Maryland's New Law on Sexual Abuse Compensation: A Game Changer for Survivors

Maryland has officially enacted a law that drastically reduces the compensation available to survivors of childhood sexual abuse. These revisions significantly cut the cap on claims against public entities from $890,000 to $400,000, while also limiting attorney fees to just 20% of any awarded damages. This legislative change represents a serious setback for survivors, particularly those who suffered abuse in state-run juvenile facilities and have yet to emerge to seek justice.

In response to these significant legal changes, Herman Law has initiated a class action lawsuit that was filed mere days before the new law took effect. This class action could offer survivors one of the few remaining avenues to pursue full justice and accountability for the horrific acts they endured.

According to Daniel Ellis, an attorney with Herman Law, "No one else has built this kind of legal safety net for Maryland survivors." He emphasizes the urgency of this situation, stating, "This class action lawsuit is about protecting those who were abused, silenced, and forgotten by a broken system. We filed before the law changed so survivors can preserve their rights, but only if they come forward now."

The lawsuit, which was officially filed on May 30, 2025, in the Baltimore City Circuit Court, names various entities as defendants, including the State of Maryland, the Department of Juvenile Services, and the Department of Health. It encompasses survivors who were sexually abused by staff while held within juvenile detention facilities across the state, including well-known locations such as the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School and the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center. The court is expected to rule later this year on whether to certify this class action lawsuit. If certification is granted, survivors who have joined the lawsuit will retain the original filing date, thus avoiding the new legal caps imposed by the recent law. Conversely, if the class is denied, Herman Law plans to file individual claims for each client, maintaining the original filing date to facilitate fair compensation that circumvents the new caps.

It is crucial for survivors to act swiftly. Ellis urges anyone who has faced abuse in these state-run facilities to engage with the lawsuit quickly, as filing an individual claim before the class certification could disqualify them from participating in the class action. The concerns extending beyond compensation are also integral, as the lawsuit seeks not just financial reparation but also public recognition of the trauma sustained and an acknowledgment of systemic failures allowing such abuses to flourish.

Maryland's juvenile detention system has long been criticized for its history of documented abuse, neglect, and a noticeable lack of governmental accountability. The complaint argues that for decades, reports of these systemic issues have been largely ignored, leaving victims without the justice they rightfully deserve.

Survivors wanting to join this impactful class action are encouraged to reach out to Herman Law as soon as possible. For more details, they can visit HermanLaw.com/Maryland or directly contact the firm at (866) 850-4435.

About Herman Law

Herman Law is a distinguished law firm renowned for its unyielding commitment to representing victims of sexual abuse. With a team that is both experienced and compassionate, the firm focuses on pursuing justice, holding institutions accountable for the damage done, and aiding survivors in their healing journey through civil litigation. For further information about their services and ethos, visit HermanLaw.com.