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Houston Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Boy Scouts of America Sexual Abuse Lawyers

For almost a century, there have been rumors of sexual abuse across Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Since its founding in 1910, BSA silenced thousands of victims’ voices and protected abusers’ reputations in secret “Perversion Files” that went undisclosed to law enforcement. However, this didn’t stop a major Boy Scout lawsuit from coming to fruition.

At last, the silence broke in 2012. New evidence finally exposed both sexual predators and BSA leaders who failed to report sexual abuse. Just because BSA leaders failed to stand up for victims, doesn’t mean that it’s too late for members to champion a new ethical conduct code.

If you or someone you know is the victim of sexual abuse, call 713-622-7271 to begin your Boy Scouts lawsuit. Our Houston personal injury attorneys are taking claims across the nation.

BSA Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

houston boy scouts sexual abuse attorney

The most common Boy Scouts lawsuit is one relating to sexual abuse. At this time, more than 92,700 men have filed lawsuits after suffering sexual abuse as children from their Scoutmasters. It is possible for Boy Scouts to have suffered sexual abuse from other adult leaders, such as Eagle Scout members. If a Boy Scout leader committed sexual misconduct against you or your child, contact our office right away. We will help you explore your legal options.

How Did the BSA Handle Sexual Abuse Allegations?

Boy Scouts of America has started to pay for faltering from its moral codes. As a result, BSA reached an $850 million settlement with more than 60,000 men who sued for alleged sexual abuse as of July 2021. Additionally, in February 2020, BSA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, listing assets up to $10 billion.

BSA Perversion Files History

BSA reports show that since its founding in 1910, leaders kept secret files of thousands of sexual abuse cases called the “Perversion Files.” They are also called the “Ineligible Volunteer Files.” The files hold the names of alleged abusers. BSA hid the files for over a century to preserve its image.

Meanwhile, young boys and scouts were being abused by troop leaders and other high-ranking members. This is unacceptable, and the BSA is finally being held accountable for its actions.

In 1935, President Theodore Roosevelt’s son referenced the Perversion Files in a speech at the BSA 25th anniversary gala. In the speech, he called them the “Red Files” which made many people think that BSA was tracking communists.

At a second press conference, BSA later explained that they were keeping “Red Files” of child molesters involved in the organization. BSA also admitted to removing thousands of abusers from the organization already.

In 1971, Scouting executives admitted to destroying thousands of Perversion Files deemed as outdated. Essentially, if the abuser was more than 80 years old or dead, the abuser’s file was destroyed.

The explosion of Boy Scouts lawsuits is often tied to a 2007 Oregon case where six men sued BSA. They claimed an assistant scoutmaster sexually abused them in the 1980s. During this trial, the jury read the thousands of sexual abuse cases kept secretly in the Perversion Files. The Oregon case resulted in a $19 million award for the victims.

After the landmark trial, Oregon insisted the Perversion Files be released to the public in 2012. Investigators reviewed 1,200 files between 1965 to 1985 and learned that Scouting officials quietly urged abusers to resign so they wouldn’t have to report them to the police. In most cases, Scouting officials actively hid the abuse and allowed the abusers to hide it as well.

Why Did the BSA File for Bankruptcy?

BSA filed for bankruptcy due to the incredible financial strain of sexual abuse lawsuits. Under the Chapter 11 filing, the organization established a victims’ compensation fund. Afterward, BSA’s insurance companies refused to pay out damages in 2018. The insurance companies said BSA was liable for the abuse because they could’ve taken steps to prevent it.

Chief Scout Executive, President, and CEO Roger Mosby very recently left office on November 8, 2023. He released a statement after the bankruptcy settlement was reached. In that statement, he thanked those who spoke out about their abuse. Their advocacy, he said, would help protect current and future scouts from that same abuse.

houston boy scouts sexual abuse lawyers

Statute of Limitations for Boy Scout Sexual Harassment Claims

Sexual abuse falls under the “personal injury” category, which usually has a two-year statute of limitations. But as more victims came forward, some with decades-old abuse stories, this statute expanded.

In Texas specifically, sexual abuse victims now have 30 years after turning 18 years old to file a Boy Scouts lawsuit against their sexual abusers. The new statute of limitations changed from the previous 15-year threshold in September 2019.

You’ll want to consult with a Houston personal injury law firm with extensive experience in sexual abuse cases for children.

Child Victims Act in Texas

Similarly to the statute of limitations in Texas, the Child Victims Act extends the amount of time that victims can sue for their sexual abuse. The law was passed in Texas and 14 other states in 2019 with the reasoning that children don’t understand what sexual abuse is until they’re older.

Therefore, a statute of limitations of two years before the abuse is unfair and unjust. Under this law in Texas, child sexual abuse victims can file a sexual abuse lawsuit 30 years after they turn 18 years old.

Our experienced Houston child sexual abuse attorneys are here to help victims receive compensation while gaining some closure.

Victims of Child Abuse Act of 2013

Unlike the Child Victims Act, the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 2013 reauthorized the act from 1990 and was signed. The main goal is to authorize funding to help child abuse victims through Children’s Advocacy Centers.

The 2013 law amends the 1990 act by authorizing appropriations for:

  • The Children’s Advocacy Centers
  • Grants from the administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to develop and begin child abuse investigation programs
  • Grants to national organizations to assist and train attorneys and others involved in child abuse lawsuits

Types of BSA Sexual Abuse Cases

Sexual abuse in Boy Scouts can range anywhere from molestation to rape by Scoutmasters and volunteers. However, all forms of sexual abuse are equally serious and damaging to a person’s mental and physical health.

Even if you feel that the abuse you suffered wasn’t “bad enough,” you still deserve justice and peace of mind. Abused scouts have the right to seek compensation for the abuse they suffered in their scouting programs. The Houston sexual abuse lawyers at Reich & Binstock want to hear your story.

Effects of Child Abuse

Victims can suffer a variety of physical, mental, and behavioral effects from sexual abuse. Symptoms often depend on the duration and severity of the abuse. Additionally, being aware of the warning signs of childhood grooming and the effects of abuse can help to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Short Term

  • Severe genital pain
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Stomach aches
  • Painful urination
  • Pregnancy
  • Fear
  • Anxiety
  • Guilt
  • Shame
  • Depression
  • Low self-esteem
  • Nightmares and trouble sleeping
  • Acting out in violence or anger by running away, shoplifting, setting fires, hurting people or animals
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • No longer wanting to be social
  • Poor grades and skipping school

Long Term

  • Various health conditions from drug or alcohol abuse
  • Sexually transmitted infections from hypersexuality
  • Vaginal pain or difficulty reaching orgasm for women
  • Erectile or ejaculatory difficulties for men
  • Various health conditions from eating disorders
  • A variety of somatic symptoms (when a person has a significant focus on physical symptoms that may or may not exist) such as pelvic pain, stomach problems, headaches, difficulty swallowing, physical tension, etc.
  • PTSD
  • Flashbacks
  • Nightmares
  • Denial
  • Repressing abusive events
  • General memory loss
  • Dissociation or depersonalization
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Frequent panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Various phobias
  • Confusion
  • Feelings of disorientation
  • Difficulty experiencing emotions
  • Suicidal thoughts and desires
  • Low self-esteem
  • Intense fear and panic surrounding sexual activity
  • Hypersexuality or hyposexuality
  • Difficulty being physically or emotionally intimate with friends or partners
  • Repeated involvement in abusive relationships
  • Difficulty establishing physical or emotional boundaries
  • Becoming an abuser from not receiving professional help or support
  • Suicidal tendencies
  • Self-harming behaviors like cutting
  • Addictive behaviors to porn, alcohol, drugs, food, etc.
houston boy scouts sexual abuse lawyer

Why Should You File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Boy Scouts?

Sexual abuse victims speaking up and potentially filing a Boy Scouts lawsuit is not only important for receiving justice, but for encouraging other victims to speak up as well. The more people who come forward, the more likely an organization like BSA is to change their policies to better protect children from abuse. Your speaking up can additionally prevent another child from joining BSA and suffering abuse.

How to File a Claim Against the Boy Scouts

Suppose you didn’t file a claim against Boy Scouts before November 16, 2020 (the deadline to file a confidential claim within the Bankruptcy court). In that case, sexual abuse survivors should file a personal injury lawsuit. To do this, call Reich & Binstock at 713-622-7271. We’ll get your Boys Scouts lawsuit started.

Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse Compensation

The amount of personal injury compensation you could receive depends on the extent of your sexual abuse-related injuries or mental symptoms. Once you speak with a sexual abuse lawyer at Reich & Binstock, we will be able to provide you with a compensation estimate. Generally, the more severe your physical or mental effects are, the more equitable compensation you can receive.

When Will BSA Claims Be Paid?

On September 19, 2023, the Scouting Settlement Trust announced that it would begin distributing payments. Many survivors were starting to wonder when payments would begin. That day has finally come. The full $2.5 billion trust is expected to be paid out to over 82,000 claimants. We can only hope their “Scouts’ honor” will ensure that every victim is paid fairly.

How are Personal Injury Damages Calculated for a Boy Scouts Lawsuit?

A Reich & Binstock lawyer will look into your financial losses (such as loss of income) and medical expenses (such as therapy bills) and calculate what your compensation should be.

Experienced Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Recent reform to statutes of limitations allows even decades-old incidents to be viable in a court of law. These cases can include childhood abuse during participation in Boy Scouts.

If you or someone that you know was abused in Scouting, it’s not too late to have your voice heard. Contact Reich & Binstock for additional information about your rights and eligibility for victim’s compensation. For more information on the most recent BSA lawsuit update 2022, read our related blog.

We also handle LDS, Jehovah’s witness, clergy abuse, and Catholic church sexual abuse. For a free consultation, call us at 713-622-7271 or complete our confidential online form.

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