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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.
Maryland has made it easier for people who suffered child sex abuse to sue abusers and their enablers. A law passed in April 2023 and upheld in February 2025 removed the statute of limitations on sex abuse claims. People who have lived with the long-lasting effects of abuse and suffered as children now have a way to find justice, no matter their age.
You don’t need to face a lawsuit alone. Our dedicated team can stand with you.
At Herman Law, our mission is to help victims heal by giving them a voice through civil litigation. Start your path towards justice and healing with a member of our team — confidentially and with care.
There is no statute of limitations for sex abuse lawsuits since the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 became law in April of that year. Under the old law, you couldn’t sue for child sex abuse after you reached age 38. Now, people of any age who experienced child sex abuse can file a lawsuit.
In February 2025, the Maryland Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Maryland Child Victims Act, confirming that you can bring a lawsuit for child sexual abuse no matter how long ago the abuse happened. If you have any questions about this process, contact the team at Herman Law. We only represent survivors of sexual abuse, and we would be honored to help you fight for the justice you deserve.
Many people live for years or decades with the trauma of child sex abuse.
A lawsuit won’t make the trauma go away, but it can help stop abusers and prevent others from being abused. It can hold institutions accountable for turning a blind eye to the abusers. A successful lawsuit can also provide much-needed compensation for people who have had a life of struggle as a result of the abuse.
In Maryland, you can sue the person who abused you as a child. You may also be able to sue the institution that enabled or allowed the abuse to occur. Examples of potentially liable parties include:
Your lawyer can help identify the parties at fault for your childhood experience and against whom to file a lawsuit.
According to the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, 7,242 children were child abuse or neglect victims in 2020. Of those, 28.4 percent, or about 2,059 children, suffered sexual abuse.
These figures may be far less than the actual totals. Nationwide almost 60 percent of child sex abuse victims never disclose their abuse. Only one-third of child sexual abuse incidents are revealed, and even fewer are reported.
Child sex abuse does not have to involve touching a child, although that may be one type of abuse. It also includes attempted or completed abuse of a child by an adult. Abuse also includes activities intended to sexually stimulate the adult or the child or to make the child available for abuse by other adults.
The kinds of activities that can constitute abuse in Maryland include:
There are some signs that a child may have experienced or is experiencing sexual abuse. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, the signs can include:
Sudden changes in behavior, or a feeling that something is “off” with a child, can also be signs of sexual abuse.
People who experience child sex abuse often experience long-term emotional, physical, and behavioral effects. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, these can include:
People can also experience numerous negative long-term effects on their sexual health and interpersonal relationships.
In April 2023, a Maryland Attorney General report found that 150 Catholic priests and church associates sexually abused more than 600 children over 80 years. The Attorney General reviewed documents and evidence that went back to the 1940s.
At the time of the report’s release, the Archdiocese said it had already paid more than $13.2 million to abuse victims, represented by various attorneys, since the 1980s.
One victim recounted telling church officials in 1992 about her abuse, only to have the perpetrator go unpunished. The priest in question died in 2001 without ever having been criminally charged. He abused at least 39 people, according to the Attorney General’s report.
A sex abuse lawyer knows how changes in the law affect lawsuits brought by plaintiffs who suffered child sex abuse. Your lawyer can help you at all stages of the process, including:
With a sex abuse lawyer working for you, you can focus on healing from your experience. Your lawyer can take care of seeking justice.
Child sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers is a deeply troubling issue that affects some of the most vulnerable youth in our society. These facilities are meant to rehabilitate and protect young people, but instead, many children face sexual exploitation at the hands of staff members or other detainees. The power dynamics within these centers, combined with the isolation and lack of oversight, can create an environment where abuse goes unnoticed and unreported. Victims are often too afraid to speak out, fearing retaliation or disbelief, making it even more challenging to expose these injustices.
At Herman Law, we are committed to seeking justice for survivors of sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers. We fight tirelessly to hold perpetrators and the institutions that enable them accountable. If your child has been abused in a Maryland-area juvenile detention facility, it’s essential to act quickly. The legal process can be complex, but we will be with you every step of the way to ensure that your child’s rights are protected and justice is served.
Few law firms in the country deal exclusively with sex abuse cases. Herman Law has made this area our focus for more than 25 years. Our attorneys are recognized across the United States as leading advocates of justice for sex abuse victims.
We have won over $1 billion in settlements for our clients in sex abuse cases. We are nationwide advocates for people whose voices need to be heard.
We take cases on a contingency basis, which means you only pay if you receive compensation. Contact us now by email or call us at 1-866-902-4611 for a free, confidential consultation. Let us be your voice.
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.