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Herman Law saved my life. Plain and simple. I am forever grateful for my family at Herman Law. They brought me and my family justice and then delivered accountability to a corrupt and broken system. They uncovered the agency’s cover up and then confronted my perpetrator, holding him accountable.
I had a great experience working with Herman Law. They consistently updated me on my case and helped me get an amazing settlement. Thank you to Attorney Dan Ellis and thank you to everyone at the law firm. I truly appreciate it.
The Herman Law Firm never over promised. They kept everything in perspective. But they sure hit a grand slam for me in the end. The firm always kept in contact with me to let me know things were getting done. I was blessed with this firm. Thank you Jeff and Jason for all your empathy and professionalism. You guys really helped me to get closure in my life.
Speaking up about sexual abuse is never simple. It requires strength, courage, and often years of reflection before survivors feel ready to take that step. If you are searching for a Baltimore sexual abuse lawyer, you may be seeking answers, accountability, or simply a safe space where your voice will be heard. Many carry the silence for decades, unsure of their rights or whether anyone will believe them. Telling your story can feel overwhelming, yet it is also a powerful first step toward justice and toward holding accountable those who should have protected you.
At Herman Law, we dedicate our practice to survivors, and we focus on creating an atmosphere of respect and safety, where your story is heard and honored. Our attorneys offer support that is steady and informed, never rushed or forced. Every survivor moves at a different pace, and we adapt to meet you where you are. When the time feels right, we are ready to listen, walk with you, and shoulder some of the burden as you take the next steps.
Healing begins with taking action. Whether the abuse happened recently or years ago, it’s never too late to come forward. Let our trusted legal advocates guide you through your next steps—confidentially and with care.
We are not a general practice firm. Herman Law devotes 100% of our resources to representing survivors of child sexual abuse, and this focus allows us to bring deep legal knowledge, survivor-centered advocacy, and a track record of holding powerful institutions accountable. Our exclusive commitment to these cases means we understand the unique challenges survivors face, the tactics institutions use to avoid responsibility, and the importance of building a safe, respectful relationship with every client.
What sets us apart in Baltimore is our approach:
Everything we do begins by listening. You decide the pace, and we never move further than what feels right for you. Our team respects boundaries, acknowledges each survivor’s experience, and allows your voice to shape the direction of the case. Along the way, we provide consistent support, answer questions in straightforward language, and maintain a legal space that feels safe and respectful. Most importantly, we make sure you feel heard and valued, without judgment or pressure.
Many cases in Baltimore involve powerful organizations—schools, churches, foster programs, or medical providers—that failed to protect children in their care. Our attorneys investigate these systemic failures, work to uncover the truth, and pursue civil accountability against the institutions that allowed abuse to occur.
Over the years, we have stood with survivors in thousands of child sexual abuse cases. Because our work is centered exclusively on abuse litigation, we understand how institutions operate, how negligence is often hidden, and how to bring those failures to light. Our experience allows us to build strong, thoughtful claims that reflect the full scope of harm and help survivors pursue accountability with confidence.
Legal action can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves reliving painful experiences. From the start of your case through resolution, we approach every step with care. Our attorneys and staff use trauma-informed practices designed to minimize retraumatization and provide steady, respectful support throughout the process.
We understand that sharing your story can feel overwhelming and deeply personal. That is why protecting your privacy is one of our highest priorities. Every conversation with our team is confidential, and every detail of your case is handled with the utmost discretion and respect. From the first call through resolution, we take careful steps to safeguard sensitive information, ensuring that you remain in control of what is shared and how your experience is presented.
If you or someone you love was harmed in Maryland, Herman Law brings the credibility, compassion, and commitment you deserve. When you need a trusted Baltimore sexual abuse lawyer, our team provides survivor-focused representation, extensive legal knowledge, and unwavering support through every step of the civil process.
A Baltimore sexual abuse lawyer helps survivors by outlining legal options, safeguarding privacy, and pursuing accountability. Our role is not to pressure you into action—it is to give you clarity. We explain your rights under Maryland law, guide you through each step at your own pace, and protect your interests throughout the process. By offering trauma-informed advocacy and unwavering discretion, we ensure individuals feel supported, respected, and empowered to pursue justice when they are ready to move forward.
Survivors often want to know:
These questions are natural, and we are here to provide clear, supportive answers. Our attorneys take the time to explain Maryland’s civil laws on sexual abuse in plain language, evaluate whether the Child Victims Act applies to your case, and identify institutions that may be legally responsible. We also handle the filing of confidential civil claims on your behalf, seeking compensation for the harm you endured.
You are not required to have filed a report in the past or collected proof before contacting us. What happened to you is important, and we will listen, support you through the process, safeguard your rights, and treat your experience with the respect it deserves.
Maryland law sets out specific definitions of what qualifies as sexual abuse. Under Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-117, sexual abuse includes any act or exploitation of a child committed by a parent, household member, family member, or anyone responsible for the child’s care, custody, or supervision. The statute makes clear that survivors may file civil lawsuits not only against the perpetrator but also against institutions or entities that failed to prevent or stop the abuse when they had a duty to act.
Some key points to consider include:
By clarifying this legal definition, Maryland law ensures that survivors are not limited to narrow interpretations of abuse. It recognizes that harm may take many forms, including exploitation, manipulation, or grooming, and provides broader avenues for pursuing accountability through the civil justice system.
Sexual abuse in Maryland encompasses a wide range of conduct—not just physical assault. State law recognizes that abuse may include rape or attempted rape, sexual offenses in any degree, incest, or encouraging or coercing a child into obscene or pornographic photography. It also covers prostitution and the sexual exploitation of a minor in any form.
These categories highlight that abuse can be both physical and non-physical. Emotional manipulation, grooming, and exploitation of trust also qualify as sexual abuse under Maryland law. Survivors may not recognize these acts as “abuse” until later in life, but the law acknowledges their lasting harm, providing civil remedies that validate these experiences and open the door to accountability and justice.
Recognizing this is critical because it gives survivors the ability to step forward, even decades after the abuse, and pursue justice against both abusers and the institutions that failed to protect them.
Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, and many survivors hesitate to reach out because they fear judgment, doubt their memories, or assume too much time has passed. The reality is different—you do not need proof, a police report, or immediate disclosure to begin. What matters most is that your voice is heard, your story is taken seriously, and you are given the opportunity to explore your rights in a safe and supportive environment.
Here is where you can start:
Our role is to create a safe environment where survivors feel heard and supported. Whether the abuse occurred decades ago or more recently, you have the right to explore legal remedies with the guidance of a trusted Baltimore sexual abuse lawyer who understands the lasting impact of trauma and is prepared to help you pursue accountability and justice.
The Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 permanently eliminated the filing deadlines that once prevented many survivors from pursuing justice. Before this landmark legislation, strict statutes of limitation often cut off claims long before survivors felt ready to speak out. According to the Maryland People’s Law Library, the Act ensures that anyone abused as a child in Maryland can file a civil lawsuit at any time, regardless of how long ago the harm occurred.
Key provisions:
This reform positions Maryland as one of the most supportive states for survivors. By removing strict filing deadlines and acknowledging that many people disclose abuse later in life, the law opens the door to accountability, legal remedies, and long-overdue healing.
Survivors deserve more than acknowledgment—they deserve accountability and meaningful resources for healing. Under the Child Victims Act, survivors may pursue both economic and non-economic damages designed to reflect the true impact of abuse. Compensation can cover medical expenses, including present or future healthcare tied to the harm, as well as mental health treatment such as therapy, counseling, and long-term support services. Civil claims also recognize the profound emotional toll by providing damages for psychological distress and the loss of quality of life that survivors often face. Together, these measures acknowledge the full scope of harm and provide the financial support necessary to aid recovery and empowerment.
The Act also sets specific limits on the amount of damages survivors can recover in civil lawsuits. According to the Maryland People’s Law Library, the caps vary depending on whether the defendant is a public or private institution and on the date the case is filed. For claims against public entities, including school boards and local governments, the cap is $890,000 for actions filed on or before May 31, 2025, and $400,000 for actions filed on or after June 1, 2025. For claims against private institutions, such as churches and civic organizations, the cap is $1.5 million for actions filed on or before May 31, 2025, and $700,000 for actions filed on or after June 1, 2025.
No amount of money can erase what happened, but holding institutions accountable through compensation can deliver a sense of justice and provide support for the road ahead. Our Baltimore sexual abuse lawyers handle every case with care and privacy, working with determination to expose negligence and fight for accountability.
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Baltimore are never alone. At Herman Law, we are committed to helping survivors understand their rights, pursue accountability, and reclaim their voice. Every conversation with our team is confidential, every survivor is believed, and every case is handled with care, respect, and discretion.
Our attorneys provide survivor-focused representation, grounded in both legal knowledge and compassion, to guide you through this difficult process. When you’re ready, contact 800-976-8552 to speak with a dedicated Baltimore sexual abuse lawyer and take the first step toward justice.
Jeff Herman is a nationally recognized attorney and founder of Herman Law, known for his dedication to helping survivors of sexual abuse. With over 35 years of experience, Jeff has represented thousands of clients across the U.S. and secured landmark victories, including a $100 million verdict. He is trained in trauma-informed advocacy and works closely with survivors to guide them through the legal process with care and determination. Jeff is admitted to practice in Florida and New York and leads a team committed to justice and healing.
Speaking up is never easy—but you’re not alone. If you’re ready to explore your legal options, our compassionate team at Herman Law is here to listen, support, and guide you forward. Reach out today in complete confidence.