Experiencing sexual abuse leaves a permanent impact on a person’s psyche. When the abuser is a person entrusted with the care of children or vulnerable people, the betrayal can be particularly overwhelming. Childhood sexual abuse often results in emotional and physical injuries and a decreased sense of agency that can limit a survivor’s ability to function.
Many survivors regain their power by bringing a civil lawsuit against the abuser and any institution that enabled the abuse. When a Maryland institutional sex abuse lawyer can prove that an institution failed in its duty to protect a child or vulnerable adult, the institution owes the survivor financial compensation for the impact of the abuse.
When you are ready, reach out to the experienced attorneys at Phillips Law Group. We represent sexual abuse survivors with sensitivity and compassion while aggressively holding culpable institutions accountable.
The Maryland Child Victims Act Relives Statute of Limitations Problems
It is common for a survivor to require years or decades to process the trauma of sexual abuse and feel ready to confront their painful history. The law typically restricts the timeframe for people to assert civil claims for personal injuries to just a few years. As a result, survivors may be prevented from seeking justice and accountability.
Maryland’s Governor signed the Child Victims Act into law in 2023. It repeals the statute of limitations for civil claims seeking compensation for sexual abuse. That means that a survivor could bring a lawsuit at any time, even decades after the abuse occurred. Before the law was enacted, survivors had to file a lawsuit within 20 years of their 18th birthday.
However, this law is being challenged in the courts, and there is a possibility that it will be found to violate Maryland’s Constitution. Survivors whose claims could be affected if the law is overturned should contact a Maryland institutional sex abuse attorney at Phillips Law Group to discuss the viability of their claim.
Defendants in Institutional Sex Abuse Claims
Sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable people is often committed by adults entrusted with their care. These people might be members of the clergy, teachers, camp counselors, scout leaders, and employees at facilities like runaway shelters, psychiatric facilities, group homes, and juvenile correction facilities.
Everyone has a duty to not cause harm to anyone else. Institutions that care for or provide services to children have an enhanced duty to ensure the children are safe. When the institution fails to uphold its duty to protect and enables sexual abuse, it is negligent. The institution is responsible for paying compensation to anyone harmed by its failure.
An institution could be liable for sexual abuse if it failed to properly screen employees and volunteers who work with children. It also could be liable if a concern was raised about the abuser and the institution failed to investigate or take corrective action. Attempting to hide or cover up evidence of sexual abuse also triggers liability. Maryland attorneys from Phillips Law Group will conduct an extensive investigation to uncover proof of negligence that could lead to institutional liability for sexual abuse.
Understanding the Civil Lawsuit Process
When a survivor brings an action against an institution claiming compensation for sexual abuse, the institution and its insurers are responsible for paying any settlement. The institutions often engage in vigorous negotiations to resolve a case.
In some cases, the compensation package offered is reasonable, and the matter can be settled without a trial. When the package offered is unacceptable, bringing the case before a jury can achieve a compensation award that reflects the enormity of the survivor’s losses.
The defendants in the case have the right to know who is suing them so they can prepare an effective defense. However, the survivor’s name can be protected from the press and public in many cases. The Maryland attorneys at Phillips Law Group can petition the court to allow them to file the institutional sex abuse lawsuit using the survivor’s initials or a pseudonym.
In particular, the team at Phillips Law Group is looking into cases involving individuals who were abused as minors. Please call our firm at 602-222-2222 to discuss your legal options.
Seek Representation From a Maryland Attorney When Seeking Compensation for Institutional Sex Abuse
Childhood sexual abuse is deeply wounding, and recovering from it often requires years of emotional work. Bringing a lawsuit against an institution that enabled abuse is a courageous act.
The Maryland institutional sex abuse lawyers at Phillips Law Group are eager to empower you whenever you are ready to hold the abuser or their enablers accountable. Please reach out to us to schedule a consultation and explore your legal options.
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