Maryland · Sex abuse claims in the Catholic Church
Sex abuse claims in the Catholic Church in Maryland
See If You Qualify
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Updated
01 · Your filing deadline
What is the deadline in Maryland?
As of October 6, 2026, Maryland law allows many childhood sexual-abuse claims without a general filing limit. For claims that were time-barred before October 1, 2023, a special rule bars new suits against the State or its units filed on or after January 1, 2026. Other defendants and claim types need a separate check. A lawyer can confirm yours.
A lawyer can review your dates and any bankruptcy notices.
Deadlines vary; a lawyer can confirm yours. An older diagnosis or a past filing window does not, by itself, establish whether you have a claim.
02 · Where cases are heard
Where would my case be heard?
As of October 6, 2026, Maryland law allows many childhood sexual-abuse claims without a general filing limit. For claims that were time-barred before October 1, 2023, a special rule bars new suits against the State or its units filed on or after January 1, 2026. Other defendants and claim types need a separate check. A lawyer can review your dates and any bankruptcy notices.
Maryland enacted lookback window legislation in 2023. The Archdiocese of Baltimore — the first Catholic diocese established in the United States — was the subject of a major Maryland Attorney General report released in April 2023 that found over 600 victims and 158 accused clergy members over more than 80 years, with systematic cover-up by diocesan leadership including multiple Cardinals. The report found the Archdiocese had actively shielded abusive priests from law enforcement and misled the public about the scope of the crisis. The Maryland lookback window creates significant new filing opportunities for Baltimore-area survivors. Consult an attorney for the current window status and filing deadline. Different rules apply to the State, local governments and school boards. These are legal limits, not promised payments.
How this works nationally
For the overall process and updates, read the Sex abuse claims in the Catholic Church overview. This page covers the local information available for Maryland.
What happens when I check?
You answer a few short questions about what happened. If you send them, your answers are kept on file. If a participating law firm takes these cases, it may contact you. People's Justice is not a law firm.
Live in Maryland? Read what applies in your state.
Register your interest. If a participating law firm takes these cases, it may contact you.
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