Some Vital Information About Sexual Abuse/Assault Civil Cases in Maryland
Sexual abuse and sexual assault are an unfortunate reality in the United States of America, Maryland not being an exception. It is hard to measure the true scope of sexual assault and sexual abuse because many of these cases are not reported. However, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people are sexually assaulted or abused in the United States every year In Maryland, Please know that you are not alone and what happened to you is NOT YOUR FAULT!! We truly understand and we want to help! Sexual abuse and sexual assault victims can pursue civil cases on top of criminal cases. While money cannot make up for abuse, civil claims ensure that liable parties are held accountable. Also, a civil claim can force liable parties to implement changes that can prevent others from being sexually abused or assaulted. Understanding sexual abuse/assault civil cases in Maryland is crucial for victims seeking justice and compensation for their suffering. Below is some vital information about sexual abuse and sexual assault civil cases in Maryland.
Definition of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault
Sexual abuse and sexual assault occur when a person has sexual interactions with another person without their consent. For it to be considered sexual abuse or assault, the perpetrator must have acted intentionally and without the victim’s consent. Sexual abuse or assault can encompass any sexual contact or activity, including unwanted touching, groping, and rape. Sexual abuse and sexual assault are criminal offenses in Maryland, which can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony.
Who Can You Sue?
After being a victim of sexual abuse or assault, you can file a civil claim against the individual who committed the abuse. However, some abusers are not in a position to compensate victims. Plaintiffs can go after third parties, such as schools, churches, hospitals, and nursing homes, whose negligence enabled the abuse to occur.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Sexual Abuse/Assault Civil Case in Maryland
A statute of limitations is a law that sets a deadline for how long a victim can file a civil lawsuit. In Maryland, if the sexual abuse or assault victim was over the age of 18 when the assault or abuse occurred, they have three years to file their lawsuit (Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Section 5-101). However, under the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023, if the victim was below the age of 18 when the abuse happened, the case is not subject to any statute of limitations. This means a victim of child sexual abuse in Maryland can file a lawsuit regardless of how many years have passed since the abuse happened.
What Is the Average Value of Maryland Sexual Abuse/Assault Civil Cases?
There is no average value of sexual abuse or assault civil cases in Maryland, as each is unique. Several factors can impact the value of a sexual assault or abuse claim, including the following;
- The nature and severity of the assault or abuse
- Strength of the evidence
- Medical and therapy costs
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Overall impact of the assault or abuse on the victim’s life
- The plaintiff’s attorney
Your attorney’s skills and experience can significantly influence the settlement process. The more skilled and experienced your attorney, the higher your chances of recovering the maximum possible compensation.
Contact a Towson Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been sexually abused or assaulted and need help filing a civil lawsuit, contact our Towson personal injury attorney at Hardball Law to schedule a consultation. Representing clients in Baltimore and Towson, we are ready to aggressively defend your legal rights.
Source:
mgaleg.maryland.gov/2023RS/Chapters_noln/CH_5_sb0686t.pdf
