Victim of Sexual Child Abuse by Priest or Clergy?
Maryland has eliminated the Statute of Limitations on child sex abuse cases.
The Child Victims Act of 2023 allows anyone who is a victim of sexual child abuse to file a claim irrespective of how long ago the abuse occurred. Under the prior Maryland Law, a victim of child sex abuse was barred from filing a civil claim after they age of 38.
In addition, the new law raises the limit for recoverable noneconomic damages such as pain, suffering and mental anguish. There is no limit on punitive damages or economic damages such as lost wages.
The change in the law was prompted in part by an investigation that was conducted by the Maryland Attorney General’s Office. That investigation identified over 600 victims who were abuse by at least 158 members of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore. The abusers were priests and church officials. A redacted version of the Report on Child Sexual Abuse in the Archdiocese of Baltimore Maryland was released by the Maryland Attorney General’s Office on April 5, 2023. Read the report here: 040523.pdf (marylandattorneygeneral.gov) The Report details horrific instances of abuse an torture by priests and other church officials over an 80 year period of time. The Archdiocese covered up these instances of abuse and in some cases knowingly did nothing as the abuse continued. There are many more victims who have yet to come forward.
The Attorneys at Cardaro & Peek are advocates for the victims and survivors of clergy sexual abuse. We have access to the known list of abusers. However, there are likely many more instances of abuse that have not come to light because victims are afraid to come forward or they feel they could do nothing because the abuse occurred so long ago.
If you or a loved one were the victim of clergy sexual abuse, the Team at Cardaro & Peek can quickly and confidentially help you get justice against the individuals and institutions responsible.
It is never too late to tell your story and get the justice you deserve..
Contact the attorneys at Cardaro & Peek now for a free, confidential consultation.