Survivors of child sexual abuse in Maryland have a critical deadline fast approaching. They must file their lawsuits by May 31, 2025, to ensure that they are not impacted by significant changes to compensation limits under the state’s Child Victims Act.
What’s at Stake for Survivors?
Earlier this year, revisions to the Child Victims Act, passed by the Maryland General Assembly, imposed a drastic reduction in the financial compensation available to survivors. Claims filed after June 1 will be subject to a reduced compensation cap of $400,000 per claimant, down from the current cap of $890,000. This means that survivors who wait to file their claims after the deadline will see their potential recovery cut by more than half.
The Baltimore Archdiocese and Charitable Immunity
One of the most prominent cases related to these changes involves the Archdiocese of Baltimore, which is embroiled in a legal battle over its bankruptcy filing. The Archdiocese is attempting to use the doctrine of charitable immunity—typically protecting tax-exempt religious organizations from certain civil lawsuits—to avoid financial responsibility for the abuse survivors. A 2023 report from the Maryland Attorney General revealed that more than 600 children were abused by at least 165 priests, teachers, and employees under the church’s supervision.
As of now, over 1,000 claims have been filed, seeking justice for the victims of sexual assault. The Archdiocese’s bankruptcy filing has further complicated the situation, as it attempts to shield itself from paying survivors the compensation they deserve. The lawsuit brought by survivors seeks to challenge whether the Archdiocese can still invoke this defense, especially after its bankruptcy.
The Impending Deadline for Survivors
For survivors, the clock is ticking. The window to file claims under the current compensation cap of $890,000 is closing on May 31, 2025. After that date, the cap will be reduced to $400,000, significantly lowering the amount of compensation survivors could receive for their trauma and suffering. Survivors who have been thinking about pursuing legal action should act now to take full advantage of the higher compensation available before the deadline.
Additional Cases in Maryland’s Juvenile Detention Facilities
The issue of child sexual abuse extends beyond the Archdiocese. Recent lawsuits allege repeated abuse of survivors at 12 juvenile detention facilities across Maryland, including Charles H. Hickey Jr. School and Cheltenham Youth Detention Center. These lawsuits highlight systemic failures in the state’s Department of Juvenile Services, including the failure to conduct thorough background checks for contractors providing care to vulnerable youth.
Take Action – The Time to Act Is Now
If you are a survivor of child sexual abuse in Maryland, do not wait until it is too late. The May 31 deadline is rapidly approaching, and you must file your claim before June 1 to ensure you are not affected by the reduced compensation caps.
Our legal team is dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual abuse in their fight for justice. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse in Maryland—whether it involves the Archdiocese of Baltimore, juvenile detention facilities, or another institution—we are here to help. Even if you have not yet stepped forward, we are ready to listen, offer support, and help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation, and let us help you pursue the justice you deserve before the May 31 deadline.
