Boy Scouts Claims Deadline
Sexually abused while a Boy Scout? There is a critical November 16, 2020 deadline for filing a claim. We can help.
The Boy Scouts of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a result of a large number of claims by Scouts who were sexually abused or assaulted.
Billions of dollar will be made available to help compensate Scout victims through the bankruptcy process.
As described by USA Today, the bankruptcy was a surprise. It now provides an unprecedented opportunity for victims to file a claim and potentially be compensated, without having the individual circumstances of their abuse made public.
If you or your child was abused, contact us as soon as possible and we can file your claim for you. You may contact us by email, mcalloway@wardblacklaw.com or toll free at 336-502-6208.
Depending on your preference, you can speak with a male or female legal professional at our firm to discuss your circumstances.
There is a November 16, 2020 deadline to file your claim with the court so contact us now!
Why did the Boy Scouts file for bankruptcy?
According to court filings, the Boy Scouts of America faced thousands of lawsuits in state and federal courts around the United States.
From 2017-2019 alone, the Boy Scouts of America paid $150 million in settlements and legal costs. They filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to prevent more lawsuit-based settlements on a piece-meal basis. By filing for bankruptcy, the BSA can consolidate the lawsuits against them and potentially arrange settlements that are far lower than what they would have been otherwise for all potential claimants.
The bankruptcy court has now created a Victims Compensation Trust to compensate victims of the Boy Scouts of America staff and volunteers.
How Filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Helps the Boy Scouts of America
By filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the Boy Scouts of America can now reorganize and not be subject to individual lawsuits by victims. They can meet their obligations to pay creditors, sexual abuse victims, and restructure themselves to ensure that they can continue operating after the conclusion of the proceedings.
The bankruptcy filing also allows the Boy Scouts of America to stop defending individual civil cases and instead deal with their mounting liability through one overarching bankruptcy proceeding. This means that BSA won’t face victims individually. Rather, BSA will organize a trust to compensate thousands of victims but victims only have until November 16, 2020 to file their claim!
But it happened so long ago? Does that matter?
38 states have amended their statutes of limitations since 2002 to allow claims of the sexually abused to be filed. Ten states eliminated their civil statute of limitations altogether, and 16 revived expired statutes to ensure that victims of child abuse and neglect could receive compensation for what they endured.
Lawmakers recognized that by amending these statutes of limitations in their communities allowing, abusers who may still be a threat in their communities could be held accountable or stopped from ongoing sexual abuse.
Should You Be Included?
If you or your child have been sexually abused while in the Boy Scouts of America by one of their staff or volunteers, you may be able to receive compensation as part of the bankruptcy legal proceedings. You cannot be considered for compensation if your claim is not filed in time. All victims must file their claim by November 16, 2020– so don’t wait! Our team can help you gather everything you need.
You may contact us by email, mcalloway@wardblacklaw.com or toll free at 336-502-6208.
