Vigorously Pursuing Boy Scout Sexual Abuse Claims to Help Survivors Get Justice & Recover
The trauma of Boy Scout sexual abuse can last a lifetime. The chance to file a claim and seek justice will not. The Boy Scout sexual abuse lawyers at the Amaro Law Firm are currently reviewing claims and helping survivors file cases while there’s still time.
Call (713) 352-7975 or Email Us
For a Free, Confidential Consultation
The Deadline to File a Boy Scout Sex Abuse Case is Nov. 16th
If you or a loved one has survived Boy Scout sexual abuse, you are not alone. We are here for you, ready to listen, explain the claims process, and help you pursue your best options for justice and recovery.
While money can never erase past abuse, these claims and recoveries can help survivors heal while sending a strong message to other victims that justice is possible.
Do I Have a Boy Scout Sex Abuse Claim?
You may have a Boy Scout sex abuse claim if the incident:
- Occurred before February 18, 2020
- Involved someone associated with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA)
- Involved sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, sexual assault, and/or sexual comments
Here, it’s important to point that Boy Scout sexual abuse claims can exist no matter:
- How long ago the abuse occurred: Claims can be filed for acts of abuse going back decades. In fact, survivors are strongly encouraged to learn more about their potential claim even if the abuse occurred several years ago.
- How the abuser was affiliated with the BSA: Survivors can file claims for sexual abuse committed by other scouts, volunteers, camp counselors, troop leaders, and/or others affiliated with the organization.
- What BSA organization survivors were affiliated with: Claims can cover acts of child sex abuse that occurred in various BSA-run organizations, like (but not limited to) the Sea Scouts, the Explorers, and Venturing. Additionally, abuse that occurred at camps, schools, churches, and/or other locales where Boy Scouts activities were held can also be grounds for filing a claim.
Hundreds of sexual abuse survivors have already filed claims against the BSA. By the November claim deadline, experts expect there to be well over 10,000 claims filed.
Call (713) 352-7975 to Find Out If You Have a Boy Scout Sex Abuse Case
Case Evaluations Are 100% Free & Confidential
What If I Miss the Deadline to File a Boy Scout Sex Abuse Claim?
Missing the claim deadline can mean losing the opportunity to file a claim against the national organization. For many, that means not filing by Nov. 16, 2020, at 5 p.m. (Eastern) could close the door on being able to pursue a Boy Scout sex abuse claim.
For many other survivors, however, there may still be options for filing Boy Scout sexual abuse cases. That’s because, depending on the circumstances of a case:
- The deadlines may be extended in some states: Some states have passed laws opening up a “look back” window for sexual abuse survivors. These laws effectively extend the statutes of limitation, giving survivors more room and time to pursue claims. California, New York, Vermont, and North Carolina are just some of the states with look back laws extending the deadline for Boy Scout sex abuse cases.
- Survivors may still have claims against local councils: The November claim deadline only applies to cases against the national organization. While the BSA is fighting to have local councils designated as “protected parties” as part of its ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, the court has not ruled on this matter yet. That can mean survivors may have the option to file separate claims against local councils. Given that local councils hold most of the BSA’s assets, pursuing claims against them (along with or instead of the financially distressed BSA) may be in survivors’ best interests.
The lawyers at the Amaro Law Firm can enlighten you to these and/or other facets of your potential case, helping you take the right steps to set it up for success.
What Kind of Settlements Will the BSA Pay for Child Sexual Abuse Claims?
That is unknown at this time. Here are some of the reasons why:
- There’s still a debate over which assets will be included in the Victims Compensation Trust: Will the assets held by local councils be included in or exempt from the Fund? That’s the question the bankruptcy court still needs to answer. With local councils holding billions in assets, this ruling will greatly impact the availability of funds to compensate victims.
- The Victims Compensation Trust has not been fully set up: This will occur as part of the ongoing bankruptcy case, and it will likely affect how compensation is awarded for different types of claims.
- Claims are still being filed: Ultimately, the holdings of the Fund will be divided among the total claimants, with settlements varying according to how long the abuse occurred, the severity of the abuse, and many other factors. Clear answers about settlement amounts for these claims will likely be unavailable until all claims have been filed and the holdings of the Fund are known.
Are Boy Scout Sex Abuse Claims the Same as Boy Scout Sexual Abuse Lawsuits?
No. Claims against the national organization will become part of the BSA Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, which is proceeding in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (Case No. 20-10343). As a result, these claims are effectively unsecured debts, and the survivors are among the BSA’s creditors.
With Boy Scout sexual abuse lawsuits, the cases proceed in civil court, with the possibility of a trial before a jury. While lawsuits can be more complicated and contentious than claims processed through the bankruptcy court, they can give survivors their day in court—and they can lead to larger awards that may better compensate survivors for the trauma they suffered.
Depending on your situation, you may have the option to file a claim and/or a lawsuit.
How Can I Find Out More About a Boy Scout Sex Abuse Claim?
Contact the Amaro Law Firm for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation. Our Boy Scout sexual abuse lawyers can answer your questions, explain the options, and help you protect your rights to justice and recovery.
It’s not too late to join thousands of other Boy Scout sexual abuse survivors in the fight for justice. Act now before the deadline passes and it’s too late. You have nothing to lose by getting free, confidential answers about your rights and a potential claim.
Call (713) 352-7975 or Email Us
For a Free, Confidential Consultation
At the Amaro Law Firm, we are proud to help victims stand up to those who harmed them—and we are proud to offer compassionate service and strategic representation in the pursuit of justice and favorable resolutions.