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 have forced the BSA to take accountability for their complacency. In this blog, our BSA lawyers outline the important BSA lawsuit update (2022).
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.
November 2022 Boy Scouts of America Lawsuit Update
The most recent update concerns the bankruptcy filing amendment. In early September of 2022, the BSA proposed an amended reorganization plan for their bankruptcy case. Bankruptcy Court Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein reviewed the amended plan, which was valued at $2.46 billion. The bankruptcy judge approved the plan, as it would allow the Boy Scouts to continue their operations while it also equitably compensated thousands of abuse victims.
The plan outlines how the BSA, local councils, settling insurance companies, and other organizations would provide compensation for abuse survivors. Most of the $2.46 billion would go to compensating those survivors, while the remaining funds would cover the costs of pending litigation against BSA insurers.
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 Youth Group’s Bankruptcy Case Affect My Claim?
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, 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.
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.
