How long do I have to file a claim for sexual abuse?
In Maryland, the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit based on sexual abuse depends on whether you were an adult (age 18 and older) or a child at the time of the abuse.
Recently, Maryland passed a law eliminating the statute of limitations for child sex abuse cases in the state. This means that a person who was sexually abused as a child can come forward at any time to file a legal claim.
At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., we represent individuals who have been sexually abused in Maryland. Our experienced legal team will help you understand your rights and will help you hold all liable parties accountable for their actions. We know how difficult it can be to come forward, which is why we are here to help. Contact our office at (410) 685-2022 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
Statute of Limitations for Sex Abuse Cases
If you were an adult at the time the sexual abuse occurred, you only have a limited amount of time to file a legal claim against the perpetrator or another liable party. According to Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Section 5-101, a person has three (3) years to file a civil lawsuit based on personal injury.
If you were a child at the time of the sexual abuse, the Child Victims Act passed in 2023 eliminated the statute of limitations previously in effect. Prior to the passage of the act, childhood sex abuse survivors could not file a claim past the age of 38. Now, however, survivors of child sex abuse has as much time as they need to come forward.
Filing a Sex Abuse Claim Against a Third Party
Victims of sexual abuse can also pursue an injury claim against someone other than the alleged perpetrator of the abuse. For example, if another person or government agency was negligent in a way that helped allow or contribute to the abuse occurring, the victim might be able to recover damages in a lawsuit against that negligent party.
According to Maryland state law, if the abuse occurred as an adult, you have three (3) years to file a claim against an alleged perpetrator or liable third party. If the abuse occurred as a child, the Child Victims Act has eliminated the statute of limitations, meaning you can pursue legal action at any time.
Learn more about the resources available to sex abuse victims and how we can help hold parties accountable through a civil lawsuit on our page: “Adult and Children Victims of Sexual Assault.”
Understanding Your Rights As a Sexual Abuse Survivor
Sexual abuse is one of the most egregious acts that can be committed against a person. It is also one of the most underreported crimes in the country. Survivors often fear retaliation, particularly when the abuse is perpetrated by a person in an authoritative position. Others may be in denial or feel a debilitating sense of shame.
At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner, & Davey, P.A., we represent men, women, and children who have been traumatized by sexual abuse or assault. We recognize that it is not easy to come forward with your story, but we are here to help. Our firm is dedicated to giving survivors a voice. Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation.
Contact Our Office for More Information
Sexual assault and abuse victims deserve to be heard. It can take years for a survivor to decide to come forward. We want to make it easier for survivors to have a voice.
We provide dedicated, compassionate representation for victims of sexual abuse. Contact our office at (410) 685-2022 to speak directly to an experienced attorney.
