Maryland Supreme Court Upholds Child Victims Act
Child Victims Act: A Historic Victory for Sexual Abuse Survivors
In a landmark decision that brings hope to countless survivors of childhood sexual abuse, Maryland’s Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the Child Victims Act of 2023.
This momentous ruling, delivered on February 4, 2025, effectively eliminates the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse lawsuits in Maryland. This opens the door for survivors to seek justice regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Breaking Down the Supreme Court’s Historic Decision
Constitutional Validity
The court’s 4-3 decision, led by Chief Justice Matthew Fader, affirmed that the Maryland General Assembly acted within its authority when passing the 2023 law.
The ruling explicitly states that the legislature can retroactively remove statute of limitations barriers that previously prevented survivors from pursuing legal action.
Impact on Survivors
This decision represents a significant victory for abuse survivors, providing them with:
– The ability to file lawsuits regardless of when the abuse occurred
– An opportunity to expose perpetrators and seek accountability
– The chance to pursue justice and healing on their own timeline
Legal Implications
The Child Victims Act ruling addresses concerns about the 2017 law, which established a cutoff age of 38 for victims to file lawsuits. The court determined that this previous limitation did not create a permanent protection for defendants, allowing the 2023 law to effectively expand survivors’ rights to pursue legal action.
What This Means for Survivors Rights. A New Era of Justice!
The Maryland Supreme Court’s decision marks a transformative moment for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, removing all time-based barriers to seeking justice.
Whether the abuse occurred decades ago or in recent years, survivors now have the legal right to hold their abusers and responsible institutions accountable in court.
This ruling acknowledges the complex nature of trauma and the time it often takes for survivors to come forward, ensuring that their right to pursue justice is no longer constrained by arbitrary deadlines.
The Child Victims Act of Maryland recognizes that every survivor’s journey is different, and healing happens on its own timeline.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse in Maryland, this ruling means:
– You now have the right to pursue legal action regardless of your current age
– There is no time limit on when you can file a lawsuit
– You can seek justice against both perpetrators and institutions that enabled abuse
Types of Childhood Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle
At The Yost Legal Group, we have extensive experience representing survivors who have endured sexual abuse in various institutional settings throughout Maryland. Our dedicated legal team handles cases involving:
Juvenile Detention Centers
Our sexual abuse lawyers help people who were raped as a minor in a Maryland juvenile detention center. If a prison guard or staff member at a juvenile jail in Maryland has sexually assaulted you, please reach out for help.
Educational Settings
Our child sexual abuse lawyers pursue justice against those who failed to protect innocent lives.
- Teachers
- School administrators
- Coaches
- After-school program personnel
Youth Organizations
We handle cases involving abuse that occurred in:
- Sports programs and Summer camps
- Religious organizations
- Youth groups
- Community centers
Healthcare and Counseling Settings
Our attorneys represent survivors who experienced abuse by:
- Medical professionals
- Mental health counselors
- Therapists
- Healthcare facility staff
Children of Foster Care
Our foster care sexual abuse lawyers pursue cases against the Maryland foster care system. We fight back when employees fail to protect innocent children under their care.
Archdiocese of Washington Parishes located in Maryland
If a member of the catholic church molested you at a parish located in Maryland but run by the Washington Archdiocese, call us.
Your First Step Towards Justice. How We Support You.
At The Yost Legal Group, we understand that taking the first step toward legal action requires immense courage.
Our dedicated team of experienced childhood sexual abuse attorneys has experience handling these sensitive cases with the utmost compassion, confidentiality, and professional care.
We offer free consultations where you can share your story in a safe, supportive environment, and we’ll help you understand your legal options under this groundbreaking ruling.
With our extensive experience in handling institutional child sexual abuse cases and our commitment to fighting for survivors’ rights, we stand ready to guide you through every step of the legal process.
Contact us today at 800-YOST-LAW (800-967-8529) or text us at 1-410-659-6800 to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the justice you deserve.
At The Yost Legal Group, we understand the courage it takes to come forward. Our experienced attorneys are here to:
– Provide confidential consultations to discuss your case
– Guide you through the legal process with compassion and expertise
– Help you understand your rights under this new ruling
– Fight for the justice and compensation you deserve
Justice for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
This ruling represents a historic opportunity for victims of sexual assault to break their silence and seek accountability. Whether the abuse occurred recently or decades ago, you have the legal right to pursue justice and seek financial compensation.
If you or a loved one were sexually abused as a minor in Maryland, you have a safe place to come for help. Contact a child sexual abuse attorney for help, support, and guidance today. Your abuser can finally be held accountable.
– Juvenile Detention Center or Juvenile City Run Program
– Educational or After-school Program
– Youth Organized Program Run by a City or State Agency
– Healthcare or Counseling Setting
Contact The Yost Legal Group: If you’re ready to discuss your case, our compassionate legal team is here to help. Call us at 800-YOST-LAW (800-967-8529) for a free, confidential consultation. Your story matters; we’re here to listen and help you take the next step toward justice.
You are not alone in this journey. This ruling confirms what we’ve always believed – that survivors deserve their day in court, regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Athlete Sexual Abuse Lawyer – YMCA Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse Lawyer
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