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BSA Lawsuit Update 2024

BSA lawsuit update 2024
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Many people have already heard about the abuse claims leveled at the Boy Scouts of America. Over the years, the Boy Scouts of America leaders silenced abuse victims, protected those who committed the alleged abuse, and kept secret “Perversion Files” that they failed to disclose to law enforcement. However, an onslaught of sexual abuse lawsuits has forced the BSA to take accountability for their complacency. In this blog, our BSA lawyers outline the latest BSA lawsuit update (2024).

In 2020, the Boy Scouts filed for bankruptcy protection due to the financial strain they experienced from the wave of sex abuse claims. At Reich & Binstock, we refuse to watch idly as the organization attempts to sidestep accountability. We stand ready to represent abuse survivors and fight for the compensation they deserve for their suffering.

If you or someone you love was sexually abused by troop leaders or other members of the BSA, our sexual abuse lawyers are here for you. To schedule your free consultation with us, please contact our office at 713-622-7271 today.

Why Is There a Boy Scouts Lawsuit?

Tens of thousands of men have come forward over the years, revealing that they suffered sex abuse by Boy Scouts troop leaders and other members of the youth organization. In fact, the total number of abuse claimants has exceeded 80,000 since the uptick of claims in 2012.

After the flood of lawsuits hit the organization, this placed a tremendous burden on their finances. For this reason, the BSA decided to file for bankruptcy.

April 2024 Boy Scouts of America Lawsuit Update

bsa lawsuit update 2022

In February of 2024, the Supreme Court made a decision on the Boy Scouts matter. The Court decided to lift the temporary pause on the $2.46 billion settlement. By lifting this pause, the BSA’s bankruptcy plan to offer compensation of up to $2.7 million to each victim of abuse can proceed. Previously, a United States Circuit Court of Appeals had denied a request to pause that agreement.

The hold was placed at the request of a small subset of claimants in the BSA lawsuit. Their attorneys requested the temporary hold while the Supreme Court deliberated a similar decision in Purdue Pharma’s bankruptcy plan.

The main issues in both the BSA and Purdue Pharma cases revolve around whether Bankruptcy Court can nullify claims against third parties that are not bankrupt. These third parties could include entities such as insurance companies that insured the BSA. Eighty-six percent of abuse survivors voted for the temporary pause to be lifted.

Why Did the Boy Scouts of America File for Bankruptcy?

In 2020, the Boy Scouts faced hundreds of lawsuits that came about after several states extended the amount of time that abuse victims have to file sexual abuse lawsuits. The potential liability in these cases was very large, and highlighted the financial strain facing the organization.

Before this wave of lawsuits, the BSA relied on their insurers to pay claims, as well as the existing statutes of limitations to protect them. Once those laws disappeared and their insurers refused to pay these claims, they had no choice but to develop a bankruptcy plan.

How Will the Boy Scout Bankruptcy Case Affect My Claim?

bsa lawsuit update 2022

In many cases where a plaintiff sues someone who filed for bankruptcy, the plaintiff ends up receiving less than they deserve. At this time, it is difficult to determine how much each plaintiff could receive from a successful BSA lawsuit.

Most likely, settlement amounts will be determined based on the assets of the organization, as well as the abuse that the victim suffered, which will play key roles in determining compensation.

For a better understanding of what your case may be worth, we strongly recommend speaking with an experienced BSA lawsuit attorney.

When Will Boy Scout Victims Get Paid 2024?

Currently, the claims process for the Boy Scouts settlement is underway. However, it could take years for all claimants to receive compensation, and many of these claimants are elderly or in poor health. Instead of receiving payment from local Boy Scouts councils or from the BSA themselves, claimants would receive payment from the Scouting Settlement Trust.

The Scouting Settlement Trust was established to compensate those who survived child sexual abuse while in the BSA. The Trust announced that it would accelerate partial payments to eligible claimants. This is called the Advance Payment Program (APP).

Boy Scout Settlement Payout Date 2024

The APP could begin paying claims and advance partial payments to eligible claimants. These payments could be up to $1,000 before the claimant’s final claim amount could be determined. Again, the Trust is separate from the Boy Scouts organization.

It was established as part of the BSA’s Chapter 11 reorganization plan. The Trust outlines specific rules for how it collects, assesses, and pays claims. These rules are known as the Trust Distribution Procedures.

Boy Scout Settlement Payout Per Person

As of now, the Trust has issued over 2,900 payments, some for decades-old abuse allegations, to claimants. They have paid out over $7.3 million in total. More payments worth hundreds of thousands of dollars have been scheduled to be paid out to claimants in early 2024.

If you would like more information on your BSA sexual abuse claim, contact the experienced sexual abuse lawyers at Reich & Binstock. You may qualify for early payments through the Trust’s Advance Payment Program.

Contact a BSA Lawsuit Attorney Today

At Reich & Binstock, we understand that many of our clients have suffered long enough because of the actions of their abusers. For years, we have represented sexual abuse victims against entities such as the Boy Scouts of America, the Church of Latter-Day Saints, the Catholic church, and even public and private schools. If you are a victim of sexual abuse, you have the right to file a civil lawsuit against your abuser for damages.

Our attorneys serve as staunch advocates for our clients. We build strong cases, gather as much evidence as possible, and maintain transparent communication throughout the entire duration of your case. If you need a skilled, experienced attorney for your sexual abuse claim, contact Reich & Binstock as soon as possible. Schedule your free consultation with us by calling 713-622-7271 or filling out our online intake form today.

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