New Maryland Law Opens Permanent Revival Window
Posted on: February 13, 2024 Sexual Abuse & Assault Lawsuits
In April, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed the Child Victims Act of 2023 also known as House Bill 1, into law. The new law removes the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse by opening up a permanent revival window for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
The current age cap under Maryland law is 38 years. This means a Maryland sexual abuse survivor who is over the age of 38 cannot bring a sexual abuse claim against their abuser or the entity who enabled the abuse. However, when the new law takes effect on October 1, any survivor of childhood sexual abuse is free to file a claim, no matter how long ago the sexual abuse occurred. Revival windows are vitally important to survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Many studies have shown that victims of childhood sexual abuse may need decades before they are ready to share their stories of abuse. The Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 now gives survivors that time with the opening of a permanent window.
The law is welcome news to Maryland survivors of childhood sexual abuse. From their frustration with the Maryland Attorney General regarding a lack of progress on an investigation into Maryland clergy sexual abuse, to the shocking number of abuse victims once the Maryland clergy sexual abuse report was produced, Maryland sexual abuse survivors had been put through enough. It is good to see state legislators listening to the people of their state instead of bending to the wishes of institutions like the Catholic Church.
One caveat that makes the Maryland law a little different than other states is its use of damage caps. For private entities (like the Catholic Church), damages are capped at $1.5 million for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, but there is no cap for costs on things like therapy. For public entities (like public schools or local government), damages are capped at $890,000.
The entire article can be viewed here.
Sexual Abuse Lawyer for Maryland Clergy Abuse Victims
If you or a loved one were a victim of sexual abuse within the Maryland Dioceses, contact our firm today. Our law firm handles Maryland sexual abuse lawsuits and can help you understand how long you have to file a clergy abuse claim in the state of Maryland. Call us now at 1-800-941-7209 for a FREE and PRIVATE consultation.