Child Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Maryland — Fighting to Help Victims Secure Justice, Even Years Later

Sexual abuse is traumatizing regardless of the underlying circumstances. When such abuse occurs at a young age, however, it can have a disproportionate effect on a victim. This can literally alter a person’s formative years and potentially define who they become. Anyone who is victimized in this way should seek assistance from a child sexual abuse lawyer in Maryland.

At Andreozzi + Foote, our team of legal professionals is committed to securing justice on behalf of victims. There will be times when the legal system fails. Even in such cases, there are still potential avenues for holding abusers and those who enable them accountable. Contact our law firm today for a free and confidential consultation to learn more.

How Can a Maryland Sexual Abuse Attorney Help You?

When someone has faced sexual abuse as a child, they have a long road ahead of them. In some cases, this road includes seeing the offender charged and incarcerated. In other situations, the justice system may fail and the abuser could walk free. And even in cases where a specific offender is punished, those who enabled them (e.g., schools, relatives, churches) often face no serious consequences.

A child sexual abuse lawyer in Maryland can assist in these and many other situations. In addition to offering advice on how to move forward and helping access vital resources, an attorney can also file a lawsuit against those responsible for abuse. This is true even if an offender is not convicted under the law — since the standard of evidence is lower in civil cases. Put simply, you need a legal professional on your side.

What if It’s Been Years — Even Decades — Since Abuse Occurred?

As discussed in the previous section, far too many assailants walk away from their crimes with minimal criminal penalties. Unfortunately, the likelihood of this increases when it’s been a long time since abuse occurred. Perhaps there even was a conviction, but the abuser or those who enabled them have not been fully held responsible. Fortunately, justice is still possible.

That’s because Maryland recently passed a law removing the statute of limitations for sex abuse lawsuits. This means that it doesn’t matter how long it’s been since you or a loved one was abused. The law now recognizes that healing can be a long process. If you or a loved one was violated as a child, there’s more time than ever to seek justice.
Contact our child sexual abuse lawyers in Maryland today to learn how.

What Are the Potential Damages in Child Sex Abuse Cases?

Child sex abuse victims are often entitled to damages for the harm they’ve faced. The amount of damages will depend on the unique circumstances of a given case. However, the types of compensation available are fairly consistent across cases. If you or a loved one faced sexual abuse as a child, Maryland courts may award damages in the following categories:

• Economic damages: These damages are related to real financial loss. For instance, many child sex abuse victims require medical treatment, and therapy is a common outcome as well. Any harm that results in financial loss can result in economic damages.
• Non-economic damages: These are related to non-monetary losses. For instance, victims may be able to recover significant financial compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment in life, and more.
• Punitive damages: These court awards are not related to actual loss. Instead, their goal is to punish a defendant for particularly egregious actions. For instance, punitive damages may be appropriate when a religious organization protects an abuser.

The law takes cases of child sexual abuse seriously. However, it’s often the case that abusers are not held accountable, and even when they are, imprisonment sometimes does little to help their victims. This is why it’s important to have legal representation on your side. A child sexual abuse lawyer in Maryland can help you seek full justice from an abuser.

Contact Our Child Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Maryland Today

Whether it was you or a loved one who faced sexual abuse, moving forward may seem almost impossible. However, there are well-known steps for healing. Holding an abuser accountable for their actions is one such step. You shouldn’t have to face what’s to come on your own, and with an experienced legal professional on your side, you don’t have to.

At Andreozzi + Foote, you’ll work with a compassionate legal team that’s trauma-informed and willing to advocate tirelessly on your behalf. Sexual abusers take something away from their victims, but by making them face justice, it’s sometimes possible to get a little of this back. Contact us today by calling 866-311-8640 for a free consultation. Our child sexual abuse lawyers in Maryland are ready to help.