In a significant ruling on May 2, 2025, the judge overseeing the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy case granted victims of childhood sexual abuse a temporary window to file civil lawsuits against the Archdiocese and affiliated entities. The decision comes as Maryland’s Child Victims Act (CVA) amendments are set to change the compensation landscape for abuse survivors.
This ruling allows victims who filed claims in the bankruptcy proceedings to also file lawsuits, preserving their rights under the CVA amendments before the May 31 deadline. The window provides a crucial opportunity for victims to seek justice under the original compensation caps, which will soon be reduced under the newly amended law.
The Child Victims Act Amendments
In 2023, Maryland passed the Child Victims Act, which gave survivors of childhood sexual abuse the opportunity to file lawsuits against their abusers without a statute of limitations. However, this year’s amendment to the CVA introduced caps on non-economic damages for claims filed after May 31, 2025.
- For public institutions, the cap will be reduced from $890,000 to $400,000.
- For private institutions such as churches and parishes, the cap will drop from $1.5 million to $700,000.
These changes have prompted a surge of legal action as victims race to file lawsuits before the new caps take effect. The bankruptcy court ruling has provided victims an additional pathway to seek justice under the original compensation limits, ensuring they are not left without adequate redress for the harm they endured.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore Case
The Archdiocese of Baltimore’s bankruptcy case, which began in 2023, has been at the center of ongoing legal battles. A 2023 report by the Maryland Attorney General revealed disturbing details of sexual abuse committed by clergy members over several decades. The findings contributed to the Archdiocese’s decision to file for bankruptcy in an attempt to address the large number of abuse claims.
The bankruptcy case is complex, with numerous claims from survivors seeking compensation for the physical and emotional damage caused by the abuse. The Archdiocese’s bankruptcy filing has created a legal labyrinth, as both the victims and the Archdiocese’s legal team attempt to navigate the claims process. The recent court decision to allow survivors to file lawsuits outside of the bankruptcy proceedings is a pivotal moment in this ongoing struggle for justice.
What This Ruling Means for Survivors
This ruling is vital for those survivors who may have filed claims through the bankruptcy process but fear that the financial compensation offered might not be sufficient to address the full extent of their suffering. By allowing civil lawsuits to be filed, the court has given survivors an additional chance to seek justice and secure the compensation they deserve under the original CVA caps before they are reduced at the end of May.
The judge’s order also allows for a comprehensive examination of the Archdiocese’s role in enabling the abuse. Survivors will now have the opportunity to pursue legal action not only against the perpetrators but also against the institutions that allowed the abuse to continue.
Challenges in the Process
While the ruling provides a critical opportunity for justice, it’s not without its challenges. Victims now face the daunting task of gathering evidence and filing lawsuits within a limited timeframe. Additionally, the ongoing bankruptcy process could create additional legal hurdles, with survivors potentially facing delays in receiving compensation even if they are successful in their civil suits.
The bankruptcy proceedings also highlight the complex interplay between bankruptcy law and civil litigation. Survivors may find themselves navigating a system that prioritizes financial settlements over individual justice, but this temporary window allows them a chance to pursue the full extent of their claims.
The Way Forward: Justice for Survivors of Clergy Abuse
As the clock ticks toward the May 31 deadline, survivors of clergy abuse in Maryland are urged to act swiftly to protect their legal rights. The court’s decision provides hope that justice will not be delayed or undermined by the bankruptcy process or the legislative changes to the CVA.
For survivors of abuse at the Archdiocese of Baltimore or other institutions, there is still time to file a lawsuit and pursue the compensation they deserve. The legal team at Helping Survivors is here to help guide survivors through the process, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to take action.
If you or someone you know was sexually abused by a member of the clergy or in an institution under the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s care, don’t wait. Reach out to Helping Survivors today for a confidential consultation. Our team is committed to helping you seek justice, and we will stand by your side every step of the way.
