November 16 deadline set for victims of abuse to bring claims against Boy Scouts of America
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse during your time as a Scout, please know that you are not alone and you have a voice. We are committed to helping you access the information and services you need to obtain the justice you deserve. It is important to come forward now if you were abused as a Scout, as the bankruptcy court has now set a November 16, 2020 deadline for claims to be filed. Once this window has passed, survivors of abuse may no longer be able to seek legal action against the BSA.
A Delaware bankruptcy judge has approved a November 16, 2020 deadline for former scouts who were victims of sexual abuse to file claims against the Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA) Chapter 11 estate. The parties are also working to finalize an order for the court to approve the appointment of a three-mediator panel as they continue negotiating a potential global settlement (1).
Sexual abuse claims continue to grow
The Boy Scouts filed for bankruptcy protection back in February amid an escalating number of sexual abuse claims pending against the organization, citing a $150 million burden of settlements with victims (2). “The BSA cannot continue to address the abuse litigation in the tort system on a case-by-case basis. In addition to the unsustainable financial cost of continuing to engage in piecemeal litigation across the country, continuing this process will result in the risk of inconsistent judicial outcomes and inequitable treatment of victims,” says Brian Whittman, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal North America – the restructuring advisor to the BSA. Whittman adds that there are currently approximately 275 pending abuse cases in 71 state and federal jurisdictions throughout the country, with an additional 1,400 potential claims in various stages of review.
BSA had been weighing its options since 2018 for achieving a global resolution to its abuse claims. “We filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to ensure that victims of past abuse in Scouting are equitably compensated. Our plan is to use this Chapter 11 process to create a Trust that provides equitable compensation to victims,” the organization said in a statement (3). All claims will be paid through the proposed Victim’s Compensation Trust, which will be financed in part from insurance proceeds.
In an open letter to victims of abuse, Jim Turley, National Chair of the BSA, writes, “On behalf of myself and the entire Scouting community: I am sorry. I am devastated that there were times in the past when we failed the very children we were supposed to protect.” Turley continues, “I encourage you, and all victims to come forward and file claims so you can receive compensation from the Trust.
We’re here to help
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse during your time as a Scout, please know that you are not alone and you have a voice. We are committed to helping you access the information and services you need to obtain the justice you deserve. It is important to come forward now if you were abused as a Scout, as the bankruptcy court has now set a November 16, 2020 deadline for claims to be filed. Once this window has passed, survivors of abuse may no longer be able to seek legal action against the BSA.
Fill out the intake form on this page for a free confidential and no-obligation review of your case. We’ll help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the process, and maximize your potential compensation often without ever stepping foot in court. If you do not receive a recovery through a lawsuit or settlement, you don’t owe us anything.
References
- https://www.law360.com/articles/1280789/ex-del-bankruptcy-judge-to-join-boy-scouts-mediation-panel
- https://www.law360.com/articles/1244711/boy-scouts-of-america-driven-to-ch-11-by-sex-abuse-claims
- https://www.bsarestructuring.org/victims/
