Maryland Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

• Maryland Juvenile Detention Center
• Alfred D. Noyes Children’s Center
• Backbone Mountain Youth Center
• Baltimore City Juvenile Detention Center
• Charles H. Hickey, Jr. School
• Charles H. Hickey, Jr. Structured Shelter Care Program
• Cheltenham Youth Detention Center
• Garrett Children’s Center
• Green Ridge Youth Center
• Lower Eastern Shore Children’s Center
• Victor Cullen Center
• Western Maryland Children’s Center
• Thomas J. S. Waxter Children’s Center
• Good Shepherd Services

Unfortunately, sexual abuse is a major problem in these facilities. If you were subjected to sexual abuse at the hands of facility staff (guards, officers, directors, etc.) or at the hands of other detained youth, you might have the right to file a lawsuit. Please, do not hesitate to seek legal assistance as soon as possible.

A minor can never consent to sexual activity/contact; therefore, any sexual contact with a minor is considered child sexual abuse. This can include rape, attempted rape, forced kissing, groping, fondling, touching, forcing the victim to perform any sexual act, performing any sexual act on the victim, making sexual comments or jokes, forcing the victim to pose for photos or videos, etc.

Without a doubt, child sex abuse can result in extensive physical, mental, and emotional harm. Although every situation is different, victims of child sex abuse at Maryland juvenile detention facilities could potentially suffer some of the following harm:

• Injuries to genitals
• Injuries to reproductive organs
• Unwanted pregnancies
• Pregnancy-related complications
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Other physical injuries associated with a struggle during the abuse
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Panic disorder
• Anxiety disorder
• Fear
• Depression
• Increased risk of self-harm
• Increased risk of substance abuse
• Problems with authority figures
• Problems forming normal relationships

Can I file a lawsuit if I was sexually abused at a juvenile hall in Maryland? Yes, you could sue for the sexual abuse that occurred at a Maryland juvenile detention center. These facilities (and the entities that own/operate them) have a duty to keep detained youth safe from all harm, including sexual abuse at the hands of staff and other youth. When negligent practices (like failing to subject staff to background checks, no training, no supervision, no policies/procedures, no way for victims to report abuse, etc.) or the failure to identify and address sexual abuse result in detained youth suffering sexual assault at these facilities, victims and their families could sue.

Is sexual abuse at detention centers a violation of civil rights? In some cases, child sex abuse at juvenile hall facilities can be considered a violation of the Eighth Amendment, specifically because sexual abuse can fall under the scope of “cruel and unusual punishment.” This means that victims could file a lawsuit for civil rights violations.

All claims are subject to a statute of limitations which determines the total length of time that claimants have to file their claims; in general, failing to file on time could result in losing the right to sue entirely. In Maryland, as of October 1, 2023, state law extends the deadline for civil lawsuits for child sex abuse. That is, survivors of child sex abuse can file lawsuits at any time, as previous time limits have been removed. This law also applies retroactive, meaning that survivors who previously lost the right to sue based on an expired statute of limitations can still pursue claims to fight for justice.

Yes – you could be eligible to recover compensation for the child sexual abuse that you suffered while you were detained at a Maryland detention facility for juveniles. Although every situation is different, you could potentially be eligible to receive compensation for medical costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, punitive damages, and legal costs, for example. For more information about the compensation that you could be eligible to receive, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Maryland juvenile detention center sexual abuse lawsuit lawyers as soon as possible.

Child sex abuse is a severe problem in juvenile detention centers in Maryland and all across our country. Here at our law firm, we believe that all the entities who have failed to protect detained youth from sexual abuse – and that have even contributed to the abuse – should be held responsible. Let us fight for your right to get justice.

Free Case Reviews: we offer free case reviews, which include free consultations and free second opinions. During these free legal services, our expert juvenile hall child sex abuse lawyers will be available to answer all your questions, address all your concerns, and provide you with all the information that you may need to either begin or continue your Maryland juvenile hall sex abuse claim. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact us today.

Zero-Fee Guarantee: you will never be required to pay any upfront legal costs for any of our legal services. Additionally, our team works on contingency, meaning that you will never be required to pay anything if you do not win. Contact us today!

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