Tuesday, May 9, 2023

I was a Child Victim. What Steps Can I Take Following the Child Victims Act of 2023?

If you were sexually abused as a child in Maryland, you are not alone — and you should know that hope is at hand. With the passage of the Child Victims Act of 2023, you can now seek justice for the abuse you endured as a child, even if the deadline established by the old statute of limitations on litigation has passed.

At Trollinger Law LLC, we understand the prospect of taking legal action might feel frightening, and you may have many questions. Our compassionate attorneys are here to provide you with the support and guidance you need to pursue justice and compensation for the harm you suffered. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn your options under this landmark law for survivors.

Understanding the Child Victims Act of 2023: A Guide for Survivors

Maryland lawmakers recently passed legislation ending the state’s legal time limit on civil lawsuits for child sexual abuse survivors. The Child Victims Act of 2023 opens a retroactive window that allows survivors to sue their abusers and any institutions that enable them for financial compensation.  Previously, those sexually abused as children could not file suit after age 38 in Maryland. Starting Oct. 1, this time limit no longer exists. It also allows claimants with previously time-barred claims to take legal action. 

The act also changes the cap on damages for victims of child sex abuse. Under the law, caps on damages against private entities are capped at $1.5 million. The cap for public entities, like schools and government agencies, is $890,000. This applies to each instance of abuse. 

Steps for Child Victims to Take Under the New Child Victims Act

The steps you need to take to file a lawsuit under the new Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 will vary based on the unique circumstances of your case. The most important step to protect your rights and seek justice for yourself is to contact an experienced sexual abuse injury attorney as soon as possible.

At Trollinger Law LLC, your first consultation is free and 100 percent confidential. We’re here to listen to your story and determine your legal options. You can help by: 

  • Providing as much information about the incident(s) as possible
  • Passing along any evidence you might have saved
  • Providing the names of witnesses who could help your case
  • Providing relevant medical information or documentation

Don’t worry if you don’t have all the facts right away. Our law firm will do the investigative work to hold the at-fault parties accountable for the harm you suffered. 

Taking Action as a Survivor Under the Child Victims Act of 2023

The new Maryland Child Victims Act puts the power back into your hands. You can now take legal action to hold your abuser responsible for their actions and recover compensation in civil court. We know coming forward can be daunting and overwhelming, dredging up painful memories you may have tried to lock away. With the help of a Maryland sexual abuse injury lawyer, you can take a stand and gain the measure of justice you truly deserve. 

How Can You Get Legal Help from a Sexual Abuse Injury Lawyer? 

Getting guidance from a sexual abuse injury lawyer is just a click or phone call away. All you need to do is consult the experienced legal team at Trollinger Law LLC today. We are ready to offer compassionate support and aggressive legal representation to you. Contact us now for a free and confidential case review. 

The post I was a Child Victim. What Steps Can I Take Following the Child Victims Act of 2023? appeared first on Trollinger Law LLC.



from Maryland Personal Injury Blog | Trollinger Law LLC https://www.trollingerlaw.com/blog/i-was-a-child-victim-what-steps-can-i-take-following-the-child-victims-act-of-2023/
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Thursday, May 4, 2023

What Is the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023?

On April 11, 2023, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed the Child Victims Act of 2023 into law. The new law eliminates legal time limits on filing civil lawsuits against institutions for child sexual abuse. Previously, Maryland law barred adult survivors of sex abuse from filing suit once they turned 38. The bill gained steam when Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown released a 500-page report documenting a long history of widespread child sex abuse and systemic cover-ups of that abuse by the Catholic Church.

An analysis from CHILDUSA shows the average age survivors report child sex abuse is 52. Under the Child Victims Act, survivors can still have their day in court regardless of age.

Every sex abuse survivor deserves to have their voice heard. To learn what steps you can take to seek justice, contact a Maryland personal injury lawyer at Trollinger Law LLC for a confidential and free consultation.

What Type of Claim Could I Make Under the Child Victims Act?

Under the Child Victims Act, you could file a civil claim against the abusers and the institutions that harbored them. Possible defendants include:

  • Churches and other religious institutions
  • Schools and boarding schools
  • Camps
  • Colleges and universities
  • Hospitals and medical providers
  • Government agencies

Unlike criminal cases, in which the state seeks to impose penalties like prison time for the harm the abuser’s actions impacted society, a civil claim seeks financial compensation for the harm a victim suffered because of the abuser. While no amount of money can undo what your abuser did, holding them and the institution that enabled them accountable can bring a powerful sense of justice and closure.

By filing a claim under the new Child Victims Act, you could recover compensation for losses like:

  • Medical expenses related to the abuse, such as mental health counseling or therapy
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Emotional distress
  • Diminished quality of life

The new law sets caps on how much money survivors can recover in non-economic damages like pain and suffering. In cases against private entities like churches, the law caps these damages at $1.5 million. The cap for suits against public entities like public schools is $890,000. The law does not restrict compensation for economic losses, which is money for measurable losses like medical bills.

Does the Child Victims Act Make Winning Lawsuits Easier for Victims?

By eliminating the legal time limits for child sex abuse cases, the Child Victims Act will make it easier for survivors of child sex abuse to file lawsuits at their own pace. Under the previous law, the court would dismiss any child abuse lawsuit filed after the deadline, no matter how strong the underlying case was.

However, winning a child abuse lawsuit against an institution for harboring a child abuser is challenging. You must gather evidence, provide testimony, and quantify your losses. Instead of trying to do so alone, turn to an experienced personal injury attorney for help seeking justice.

Need to Schedule a Legal Consultation? Here’s How to Connect with Our Lawyers

The attorneys at Trollinger Law, LLC applaud the state of Maryland for giving child sex abuse victims an avenue for justice, but we know coming forward may feel frightening. We’re here to listen to your story and answer your questions without cost, pressure, or obligation. To discuss whether you have rights under the Child Victims Act, contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney.

The post What Is the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023? appeared first on Trollinger Law LLC.



from Maryland Personal Injury Blog | Trollinger Law LLC https://www.trollingerlaw.com/blog/what-is-the-maryland-child-victims-act-of-2023/
via https://www.trollingerlaw.com/blog/