A group of attorneys is reportedly urging Maryland Governor Wes Moore to veto a new law that would reduce financial awards for victims of institutional abuse. The call for a veto comes as the attorneys rush to file lawsuits ahead of a deadline set for May 31, 2025. If Governor Moore signs the bill into law, claims filed after June 1 would be subject to lower caps on damages—potentially reducing payouts by as much as half.
The lawsuits were filed this week by a coalition of lawyers who reportedly represent survivors that were allegedly abused at Calvert Hall College High School in Towson, Maryland, as well as other private and public institutions across the state. These lawsuits, which accuse members of the clergy and faculty of sexual abuse, are part of a larger wave of claims that attorneys claim are being rushed to court due to the new law’s impending restrictions.
Urgency to File Before the Law Takes Effect
The new law, which includes lower caps on damages, is expected to apply to both private institutions like Calvert Hall and state-run facilities. Under the current law, victims of abuse in private institutions can file lawsuits at any time, with a maximum damage award of $1.5 million per occurrence. However, if HB1378 is signed into law, survivors’ damage caps will allegedly be significantly reduced, private institution cases would be capped at $700,000, while claims against public institutions would be limited to $400,000.
The Impact of the Law on Survivors
The legislation has reportedly sparked heated opposition from survivors’ advocates and attorneys, who argue that the bill compromises the state’s promise to support victims of institutional abuse. Robert K. Jenner, a managing partner at Jenner Law, allegedly criticized the bill’s passage, calling it “a moral failure” and claiming it would break the trust of survivors who believed the state was on their side.
Jenner, alongside other attorneys, has reportedly been vocal in urging Governor Moore to reject the bill. “This isn’t about budget math. This is about moral clarity. This is about a promise that the state of Maryland made and is now poised to break,” he allegedly said.
A Surge of Lawsuits
Despite the pushback, legal filings have reportedly continued at a rapid pace. One firm allegedly filed a lawsuit on behalf of 14 clients against Calvert Hall, which also names as defendants the Brothers of the Christian Schools, District of Eastern North America, and the Christian Brothers of Frederick. The filing includes allegations of abuse by multiple members of the clergy, as well as a lay instructor, Stephen E. Arnold.
In total, over two dozen lawsuits were reportedly filed this week, and the number of cases could increase as the May 31 deadline approaches. Attorneys have allegedly indicated that, according to some estimates, there could be up to 3,500 claims, which could potentially result in liability in the billions of dollars.
The Path Forward for Survivors
Survivors, some of whom have reportedly waited decades to speak out, are left with the looming threat of limited financial compensation if the new law is enacted. This has fueled a rush to file lawsuits before the damage caps are lowered, ensuring that survivors’ cases are heard under the current law.
The 2023 Child Victim’s Act, which allowed survivors to file lawsuits that were previously barred by the statute of limitations, was hailed as a breakthrough for victims of institutional abuse. However, the new bill is reportedly seen by many as a rollback of the progress made in the fight for justice and accountability.
Governor Moore’s Position
Governor Moore’s office has reportedly made it clear that he intends to sign HB1378 into law. A spokesperson for the governor stated, “The General Assembly has carefully crafted legislation that will continue to allow the survivors to seek justice while preserving the long-term fiscal stability of the state.” This decision follows months of debate about the potential impact on Maryland’s budget and the cost of compensating survivors of institutional abuse.
How Helping Survivors Can Help
If you or someone you know has been affected by institutional abuse, it’s important to understand your legal rights. Helping Survivors can connect you with legal professionals who specialize in these cases, ensuring that you receive the support and justice you deserve. Contact us today for confidential assistance and guidance through this difficult process.
