Maryland schools have been linked to child sexual abuse scandals. A number of former teachers at public and private schools throughout the state have been arrested for sexually abusing their students, and these actions have led to civil cases as well.
If you are a survivor of child sexual abuse, there is an opportunity to seek justice through the legal system. A compassionate attorney can advise you on your options when it comes to Maryland school sexual abuse lawsuits.
Building a Case for Compensation
A survivor has the opportunity to pursue financial compensation through a Maryland school sexual assault lawsuit. For these claims to be successful, the abuse must have occurred at a school by a teacher or other staff member.
There is no requirement that the perpetrator is convicted or even charged with a crime. In fact, a civil lawsuit is often the best option for many survivors to seek justice.
These lawsuits can target a wide variety of individuals and entities. It is natural to seek damages from the person responsible for the act of sexual abuse. However, they are often not the only possible defendant.
Many lawsuits target the schools themselves due to institutional abuse. When administrators fail to take reasonable steps to prevent abuse or even foster a culture where these offenses are permissible, the school can be held liable.
The Maryland Child Victims Act
Across the country, there has been a growing movement to extend the time limit during which survivors have to file lawsuits in Maryland against government and private entities responsible for their abuse. The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that applies to civil lawsuits, and judges are generally required to dismiss cases that are filed too late.
Maryland has long been at the forefront of providing a path to justice for survivors. While it previously had one of the longest statutory periods in the country, Maryland went a step further in 2023 with the Child Victims Act.
The purpose of the act is simple—to completely remove the deadline for filing a child sexual abuse civil lawsuit. This removal is retroactive, meaning that survivors who previously had lost their chance to seek justice now have no time limit to file suit.
The Maryland Supreme Court narrowly upheld this law, but there is always the potential that the state could place limits on the right to file suit again in the future. It is vital that survivors act while they have the chance and proceed with Maryland school sexual abuse litigation.
Potential Damages
A lawsuit can provide a survivor with a measure of justice and accountability, but it also offers the chance of financial compensation. A successful claim can provide compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial losses stemming from an act of sexual violence. No amount of money can erase abuse, but it can help a survivor move forward in life. Some of the types of compensation include the following:
- Lost income
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Past and future medical costs
- Therapy and mental health care expenses
- Medication
The team at Phillips Law Group can help survivors get the most out of their claims.
Talk to a Lawyer in Maryland About School Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
Suffering sexual abuse as a student can alter your life permanently. From emotional hardships to physical injuries, a civil lawsuit can provide you with the resources you need. These claims could also represent your best chance at justice, even if your abuser was never charged with a crime.
Phillips Law Group is focused on fighting on behalf of survivors. Reach out right away to discuss how they handle Maryland school sexual abuse lawsuits.
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