Whether online, in print, or on TV, we’re proud our important work is routinely featured in the region’s top news forums and shared nationally. This recap of media coverage during the first quarter of 2024 spotlights the many ways in which we’re helping our clients find justice and recover fair compensation after experiencing a serious personal injury due to the negligence of others.

Notable Client Work

Survivor of Childhood Sex Abuse Finds Justice in Settlement with Portland Catholic Diocese

An 89-year-old Maine Man represented by Berman & Simmons attorneys Michael T. Bigos and Timothy M. Kenlan reached a settlement in a case against the Portland Catholic Diocese for childhood sexual abuse he experienced in the late 1940s. “John Doe” was 13-years-old when he was assaulted by Rev. Lucien Joseph Mandeville of the former St. John Parish in Rumford. Attorney Kenlan said the decision to settle was about the man “being able to put this behind him the best way he can for his healing.”

Members of the Sexual Abuse Survivors Practice Group at Berman and Simmons represent about 100 men and women who suffered childhood sexual abuse at the hands of Portland Catholic Diocese clergy and teachers, and dozens more who were abused by authority figures at other religious institutions, camps, and youth programs. This is the only one against the church that has reached a settlement. These suits would not have been possible before 2021 when the State of Maine removed the statute of limitations for civil claims of child sexual abuse. However, dozens of lawsuits are in limbo while the Maine Supreme Judicial Court deliberates the constitutionality of that decision.

Read about the settlement in the Portland Press Herald: Man settles sexual abuse lawsuit against Maine’s Catholic church as dozens more await ruling

Berman & Simmons Attorney Daniel Kagan Seeks Safety Measures for Those Injured by Rogue Antique Vehicles

When an antique vehicle crashed into a float carrying children in Kennebunk’s annual May Day parade, Berman & Simmons attorney Daniel G. Kagan published an Op-Ed in The Portland Press Herald demanding safety measures be put in place for antique vehicles used in public events. He recalled two previous tragedies where antique vehicles lost control with the worst consequences: the deaths of people who expected safety would be paramount in their excursions. Attorney Kagan said vehicle inspections and safety protocols should be a common sense matter of course before events in order to prevent tragedies.

Just a month later, in early June, a monster truck crashed at a show in Topsham. Thankfully no one was seriously injured. Attorney Kagan was sought out for his subject matter expertise, and told WMTW-TV: “The civil process is the means by which an individual can seek redress against someone who harms them through their own negligence. That’s where this battleground will play out to determine and uncover what happened.”

Read Attorney Daniel Kagan’s Op-Ed in The Portland Press Herald: Opinion: Let’s do more to protect Mainers at cherished public outings

Read about the Monster Truck crash from WMTW: Monster truck tour behind Topsham crash releases first statement six days after incident

Firm news and legal expertise