The Charles H. Hickey Jr. School, which is a juvenile detention facility in Maryland, has recently come under intense scrutiny. There are numerous allegations of sexual abuse that date back to decades. Under the 2023 Child Victims Act (CVA), survivors now have the opportunity to seek compensation for the trauma they went through.
However, there is a strict deadline on when victims can file a sexual abuse case. According to Maryland House Bill 1378, which was passed in March 2025, victims have until January 1, 2026, to file claims under the 2023 CVA. Also, for anyone who files after June 1, 2025, the compensation they can receive is lowered from $400,000 to $890,000.
So, where do you start, and how do you go about filing a case? Worry not if these are your concerns. By working with the sexual abuse lawyer team from File Abuse Lawsuit, victims can get the legal help needed to pursue compensation. Keep reading to learn more about some of the factors considered when estimating compensation.
1. The Strength of Your Evidence
Evidence is very paramount in sexual abuse cases. Cases with medical records, witness testimonies, or documented reports are normally settled higher.
However, since the abuse happened decades ago, it is difficult to get enough evidence. This means that some settlements may be determined using a matrix system that does not heavily rely on how strong your evidence is.
2. Severity and Duration of Abuse
The nature, frequency, and duration of abuse significantly affect the compensation amount. For example, victims who were detained at Hickey School for longer and suffered prolonged abuse will likely receive higher settlements compared to those who experienced isolated or one-time incidents.
Another factor considered is egregious abuse. This includes sexual abuse that was accompanied by violence, torture or cruel restraints, and similar torturous acts. Such victims may receive higher non-economic damages because of the trauma endured.
3. Psychological and Emotional Impact
Long-term psychological effects such as post-traumatic disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety are critical considerations. The need for ongoing therapy or years of therapy and psychiatric care shows just how severely the abuse impacted victims’ mental health.
4. Impact on Life Trajectory
Sexual abuse can change a person’s future life. The emotional and psychological toll may affect a victim’s education, future career prospects, and overall life trajectory. Other factors like disruptions in schooling and challenges in personal relationships are factors that can elevate compensation figures. All these things will be assessed when determining fair compensation.
5. Institutional Negligence and Liability
The role the Hickey School played in enabling or hiding the abuse will also be scrutinized. Any evidence of systemic negligence, like the school ignoring complaints of people, can lead to very high punitive damages aimed at holding the institution accountable.
However, this is something many are waiting to see unfold, as many people believe that the timeline put on filing a case shows the state is looking for every possible way to protect itself.
6. Legal Representation
The legal team a victim will pick will really influence the outcome of a case. Experienced lawyers are more familiar with how to navigate such a case and the local laws, including the recent CVA law. Such expertise increases the chances of potentially securing favorable settlements for their clients.
Conclusion
Estimating compensation in the Hickey School sexual abuse cases is definitely a complex process with several factors to consider. The legal scene, which is shaped by very recent changes, gives victims who were silenced before a chance to get some justice. As the case continues unfolding, we hope more institutions will be held accountable to prevent future abuses. If you or someone you know faced abuse at Hickey School, there is still plenty of time to come forward and file a suit.