The Maryland General Assembly voted to gut the Child Victims Act—just two years after passing it. The new legislation is a slap in the face to survivors and is yet another insult they have to endure. The bill is now on the Governor’s desk and is set to take effect on June 1, 2025.
Your Rights Are Safe With Us
If you’re already our client, your rights will be protected. We are actively working to file all pending CVA cases before June 1, ensuring that the new caps on damages and legal fees will not apply to you. If you’ve completed your intake with us, you’re covered. You don’t need to call or check in—we are already taking care of it.
For a free legal consultation, call,
(888) 585-2188
What Changed?
Starting June 1, 2025, the following changes will apply to new lawsuits filed under the Maryland Child Victims Act:
- Public institutions (e.g., city/county public schools): Damage cap drops from $890,000 to $400,000
- Private institutions (e.g., Archdiocese of Washington, private schools, camps): Cap drops from $1.15 million to $700,000. These caps apply to the total amount of recovery per incident—not just non-economic damages—meaning all compensatory damages combined (economic, non-economic, etc.) are subject to the cap.
- Allows survivors to receive one payment instead of collecting for each incident of abuse.
- Attorney fees will be capped at 20% for settlements and 25% for court judgments (This will make it significantly harder for survivors to find experienced legal counsel.)
The legislature claims this was necessary to protect the state from overwhelming financial exposure. But let’s be honest: This isn’t about the budget—it’s about shielding powerful institutions from full accountability.
“Maryland invited survivors to come forward with courage, and now it punishes them for doing so. Capping claims, limiting lawsuits, and restricting legal representation is not justice—it’s damage control for institutions that should be answering for what they allowed to happen.”
To Survivors: We See You
We know this feels like the rules are shifting—again—just when you finally found your footing. For those of you who’ve already come forward, it’s frustrating, exhausting, and retraumatizing. We understand. And we’re angry too.
We want you to know: your story still matters. Your voice still matters. And we are not backing down.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
What About the Archdiocese of Baltimore Bankruptcy?
If you filed a claim in the Archdiocese of Baltimore bankruptcy, the new law should not affect your case. Your claim is being handled in federal bankruptcy court, not under Maryland state law. The value and viability of your claim remain unchanged, and you remain protected under the rules of that process.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
We’re Still Fighting
We’re doing everything we can to protect our clients and all survivors who contact us before the June 1 deadline. If you or someone you know is still considering whether to come forward—tell them now is the time. There is no room for delay. A failure to file a Child Victims Act case before June 1, 2025, will significantly impact the compensation available. ACT NOW and call us: 410-413-2155.