Statute of Limitations for a School that Didn’t Protect Against Sexual Abuse in Maryland

Schools have a duty to protect students from sexual abuse, so failing to do so often makes schools liable for the sexual abuse victims endure and the damages they suffer. Getting justice means suing within the statute of limitations, which differs from state to state.

Maryland has eliminated the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse lawsuits. This was a retroactive change, meaning anyone whose statute of limitations had previously lapsed had another opportunity to sue. Though there’s no statute of limitations for school sexual abuse claims involving children, delaying cases too long can weaken them, so prioritize yours.

For help with your case, call The Law Office of Andrew Shubin’s attorneys for victims of child and institutional sexual abuse in Maryland at (814) 826-3586.

Does Maryland Have a Statute of Limitations for Schools that Don’t Protect Against Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is traumatizing for all victims, particularly children mistreated by people they know and trust, such as teachers, counselors, or other adults who work in a school. Most states have deadlines for sexual abuse lawsuits, even if the victim was a child who took decades to come to terms with what happened.

Maryland, however, has no statute of limitations to sue schools that do not protect students against sexual abuse. This comes after the passage of the Child Victims Act in 2023 and the 2025 opinion from the Maryland Supreme Court, which held that the Child Victims Act is constitutional. Previously, minors had until they were 38 to sue for sexual abuse in Maryland.

Because there is no statute of limitations for child sex abuse lawsuits, there is no point in time at which you are barred from suing a school or other institution for sexual abuse as a minor because you’ve waited too long.

Can You File Too Late if There is No Statute of Limitations for Schools that Don’t Protect Against Sexual Abuse?

Although there’s no set filing deadline to miss that stops you from pursuing damages for the sexual abuse you endured as a student, delaying your case can have other consequences that are worth noting.

As time passes, evidence can become increasingly hard to collect. Sexual abuse lawsuits often rely heavily on witness testimony, and memories can fade or change over the years. Reports and files might be lost or damaged as well.

Though you technically have an indefinite amount of time to sue, that doesn’t mean you will always be able to present a strong case. Even if you are unsure whether you want to pursue a sexual abuse lawsuit, talk to our attorneys for victims of child and institutional sexual abuse about your case and learn more about your options.

Delaying filing for too long might also delay the healing process for victims, whereas seeking and getting accountability may help them move forward sooner.

What Damages Can You Get from the School that Didn’t Protect You from Abuse?

Since there is no statute of limitations to sue the school that failed to protect you from abuse as a child in Maryland, you can seek compensation for all your damages, regardless of how much time has passed.

Economic Damages

Economic damages from sexual abuse include medical expenses, therapy bills, medication costs, and lost wages. Sexual abuse may have more economic consequences than victims initially expect, and we can identify all that are compensable in your case.

Non-Economic Damages

You can also get non-economic damages from the school that failed to protect you and other students from sexual abuse. Non-economic damages represent the subjective pain and suffering from sexual abuse, including the mental anguish, psychological trauma, and emotional distress.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages exist to punish schools and other institutions that ignore abuse, enable abuse, or try to cover it up. There’s no time limit on seeking punitive damages either, and we can request it in addition to all the compensatory damages you incurred.

FAQs About Suing a School that Didn’t Protect Against Sexual Abuse

When Did the Statute of Limitations to Sue Schools for Sexual Abuse Change in Maryland?

The statute of limitations to sue schools for sexual abuse of minors changed in 2023 with the passing of the Child Victims Act in Maryland.

What Was the Previous Statute of Limitations for Child Sex Abuse in Maryland?

Before the passing of the Child Victims Act, Maryland gave plaintiffs abused as minors 20 years from turning 18 to sue, or until they turned 38.

Was the Change to the Statute of Limitations Retroactive?

The change to the statute of limitations in 2023 was retroactive, giving everyone abused as a child the ability to file a lawsuit and seek justice, even if the previous statute of limitations had lapsed.

Do You Still Need a Lawyer if There is No Statute of Limitations?

Even though there is no statute of limitations to sue a school that didn’t protect you against sexual abuse in Maryland, you still need a lawyer to build, file, and litigate your case, as there are many more hurdles plaintiffs must overcome. other than filing a case before the statute of limitations expires/

Why Doesn’t Maryland Have a Statute of Limitations for Schools that Don’t Protect Against Sexual Abuse?

Maryland no longer has a statute of limitations to sue schools that don’t protect students from sexual abuse because minors often go years, decades even, without disclosing the abuse or pursuing legal action.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Schools that Don’t Protect Adult Students Against Abuse?

Some sexual abuse or assault victims have claims against their colleges or universities. If you were assaulted as an adult in Maryland, you have three years from the date of the attack or discovery to sue.

We Can Help if a School Didn’t Protect You from Abuse in Maryland

Call The Law Office of Andrew Shubin’s attorneys for victims of child and institutional sexual abuse at (814) 826-3586 for a free case review.