Maryland Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Updates

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Filing a Maryland sexual abuse lawsuit is often a critical step for survivors seeking justice, healing, and accountability. Whether the abuse happened in a school, church, youth program, foster care system, or juvenile detention facility, survivors in Maryland have the right to take legal action and pursue compensation through the civil court system.

Injury Lawyer Team is committed to standing with survivors—both children and adults—through every stage of the legal process. We understand how difficult it can be to speak out, and we provide trauma-informed, confidential representation focused on getting results and supporting your recovery.

Reach out for a free, private consultation to discuss your options. 

Recent Updates on Sexual Assault Lawsuits in Maryland 

May 12, 2025 – Over 170 Sue Maryland Boy Scout Councils for Childhood Sexual Abuse

More than 170 people have filed lawsuits against local Boy Scout councils in Maryland, alleging they were sexually abused as children by scout leaders or other personnel. 

The lawsuits target specific councils rather than the national Boy Scouts of America organization, which filed for bankruptcy in 2020 and reached a $2.4 billion settlement to compensate survivors of past abuse.

The lawsuits name the following Maryland-based Boy Scout councils:

• Baltimore Area Council
• National Capital Area Council
• Del-Mar-Va Council
• Laurel Highlands Council
• Mason-Dixon Council
• Chester County Council

Survivors claim these councils either ignored warning signs or actively concealed evidence of sexual predators operating within their ranks. Many of the cases allege the councils failed to protect children despite knowing of ongoing abuse.

Sexual abuse lawyers report a flood of cases being filed as the deadline approaches, as survivors seek compensation not only from the state of Maryland but also from private organizations for failing to prevent or stop long-standing abuse.

May 7, 2025 – Thousands Allege Sexual Abuse in Maryland Juvenile Detention Facilities Amid Legislative Fallout

Following the passage of Maryland’s 2023 Child Victims Act, which lifted time limits on lawsuits involving childhood sexual abuse, over 6,000 individuals have either filed or are preparing to file claims against the state. 

The lawsuits overwhelmingly focus on sexual abuse in Maryland juvenile detention centers and reveal decades of alleged systemic and institutional failure.

Several facilities are at the center of these claims, such as:

• Charles H. Hickey Jr. School (Baltimore County)
• Thomas J.S. Waxter Children’s Center (Prince George’s County, now closed)
• Backbone Mountain Youth Center (Garrett County)

Across these and other Maryland facilities, allegations describe widespread misconduct by staff—including counselors, guards, kitchen aides, and wardens—who allegedly used threats, bribes, and physical restraint to perpetrate or conceal abuse. 

Survivors recount being silenced by statements like “no one will believe you,” and punished with solitary confinement or loss of family contact if they tried to report what happened.

Many of those filing suit say they were in state custody due to family trauma, foster placement, or minor offenses. The majority of claimants are Black, a reflection of long-standing racial disparities in Maryland’s juvenile justice system.

The Maryland Attorney General’s office, which represents state agencies in court, has not confirmed or denied launching an investigation into systemic abuse within the Department of Juvenile Services. Advocates argue that such an investigation is long overdue, given the scale of the crisis.

April 6, 2025 – Maryland Lawmakers Pass Bill to Cap Damages in Lawsuits Under the Child Victims Act

Maryland lawmakers approved House Bill 1378, a controversial measure that limits compensation for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, particularly in lawsuits against public and private institutions. The bill follows the 2023 repeal of the statute of limitations under the Child Victims Act, which had opened the door for survivors to file long-barred claims.

The new law caps awards at $400,000 per incident against public institutions and $700,000 for private ones (down from $890,000 and $1.5 million, respectively), but only for cases filed after June 1, 2024. Older claims follow prior rules. 

It also narrows the legal definition of “incident” so that multiple acts by the same abuser may count as a single claim. Fee caps for attorneys are also imposed.

Supporters argue the bill is necessary to shield the state from potentially billions in payouts. Critics, including survivors and attorneys, call the bill unconstitutional and a betrayal of victims, especially since over 1,500 lawsuits have already been filed, with thousands more expected.

Despite fierce debate, the Senate passed the final version 92–40, sending the bill to the governor’s desk. A legal challenge is expected.

April 5, 2023 – Maryland Attorney General Releases Redacted Report on Clergy Sexual Abuse in Baltimore Archdiocese

Maryland AG Anthony G. Brown released a redacted report detailing a four-year investigation into child sexual abuse by clergy members within the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The report documents over 60 years of widespread abuse and systemic cover-ups involving 156 employees and Maryland Catholic clergy accused of sexual abuse. 

Many used their authority to take sexual images, exploit and abuse children, while church leadership allegedly concealed these crimes by relocating abusers, failing to report misconduct, and shielding them from consequences.

The Maryland clergy abuse investigation, launched in 2018, reviewed hundreds of thousands of documents, including personnel files, transfer records, and victim reports. It uncovered patterns of institutional failure and identified another 43 clergy who committed abuse while connected to the archdiocese but outside its jurisdiction. 

The report also criticized church leaders for enabling and covering up abuse.

How Long Do I Have to File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Maryland?

Under Maryland’s Child Victims Act of 2023, survivors of childhood sexual abuse now have no statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit against abusers or the institutions that enabled the abuse. This law removed the previous time limits that often prevented survivors from seeking justice once they reached adulthood.

As a result, survivors can file claims regardless of how long ago the abuse happened, as long as it occurred while they were under 18. This applies to lawsuits against both private institutions (like churches or residential treatment facilities in Maryland) and public ones (such as state-run juvenile detention centers or schools).

However, in May 2025, Maryland lawmakers passed House Bill 1378, a new law that dramatically limits the amount survivors can recover if they file lawsuits after May 31, 2025:

• Claims against public institutions (e.g., state juvenile facilities) will be capped at $400,000 per incident, down from the previous cap of $890,000.
• Claims against private institutions (e.g., the Catholic Church, Boy Scouts) will be capped at $700,000 per incident, reduced from $1.5 million.
• Survivors will be limited to one claim per abuser, regardless of how many times abuse occurred.
• Attorney fees are also capped at 20% for settlements and 25% for court verdicts.

These changes mean that although survivors can still file lawsuits, the financial compensation and legal strategy may shift significantly after May 31. Survivors filing after that date may face reduced payouts, even for severe, repeated abuse.

Who Can File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Maryland?

Anyone who experienced sexual abuse in Maryland—whether as a child or adult—may have the legal right to file a civil lawsuit. Under Maryland law, this includes survivors of institutional abuse in schools, religious organizations, juvenile detention centers, or youth programs. In cases involving children, a parent or guardian can file on their behalf. 

If you’re unsure whether your case qualifies, the Injury Lawyer Team can evaluate your eligibility based on the nature of the abuse, when it occurred, and whether the institution involved can be held liable.

What Kind of Compensation Is Available in a Maryland Sex Abuse Case?

Survivors of sexual abuse in Maryland may be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages, depending on the details of the case.

Economic damages may include:

• Costs for therapy and medical treatment
• Prescription medications
• Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to the abuse or its aftermath

Non-economic damages cover more personal, intangible harm, such as:

• Emotional distress and psychological trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Damage to relationships or trust

In some cases, Maryland courts may also award punitive damages if there’s evidence of especially reckless, malicious, or grossly negligent conduct by institutions or individuals that enabled the abuse.

Notable Maryland Sexual Assault Lawsuit Settlements & Verdicts

Dentist Sexual Abuse Case

Brandon Ambrosino sued dentist Bilal Ahmed and Universal Smiles DC after Ahmed sexually assaulted him during a dental procedure in 2014. Ahmed was later convicted of abusing multiple male patients and sentenced to 16 years in prison. 

Ambrosino suffered severe emotional distress and sued for medical malpractice. Ahmed did not respond to the doctor sexual abuse lawsuit, and the court awarded Ambrosino $22.13 million in damages, including compensation for past and future pain and suffering and medical expenses.

Child Victims of Abuse

Three minors—John Doe (13), Jane Doe (14), and Jane Roe (13)—sued Randall Fergus Hutton for sexual abuse that occurred at Hutton’s farm. Hutton was convicted and sentenced to 65 years in prison. 

The plaintiffs suffered significant psychological and physical trauma. Hutton did not appear in court, and the jury awarded $7.66 million in total damages: $725,000 in compensatory and $2 million in punitive damages to Jane Doe, $775,000 total to John Doe, and $1.27 million total to Jane Roe.

Date Rape Lawsuit Against Individual Abuser

A woman sued Joseph Cusati after he sexually assaulted her in her home, causing a fractured larynx and PTSD. Cusati pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and was sentenced to three years in prison. The plaintiff, who fled to a neighbor’s house during the attack, presented evidence of severe trauma, including surveillance footage. 

A jury awarded her $174,283 in damages: $49,283 in compensatory and $125,000 in punitive damages. Her injuries included ongoing neck pain and restricted motion, along with post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosed after the assault.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Maryland Sexual Abuse Case?

In Maryland, survivors of sexual abuse may be able to hold both individuals and institutions accountable through civil lawsuits. Liability isn’t limited to the person who directly committed the abuse; it can also extend to organizations that failed to prevent, report, or respond to the abuse.

Individual Abusers – The person who committed the sexual abuse is typically named as the primary defendant. This may include teachers, coaches, clergy members, juvenile facility staff, or any other individual in a position of authority or trust.

Employers or Institutions That Enabled the Abuse – Institutions can be held liable if they allowed abuse to occur under their supervision or failed to take appropriate action after learning about it. This may include:

• Public and private schools
• Churches and religious organizations
• Juvenile detention centers and state-run youth facilities
• Nonprofits or youth-serving organizations
• Government agencies 

Supervisors and Administrators – Under the legal doctrine of negligent supervision, administrators who failed to act on reports of abuse—or who covered it up—may be held legally responsible. 

Organizations That Attempted a Cover-Up – If an institution knowingly concealed abuse or protected an abuser, it may face additional liability. 

What Kinds of Evidence Do Sexual Abuse Victims Need to Sue in Maryland?

Survivors of sexual abuse in Maryland do not need to have physical proof to file a civil lawsuit, but having supporting documentation can help strengthen the case and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. Both direct and circumstantial evidence may be used to show that the abuse occurred and to establish liability. This includes:

• Survivor Testimony – A survivor’s detailed personal account is often the most important piece of evidence. Courts recognize that abuse frequently occurs in private and may not leave physical evidence, so a credible, consistent narrative carries significant legal weight.
• Witness Testimony – Statements from others who may have seen signs of abuse or heard disclosures—such as family members, former classmates, staff, or other survivors—can corroborate the survivor’s story.
• Medical and Mental Health Records – Therapy notes, hospital records, or evaluations that document physical or psychological harm (e.g., PTSD, anxiety, depression) can help demonstrate the long-term effects of the abuse. These are especially valuable in showing damages.
• Prior Complaints or Reports – Evidence that the abuser or institution was previously reported—for similar conduct or any type of misconduct—can be critical. This includes internal reports, school or institutional complaints, or prior lawsuits.
• Institutional Documents – In cases involving churches, schools, or state facilities, internal communications, personnel files, transfer records, or redacted investigative reports (e.g., from the Maryland AG’s report on the Archdiocese of Baltimore) may expose cover-ups or a failure to act on known risks.
• Official Investigations – Reports from law enforcement, child protective services, or grand juries can support a claim, even if no criminal charges were filed. 
• Photographs, Emails, or Physical Evidence – While less common in older cases, physical proof—such as journals, letters, emails, or photos—may help confirm timelines, relationships, or disclosures made at the time of the abuse.

Speak with a Maryland Sexual Abuse Attorney Today

Call us today at (866) 757-6452 or send a confidential message through our online contact form. 

We represent victims of sexual abuse throughout Maryland, including:

• Silver Spring
• Columbia
• Germantown
• Waldorf
• Baltimore