The Child Victims Act of 2023 directly affects civil cases involving child sexual abuse in Maryland. The new legislation, signed by the state’s governor in April 2023, affects civil cases against abusers and institutions that allowed abuse to occur in two significant ways:
- It ends the statute of limitations and statute of repose in these cases.
- It increases recoverable damages in civil settlements or awards.
If you endured abuse as a child at school, church, or another institution in Maryland, you could have a civil case against the individual and entity. This is true even if you previously ran out of time to file your sexual abuse case. An attorney handling these cases will review your options for free during an initial, private consultation.
Changes to Laws Support Survivors’ Financial Recoveries
The Child Victims Act of 2023 clearly defines what child sexual abuse is, when survivors can take civil action, and the recoverable compensation they could receive. One major element of the act is that it eliminates the statute of limitations and statute of repose on filing civil claims against the perpetrators and the institutions that protected them.
This could make it possible for survivors to pursue justice in their cases even if time previously ran out for them to do so. Abusers and entities that allowed abuse could face legal action for incidents that occurred decades ago.
The new legislation also increases the cap on non-economic damages recovered from private institutions and government agencies found liable in these cases.
For a free legal consultation, call,
(888) 585-2188
The Child Victims Act of 2023 Changes the Timeline for Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Before 2017, child sexual abuse survivors in Maryland only had a few years to file a civil claim following their 18th birthday. This often prevented the perpetrators and institutions from being held accountable because claimants were not ready to talk about their abuse before age 21.
In 2017, lawmakers changed the statute of limitations on civil child sex abuse cases to 20 years. This gave survivors until their 38th birthday to act. However, this law also created a statute of repose that kept anyone whose right to sue had already expired from taking action.
The Child Victims Act of 2023 ends this statute of repose. Survivors who previously ran out of time to pursue justice could have another chance. Under the new law, all child sexual survivors can file claims throughout their lifetime, even for cases with a previously expired deadline.
The Child Victims Act of 2023 Lifts Damages Caps in These Civil Cases
The new law increases the liability for non-economic damages from private institutions and the overall cap on cases against government agencies responsible for child sexual abuse in Maryland.
The new limit on non-economic damages for private entities is $1.5 million per case, while the limit for a government agency, such as a public school system, is $890,000 per claim.
Non-economic damages, also called pain and suffering, include the emotional distress and ongoing psychological effects of the abuse and being a child sexual abuse survivor.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
How Is This Law Linked to Baltimore Clergy Abuse Cases?
Gov. Wes Moore signed the Child Victims Act of 2023 into law in April 2023 as the Maryland Attorney General released a report outlining the findings of a four-year investigation into child sex abuse claims within the Archdiocese of Baltimore. This report found more than 600 survivors and 115 perpetrators of clergy abuse within the archdiocese over the past few decades.
The pending release of this report and its contents likely allowed the bipartisan support of this legislation and the increased interest in helping survivors hold those who hurt them accountable. Many survivors of Maryland clergy abuse can now pursue civil cases and seek justice because of the changing laws and eliminating the statute of repose.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
What Should I Do If I Believe I Have a Maryland Child Sexual Abuse Case?
As noted, many child sex abuse and clergy abuse survivors in Maryland can pursue justice and compensation. Attorneys handling these cases provide free consultations so survivors can learn more. These consultations are private, and there is no obligation to file a claim.
Without a statute of limitations to prevent you from taking legal action, you might be able to hold the agency or institution that allowed your abuse to occur accountable. Many of these entities covered up abuse and even knowingly allowed abusers to continue working with children and teens for decades.
With a strong case to support your allegations, a child sexual abuse attorney could help you recover compensation for:
- Past and present medical bills, such as for therapy and other psychological care
- Past and present income losses and/or diminished earning capacity
- Past and present non-economic damages, such as emotional distress
When you work with an attorney familiar with clergy abuse within the Archdiocese of Baltimore, you can expect them to handle all aspects of your case. They will know how to show what occurred, how it affected you, and why the opposing party should be held accountable. They can fight for justice for you while you focus on your life.
Discuss Your Childhood Sexual Abuse Case With Jenner Law for Free
Jenner Law is accepting Maryland clergy abuse and child sexual abuse cases. We understand how the Child Victims Act of 2023 affects civil cases and how to use it to help our clients. We will assess your options based on your case’s facts and answer any questions you have for our team today.
Contact us on the phone or by using our online consultation request form today. We are here to help you get justice.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form