

November 1, 2024: A Massachusetts woman has filed a sex trafficking lawsuit against multiple hotel chains, alleging they profited from her exploitation while ignoring obvious signs of trafficking. The lawsuit invokes the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act and seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm she endured.

Massachusetts Eliminates Legal Loophole for Sexual Assault Prosecutions

October 1, 2024: Governor Healy signed into law a new bill eliminating a legal loophole that made it difficult to prosecute doctors and clergy members for sexual assault. The new law addresses the broad definition of consent that previously hindered such cases, marking a significant victory for victims’ rights advocates.

Massachusetts Moves Closer to Eliminating Statute of Limitations for Civil Sex Abuse Cases

September 3, 2024: Massachusetts has moved one step closer to completely eliminating any statute of limitations for civil sex abuse cases. A new bill approved by the state house of representatives would allow survivors to file claims regardless of when the abuse occurred. The bill now awaits approval by the state senate.

State Senator Joan Lovely, a sponsor of the bill, expressed optimism about its passage, indicating strategies to bring it to a vote during special legislative sessions.

Massachusetts Bill Expands Definitions of Sexual Offenses by Healthcare Providers and Clergy

July 5, 2024: A bill in Massachusetts aims to expand the definitions and scope of certain sexual offenses committed by healthcare providers and clergy. The proposed legislation includes new offenses such as rape of a patient by a healthcare provider and indecent assault and battery on vulnerable persons, with penalties ranging up to 20 years in prison.

Manchester Man Charged with Sexual Assault of Foster Child

July 3, 2024: A man from Manchester has been charged with two counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault, accused of sexually abusing his foster child when the child was five years old. The case highlights the need for better screening and supervision in the foster care system.

Federal Lawsuit Alleges Sexual Abuse by School Counselor

June 29, 2024: A civil lawsuit has been filed in federal court against the City of Boston and KeySteps, Inc., alleging that a school counselor groomed and sexually assaulted a non-English-speaking immigrant student. The lawsuit seeks damages for the severe emotional harm caused by the defendants’ negligence.

Fall River Priest Accused of Sexual Assault in New Lawsuit

June 28, 2024: A prominent city priest, currently on leave pending a Diocese of Fall River investigation, has been accused of sexual assault by multiple individuals. The lawsuit includes allegations of abuse dating back several years, adding to the growing scrutiny of clergy misconduct.

Amherst-Pelham Schools Face Defamation and Retaliation Lawsuit

June 15, 2024: A special education teacher and former union leader has filed a federal lawsuit against Amherst-Pelham Regional Public Schools, alleging defamation and retaliation for advocating for marginalized students. The lawsuit seeks millions in damages for the trauma and harm caused by the defendants’ actions.

Second Teacher at Miss Hall School Accused of Sexual Abuse

May 3, 2024: A second former teacher at Miss Hall School, an all-girls private school in Pittsfield, MA, has been accused of sexually abusing students. The allegations against Matthew Rutledge follow similar claims made against another teacher at the school, highlighting systemic issues within the institution.

Holyoke High School Faces Lawsuit Over Sexual Assault Allegations

April 3, 2024: In Doe v. City of Holyoke, plaintiffs alleged that Holyoke High School North administrators failed to respond adequately to multiple incidents of sexual assault and harassment. The court partially dismissed some claims but allowed Title IX and state law claims to proceed, highlighting the school’s alleged indifference to student safety.

Massachusetts Considers Eliminating Damage Caps for Nonprofit Lawsuits

March 1, 2024: Lawmakers in Massachusetts are considering a new law that would eliminate the state’s $20,000 cap on damages in civil lawsuits against nonprofit charitable organizations. The proposed change aims to hold nonprofits accountable for misconduct and provide fair compensation to victims.

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Definition of Sex Abuse in Massachusetts

The legal definition of sexual abuse or sexual assault in Massachusetts is pretty much the same as it is in every other state. Massachusetts defines sexual abuse is as any intentional “sexual touching” without consent. There are 2 key parts or elements to this definition: (1) sexual touching, and (2) lack of consent.

Sexual touching is basically a type of contact or touching of another person’s sexual organs with intent and for sexual gratification. Accidentally touching a woman’s breasts in the elevator does not amount to sexual abuse — but deliberately fondling her breasts does.

The other key element that makes something qualify as sexual abuse is the lack of consent. If the sexual touching is done without consent, it is automatically abuse or assault. Minors (anyone under the age of 18) lack the legal capacity to give consent, which means any sexual touching by an adult with a minor is necessarily considered sexual abuse.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Sex Abuse in Massachusetts?

Victims of sexual abuse or assault can obviously sue the person that actually committed the acts of abuse. In many cases, however, suing the abusers is somewhat pointless because unless that person is very wealthy, you won’t be able to get any money out of them.

Fortunately, Massachusetts law allows abuse victims to file civil lawsuits against third-parties who were negligent in failing to prevent or stop the abuse. Common third-party defendants in sex abuse civil lawsuits include schools, churches, or organizations such as the Boy Scouts. If you can show that one of these organizations had a duty to prevent or stop the abuse and failed to do so, they can be held legally liable for damages.

Almost any third party (other than the abuser) can be held liable in a sexual assault lawsuit if the third party’s negligence allowed the sexual assault or abuse to occur. One of the most common examples of this is negligent security cases in which a property owner is sued for failing to provide adequate security (e.g., cameras, lighting, etc.).

Holding Churches, Schools and 3^rd Parties Liable for Sex Abuse

The primary and most direct defendant in a sex abuse civil lawsuit is always the person who committed the abuse. The problem is that in most cases suing the individual abuser won’t get you anything because they won’t have money to pay any verdict or settlement (unless the individual is someone very wealthy like Harvey Weinstein or Donald Trump).

The best way to get money in a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse is to sue a third party for negligence in connection with the abuse. Common examples of third parties who can be sued in sex abuse lawsuits include schools, youth organizations (e.g., Boy Scouts), gyms, etc. These parties can be held liable in a civil case if the plaintiff can show that their negligence somehow enabled the abuse to occur or to continue. Third parties in sex abuse lawsuits can also be held liable if they attempted to cover up abuse incidents after the fact.

Let’s consider a very typical example of how third parties can be held liable for sex abuse. Let’s say that a guard at a juvenile detention facility is sexually abusing inmates. Several of these victims file complaints, but the facility basically ignores them and allows the guard to continue his abuse. The victim can file a civil lawsuit against the detention facility (or the state agency that operates it) for negligently failing to investigate and protect them from abuse.

Statute of Limitation for Sex Abuse Lawsuits in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a very favorable statute of limitations laws when it comes to sex abuse civil lawsuits, particularly cases involving child sex abuse. In 2014, Massachusetts amended its existing SOL law for claims based on child sexual abuse (i.e., abuse that occurred before the plaintiff turned 18). Child sex abuse victims in Massachusetts now have until their 53^rd birthday (age of majority plus 35 years) to file a civil lawsuit. Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 260, §§ 2A/

  The 2014 amendment also revived old claims that had expired under the prior SOL (i.e., claims for abuse occurring years before the 2014 law was passed). However, the revival law only applied to lawsuits against the individual who perpetrated the sexual abuse. It does not apply to claims against third parties like churches or schools.

So under current state law, survivors of child rape or other forms of sexual assault have up to 35 years from the incident to initiate a sexual assault civil lawsuit, or seven years after discovering emotional or psychological injuries resulting from the abuse. The same time frame applies when suing an institution for failing to prevent or address sexual abuse. This means that if you were harmed by a medical provider, school official, or clergy member decades ago, you may still have a valid claim. If you are considering filing a child sex abuse lawsuit, or if you are asking, “Can I sue an institution for sexual abuse?”, the answer depends on the details of your case—but the law is increasingly supportive of survivors seeking accountability.

If you believe you have a claim, it is essential to act within the Massachusetts statute of limitations for sexual abuse lawsuits to preserve your legal rights. With recent lawsuits targeting perpetrators and institutions alike, survivors are finding new paths to justice with this “new” deadline to file.

Calculating Massachusetts Sex Abuse Settlement Amounts

Sexual abuse settlements in Massachusetts are determined by weighing multiple factors, but the process begins with two critical thresholds. These hurdles must be cleared before a case can even move toward compensation:

1. Statute of Limitations:
   Massachusetts has extended its statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims, allowing survivors to file lawsuits well into adulthood. However, the rules are nuanced. For instance, under current law, survivors can typically file until age 53, or within three years of recognizing the abuse caused their injuries. This flexibility opens doors for many cases, but timing is still crucial. Claims involving institutional cover-ups may have different deadlines, and missing these windows can shut down a case entirely.
2. Defendant’s Assets or Insurance:
   The second threshold is identifying a defendant with the financial means to pay a settlement. Survivors often sue institutions like churches, schools, or youth organizations, which are more likely to have insurance coverage or significant assets. If the abuser is the only defendant, recovery may be limited unless they have substantial personal wealth.

Once these initial hurdles are cleared, several other factors come into play when calculating a settlement:

Severity of the Abuse

The nature, frequency, and duration of the abuse heavily influence settlement amounts. Cases involving prolonged abuse, physical harm, or particularly egregious acts typically result in higher payouts. Courts and insurers also consider the emotional and psychological toll on the survivor, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or long-term trust issues.

Proof of the Abuse

While sexual abuse cases don’t always require physical evidence, the strength of the survivor’s testimony, corroborating witnesses, or institutional records (e.g., internal reports, complaints, or prior incidents) will significantly boost the value of a claim. Massachusetts juries and even defense lawyers and insurance adjusters for settlement are aware that abuse often occurs in secrecy, and often just a credible plaintiff is more than enough. But solid proof helps substantiate claims and makes it harder for defendants to deny liability.

Institutional Negligence or Cover-Up

If the defendant is an institution that failed to protect victims or actively concealed the abuse, the settlement value often increases. For example, cases involving the Catholic Church have demonstrated that clear evidence of a cover-up can lead to substantial payouts because juries and insurers view the negligence which borders on intentional conduct as particularly egregious.

Emotional and Psychological Damages

The courts recognize that sexual abuse has lasting emotional and psychological impacts, often awarding compensation for these non-economic damages. Survivors are often entitled to compensation for therapy costs, emotional distress, and the long-term impact on their quality of life.

A Good Lawyer Makes a Difference

Perhaps the most critical factor after clearing the initial hurdles is having an experienced lawyer who knows how to maximize settlement payouts. Skilled attorneys understand how to present the survivor’s story compellingly, negotiate with insurers, and push back against defense strategies aimed at minimizing liability. They know how to find key evidence, leverage expert testimony, and calculate the full scope of damages—ensuring the survivor does not leave money on the table. A good lawyer also understands the value of timing, whether it’s negotiating a settlement before trial or taking the case to a jury when necessary.

Massachusetts Sex Abuse Lawsuit Settlement Amounts and Jury Payouts

Below are some example Massachusetts sex abuse settlement amounts or jury payouts. These sample results provide valuable insight into how settlement compensation payouts may be determined in these types of lawsuits. The lawsuits offer a framework for understanding some of the factors that influence compensation—such as the severity of the abuse, the impact on the survivor, and the presence of institutional negligence

But…there are limits to how you use these results.  No two cases are identical. Settlement amounts will vary wildly based on a wide range of variables, not just the things we have been talking about the defendant’s financial resources, the availability of insurance coverage, the severity of the abuse, etc.  Additionally, remember that substantial recoveries typically require a liable institution or an insured defendant. A large jury verdict against an individual without assets or insurance provides no practical financial recovery for the survivor. You need to identify responsible parties with the means to satisfy a judgment or settlement to really get justice in these claims, no matter how tragic they are.

• $1,400,000 Settlement: The Order of Saint Augustine (a branch of the Catholic Church) agreed to a $1.4 million settlement with a group of 11 victims. The victims alleged that they were sexually abused by Reverend John Gallagher in the 1970s. Gallagher was a known pedophile who worked at St. Mary’s Parish and school in Lawrence.
• $250,000 Verdict: Female plaintiff sued her stepfather claiming that he sexually molested the plaintiff from the ages of 7 through 17 through the use of physical force, threats and mental coercion. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit as an adult against the defendant and contended the defendant committed battery against her as a result of his repeated deliberate acts of rape, fondling and molestation upon the plaintiff’s body; that the defendant’s conduct was extreme and outrageous and amounted to intentional infliction of emotional distress; that the defendant falsely imprisoned her by restraining her in a bounded area without her consent; and invaded her privacy by intruding on her seclusion or solitude while she slept or bathed.
• $4,500,000 Settlement: The Diocese of Springfield, MA agreed to a $4.5 million settlement to compensate a group of 59 individuals who claim that they were victims of sexual abuse committed by various clergy members. The group of accused priests included 18 individuals, whose names were publicly released.
• $70,000 Settlement: A 13-year-old male student was allegedly sexually abused by the defendant teacher at the defendant private school. The school had discerned that the defendant teacher had abused four boys, one of which was the plaintiff. The teacher was counseled by the defendant psychologist and pled guilty to raping his nephew and sexually abusing another boy. The headmaster failed to report the abuse.  The plaintiff alleged that the defendants were negligent for failing to report the molestations to the state. The defendants contended that they had held informational services for parents and students instead of reporting the situation.
• $30,000 Settlement: A 13-year-old girl was sexually molested by the male defendant, her mother’s cousin, at a family gathering. The defendant was charged by the police with indecent assault and battery. The defendant admitted liability. The plaintiff contended that the female co-defendant, the defendant’s wife, also was liable due to her knowledge of the defendant’s propensity to commit such an act. The settlement was paid 50 percent by the defendant’s insurance company and 50 percent by the defendant.
• $97,000 Verdict: A 16-year-old female alleged that she suffered sexual molestation when she was assaulted by the nonparty physician’s assistant in the course and scope of his employment with the defendants. The plaintiff contended that the defendants failed to properly hire, train and supervise its employees, that the nonparty male physician’s assistant examination included parts of her body not related to the physical examination, that he willfully and intentionally engaged in unpermitted contact with intimate parts of her body, that it was not authorized by her medical needs, that the defendants breached its duty of care to the minor plaintiff, and failed to provide the proper standard of care.

Contact Us About Massachusetts Sex Abuse Lawsuits

If you have a potential lawsuit in Massachusetts for sexual abuse or assault, contact our attorneys today at 800-553-8082 or contact us online