Boy Scouts of America Sex Abuse Lawyer

We cannot erase the trauma of sexual abuse. What we can do is help you recover compensation for medical conditions and emotional loss brought on by your experience. Our legal team will shoulder the burden of communicating with the BSA lawyers. If you entrust us with your story, we will do all we can to recover a financial award and justice on your behalf.

Who First Reported the Sex Abuse Within the Boy Scouts?

In 2010, a former scout in Portland, Oregon, was awarded $1.9 million in compensatory and punitive damages in a landmark case against the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Mr. Kerry Lewis brought the suit 30 years after the alleged sexual abuse from a scout leader in the 1980s.

What followed this lawsuit was the revelation that the BSA allegedly covered up thousands of other sexual predators as far back as 1944. While the nation’s largest youth organization denied that there was a formal attempt to hide sexual abuse allegations, it kept these files under lock and key at its headquarters in Texas.

The 2010 lawsuit opened the door to additional legal action. In 2012, the BSA was forced by the court to release some of these hidden files. More than 20,000 pages of documents revealed that the BSA not only knew about thousands of sexual abuse allegations, it did nothing about them.

“Ineligible Volunteers” Were Allowed to Quietly Resign

We believe that any organization that knowingly hid the facts about alleged criminal acts against children should be held accountable.

Consider the following:

• Any reasonable party who is told about sexual abuse would immediately go to the police. The BSA did not.
• Any reasonable party would want to take responsibility for alleged sexual abuse by conducting an internal audit to root out other possible offenders. The BSA did not.
• Any reasonable party would want to protect other children from alleged sexual abuse instead of allowing the perpetrators to quietly resign. The BSA did not.

What the BSA did was hide these shocking documents in files labeled “ineligible volunteers.” Many scouting abuse survivors believe that the BSA was more concerned about their reputation and financial security than the safety and welfare of the boys and girls in its care. We agree, and we want to help.

Why File a Lawsuit Now

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for bankruptcy in 2020, mainly because of their mounting legal costs as more sexual abuse survivors filed lawsuits against them. They also established a victim’s compensation fund.

Several states have suspended or expanded their statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases. Even if your state did not, it is possible that you could still file a lawsuit within the arrangements made by the bankruptcy court.

Time is limited, and it is important you have an opportunity to fully express your legal rights with the help of a Boy Scouts of America sex abuse lawyer. We invite you to call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for a free consultation.

For a free legal consultation with a Boy Scouts of America Sex Abuse Lawyer serving nationwide, call (800) 794-0444

How Do I Know What Scout Leaders Were Reported?

The BSA did not voluntarily open its confidential files of “ineligible volunteers”—scout masters and leaders who allegedly sexually abused the youngsters in their care. These secret files became public only after a high-profile lawsuit filed by a sexual abuse survivor led to a court order.

These files contained thousands of pages containing the names of alleged abusers and victims during the period from 1965 to 1985. Additional documents have surfaced that show a pattern of alleged abuse and coverup going back to 1944.

Many of these files are now public information. It is possible to find out what scout leaders were reported and when they left the Boy Scouts of America.

A History of Alleged Sexual Abuse and Lengthy Concealment of the Abusers

Thanks to the victims’ courageous decision to hold their alleged sexual abusers accountable, the public now knows the dark secrets behind the Boy Scouts of America’s wholesome public image.

The “ineligible volunteer” list or “perversion files” contained the names of 7,819 alleged abusers and the names of 12,254 young victims. The files show a disturbing pattern of alleged sexual abuse and a seemingly well-coordinated coverup. However, some sources believe that the BSA has additional files. In addition, the BSA possibly purged some of its files.

That is why you may or may not be able to find the name of your abuser in these files. This does not disqualify you from potentially recovering compensation. The BSA as an entity is accused of a wide-spread coverup spanning decades. We encourage you to call our firm to discuss your case in confidence, with no cost or obligation to you.

How You Could Qualify for Compensation

A Boy Scouts of America sex abuse lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may be able to help you recover compensation, even if you suffered sexual abuse many years or even decades ago. Although the burden of proof in a civil action is on the plaintiff, there is plenty of evidence that suggests that the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) can be held liable.

Our legal team can ascertain when you were a member of the BSA. We can also obtain the necessary evidence and testimony as to your injuries and damages. It is our goal to help you hold your abuser accountable for your suffering, no matter how long ago you were a member.

Boy Scouts of America Sex Abuse Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444

What Do I Do If I Know Someone Affected by the Boy Scouts Abuse Case?

What Do I Do If I Know Someone Affected by the Boy Scouts Abuse Case?

Recent lawsuits revealed that there are more than 12,000 victims of alleged sexual abuse in the Boy Scouts of America sex abuse case. There may be others who have yet to come forward.

If you know someone who suffered sexual abuse while participating in a BSA program, the most important action you can take is to offer your support. Each sexual abuse survivor responds differently but knowing that you are supportive and non-judgmental is vital.

Helping Someone Affected By Sexual Abuse

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), support for a sexual abuse victim can apply to several actions:

• Make sure that your loved one gets immediate medical attention and follow-up care, including mental health counseling.
• Notify law enforcement if they have not already been called.
• Call RAINN’s 24-hour hotline at (800) 656-HOPE (4673) or visit their website for comprehensive resources and advocacy.
• Connect them to a lawyer who accepts sexual abuse cases and can offer legal guidance.

Recovering from sexual abuse is a complicated process that should include healthcare professionals who are trained in these matters.

Communicating With a Sexual Abuse Survivor

It can be difficult to know what to say to a sexual abuse survivor. It does not matter how long ago or recently the abuse occurred. Many survivors struggle to find ways to talk about their emotions.

RAINN suggests the following as supportive, non-threatening conversation starters or phrases:

• “I believe what you are telling me.”
• “You are not to blame or at fault for what happened.”
• “You are not alone because I am here to listen and help however I can.”
• “I am sorry this happened to you.”

RAINN also suggests that survivors will let you know when they want to talk about what happened to them. It is not helpful if you push them or tell them that you think they should “be over it” by now.

How Talking to a Sex Abuse Lawyer Can Help

As sex abuse lawyers, we have seen how taking legal action can be cathartic for sexual abuse survivors.

While suing the BSA for sexual abuse cannot erase the trauma, it can help survivors with closure. It is satisfying for many sexual abuse survivors to see that justice is being served, no matter how long it took. In addition, our lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you recover compensation for the financial losses associated with the abuse.

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What Is Sexual Abuse Defined As?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses the term “sexual violence” to describe “sexual activity when consent is not obtained or not freely given.” The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) sex abuse case seems to meet this definition. The organization is accused of knowingly concealing files on alleged sexual perpetrators for decades.

To date, 275 lawsuits have been filed against the BSA with an estimated 1,400 pending legal actions. This enormous number of cases include accusations of sexual abuse and assault that go back as far as the 1940s.

The plaintiffs in these lawsuits are accusing the BSA of the following:

• That they were sexually abused by a scout leader, scout master, or other BSA adult while in the care of the organization, and
• The BSA allegedly concealed the identity of these individuals in a coverup that lasted decades.

The fact that many of these victims were also below the legal age of consent gives credence to the incidents qualifying as sexual violence by the CDC.

Types of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse, sexual assault, or sexual violence: no matter which term is used, this act is never the fault of the victim. Sexual abuse can take place at a Boy Scout camp or club meeting, in a parking lot, in someone’s home, or virtually anywhere.

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) lists several types of sexual abuse on its website:

• Touching or groping another person’s private parts, breasts, or anus with or without penetration
• Rape
• Sodomy
• Forced oral contact
• Exposing or flashing of private parts
• Taking pictures of the other person naked, undressing, or being forced into sexual acts

Many of the alleged sexual abuse in the BSA case involved a child under 18 years of age. This is called child sexual abuse.

Shocking Prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse in America

According to RAINN, 57,329 children were victims of sexual abuse in 2016. Every nine minutes, a Child Protective Services agency substantiates or finds strong evidence of child sexual abuse in America.

In addition:

• Child victims know their abuser in 93% of all cases reported to law enforcement.
• Two out of three victims under the age of 18 fall between the ages of 12 and 17.
• In 2013, 47,000 alleged perpetrators of child sexual abuse were male; 5,000 were female in child abuse cases.
• Child Protective Services cases with strong evidence of child sexual abuse involve a male perpetrator 88% of the time.

The physical and emotional impact of sexual abuse on a child is enormous. The lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can hold these sexual abusers and their enablers accountable.

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What Are the Effects of Sexual Abuse?

The effects of sexual abuse are both immediate and long-lasting. Recovering from sexual abuse, particularly if the abuse occurred when you were a child or young adult, can take years.

Children who were sexually abused exhibit many emotional and behavioral reactions, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

If you or someone you know suffered sexual abuse while you were involved with the Boy Scouts of America, you might recognize many of these reactions and behaviors.

A Boy Scouts of America sex abuse lawyer cannot take away the pain, but he or she can help you recover compensation and justice. You are not alone. Our legal team is ready to help if you qualify for financial recovery for the injustice and suffering you endured.

Physical Effects of Sexual Abuse

Some of the physical effects of sexual abuse, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include:

• Bruises, cuts, and scrapes from the victim being forcibly held
• Bruised, torn, and bleeding private parts
• Sexually transmitted diseases

Some sexual abuse victims have long-term physical medical issues, such as problems conceiving, depending on their injuries.

Emotional or Psychological Effects of Sexual Abuse

Even after the physical injuries heal, sexual abuse survivors must deal with the emotional trauma. Children who suffered sexual abuse often cannot process the complexities of their emotions.

According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, some of the emotional and behavioral effects of sexual abuse include:

• Insomnia, nightmares, and other sleep difficulties
• Withdrawn behavior from friends and social activities
• Acting out or angry outbursts
• Feeling anxious
• Depression
• Showing fear or anxiety at the idea of being left alone with an individual
• Inappropriate sexual behavior, language, and innuendos

Children who are sexually abused are more likely to develop symptoms of drug abuse, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may self-harm or attempt suicide.

Financial Effects of Sexual Abuse

Some childhood sexual abuse survivors have a difficult time getting a job or keeping a job. This leads to disruptions in earning power and can have long-term economic effects on survivors and their families. A sexual abuse survivor may have debts for counseling, prescription medicine, and other medical care related to being sexually abused.

Some of the victims of the Boy Scouts of America sex abuse case have been awarded compensation that helped ease the financial burdens brought on by the abuse. You may be entitled to compensation for your own injuries and damages. We invite you to contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free consultation.

What Kind of Help Should Someone Who Has Suffered from Sexual Abuse Receive?

Victims of sexual abuse may need immediate medical care as well as ongoing long-term care for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Help for sexual abuse survivors should be a coordinated effort that addresses the unique physical, emotional, and behavioral issues stemming from the abuse.

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) suggests an interdisciplinary approach for survivors that includes the following:

• Therapy or counseling: Working with a mental health specialist gives survivors a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space to learn how to manage stress and express their feelings.
• Share your feelings: Talking with a close friend, doctor, or other confidential advocate can help ease inner turmoil.
• Safety planning: Personal safety is often a major issue for sexual abuse survivors; a personal protection plan can help with anxiety about future assaults.
• Self-care: Taking action to feel comfortable, healthy, and well-balanced physically, emotionally, and spiritually is important for victims of sexual abuse.
• Careful media consumption: Watching movies or shows about sexual abuse, or news stories about the Boy Scouts sex abuse case can be painful reminders.
• Legal guidance: Taking legal action against abusers is often cathartic and gives survivors closure; there may be compensation for pain and suffering, medical care, and other related damages.

You deserve to have your story heard. Should you choose to file a sexual abuse lawsuit against the BSA, our lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will be with you every step of the way.

Help for Sexually Abused Men and Boys

The recent lawsuits against the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) elicited heartbreaking testimony from sexual abuse survivors. Boys and men who are sexually abused experience many of the same symptoms of trauma as girls and women.

Men and boys also may feel as though they were not “manly” enough to discourage or fight off their abuser. This can lead to feelings of low self-worth. When the sexual abuser is male, a male sexual abuse survivor may question his sexual orientation or feel ashamed about his sexuality. RAINN suggests that men who suffered sexual abuse either as a child or an adult look for specific resources that include:

• Finding a mental health professional who specializes in sexual abuse
• Joining a support group for other male sexual abuse survivors
• Sharing with others at specific websites for male sexual abuse survivors, such as Malesurvivor.org

Sometimes it is helpful to understand your legal options, including your right to file a Boy Scouts of America lawsuit if you suffered sexual abuse during your time with the organization. Everything you share with your lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is privileged information. It is secure, safe, and confidential.

What Can I Do If I or Someone Else Was Affected by Sexual Abuse in the Boy Scouts?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stress immediate medical care after sexual abuse. This can also preserve biological and photographic evidence that can help law enforcement and the court.

However, if you or someone you love was affected by sexual abuse while a member of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), any physical evidence is likely gone. In some states, the court has extended the statute of limitations so that you may still report the incident to law enforcement.

In addition, the BSA recently declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The court will likely impose a new deadline that can give victims a limited window of opportunity to file a sexual abuse lawsuit, regardless of their state’s statute of limitations.

What Sexual Abuse Survivors Should Know

Both the CDC and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) stress that victims of sexual abuse seek recovery at their own pace.

It takes time, but people affected by sexual abuse in the BSA can come to accept that:

• They did not invite or cause the sexual abuse.
• They were likely young children at the time and had limited means and opportunity for escape from their predator.
• They are worthy of love and intimacy.
• They are the innocent victims of a criminal act that violated the trust placed in an institution that was established as a youth organization.

Therapy and counseling can be a source of relief and healing for many sexual abuse survivors. It can also stir up anger and resentment. Survivors should have a healthy outlet for these feelings.

Legal Action Might Be an Option for You or Someone You Love

Sexual abuse of any kind is a criminal act that is punishable with prison and other correctional actions. There is also civil legal action that is designed to compensate sexual abuse victims for their injuries and financial losses.

A member of Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can review your case to determine if you might qualify for compensation from the Boy Scouts of America. You should not have to continue to suffer financially for the physical and emotional wounds inflicted upon you through negligence.

How Our Law Firm Can Help

A Boy Scouts of America sex abuse lawyer from our legal team will be your legal advocate and help you to:

• Recover potential compensation for economic and noneconomic losses that you suffered as a direct result of being the victim of sexual abuse while a member of the Boy Scouts.
• Hold the BSA accountable for failing to protect you while you were a member of their organization.

While it may not be possible to hold the specific sexual abuser accountable, we can pursue compensation and justice from the BSA itself. The BSA seemingly engaged in a coverup by hiding so-called “ineligible volunteer” files for decades.

Is Boy Scouts of America a Non-Profit?

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The BSA is funded by private donations and through membership dues. They also sponsor fundraising campaigns throughout the year.

A “non-profit” (or not-for-profit, as they are sometimes also called) is not entirely accurate. Non-profits must have a positive revenue flow to adequately fund its programs and services.

According to The National Council of Nonprofits, the following are key characteristics of non-profit organizations:

• While non-profits should maintain an adequate reserve fund, they cannot allocate any profits to a private individual.
• Non-profits have overhead costs like any for-profit organization, including rent, utilities, salaries, and other business-related expenses.
• Non-profits may lobby governmental agencies about laws, policies, and regulations.
• Non-profits have a tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
• Non-profits have paid staff in addition to unpaid volunteers.

The BSA is one of the largest non-profit organizations of its kind in the nation. The BSA’s website states that there are currently 2.2 million youth members throughout the United States and its territories. There are currently 800,000 volunteers.

How the Boy Scouts Are Funded

The Boy Scouts of America is financed by private donations, membership dues, fundraising, and other forms of revenue. The BSA also enjoyed extensive partnerships with organizations and companies before the recent wave of sexual abuse lawsuits. It is estimated that the BSA had 100,000 partnerships as of 2016. According to the BSA electronic tax return for 2018, the organization’s total revenue was $285,104,314.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and the Boy Scouts

The BSA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020. The BSA remains operational but is required to reorganize under federal bankruptcy guidelines. It also must pay legal fees and compensation associated with sexual abuse lawsuits.

According to the Boy Scouts website, the organization is “…using this (bankruptcy) process to help ensure that all victims of past abuse in our programs receive compensation.” To date, the BSA has paid more than $150 million in financial awards and legal fees through its Victims Compensation Fund.

The Boy Scouts clarifies its bankruptcy and reorganization status as follows:

• Local BSA councils are legally separate from the national organization.
• Local council assets are not affected by the Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
• While not included in the bankruptcy, local councils have the chance to contribute to the Victims Compensation Fund.

You or Someone You Know Might Be Entitled to Compensation

If you would like to learn more about potential compensation related to the Boy Scouts sexual abuse case, please contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. We can protect your rights and help you seek financial awards for your injuries and losses. Contact our office today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Is Boy Scouts a Religious Organization?

The Boy Scouts was not founded in 1910 as a specifically religious organization. However, the Boy Scouts has several characteristics that create a “gray area” between a religious and secular status.

These characteristics include:

• The BSA has close alliances with various faith organizations that create religious emblems that the BSA allows on its official uniforms.
• Although not identifying or adhering to a specific denomination of faith, they do have a Declaration of Religious Principle, based on the idea that a scout’s admission, growth, and advancement is tied to a belief in God.
• The BSA’s policy lists certain religious considerations as grounds for advancement within the scout hierarchy.
• The Boy Scout’s Oath begins with a direct religious message: “On my Honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country.”

In addition, the Scout Law is a set of 12 personal goals that all members should strive to achieve daily. The goals include being:

• Trustworthy
• Loyal
• Helpful
• Friendly
• Courteous
• Kind
• Obedient
• Cheerful
• Thrifty
• Brave
• Clean
• Reverent

The last goal, “reverent,” is a direct religious reference.

Religious Emblems and Special Knots

The Boy Scouts state on their website that the religious emblems that are allowed on their official uniforms are created by outside religious groups, not the national organization or local council. They also state that religious instruction comes from the religious entity and not the local scout council or leadership.

Council leaders are supposed to encourage parents of different faiths to provide a presentation to the local council. Additionally, earning religious badges or emblems is not mandatory to fulfill the membership requirements of a scouting program. However, the BSA offers advancement to those who do participate in the religious emblem programs.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Boy Scouts

A year after it was founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts introduced the first African American troop in North Carolina. By 1926, there were 248 African American troops. Black Boy Scout troops, particularly in the South, were kept from activities that white Boy Scouts enjoyed, such as swimming to earn merit badges.

The segregation between white scouts and black scouts would continue until 1974, according to the African American Registry. The Boy Scouts refused to allow homosexual members or leaders until 2015. In 2019, the BSA allowed girls to fully participate in its programs.

The Boy Scouts is expanding beyond the United States with its international programs, including Messengers of Peace, a program that promotes the scouting tradition of community service on a global scale.

Are Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts the Same Organization?

The Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the United States of America are not the same organization, although a few of their programs are similar. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are separate entities with different programs, organizational structures, and missions.

The Girls Scouts mission statement is to “build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.” The mission of the Boy Scouts is to “prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.”

How the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Are Similar

The Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts are both private, youth-based organizations that were established at approximately the same time (1910 and 1912, respectively).

The organizations share certain similarities, such as:

• Both are non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) organizations.
• Both are funded primarily by private donations, membership fees, fundraising activities, and community partnerships.
• Both invoke some religious affiliation, although the Girl Scouts has a more lenient policy in its Girl Scout promise than the Boy Scouts Oath.
• Both have a badge-based merit system to allow members advancement within the organization.

However, the Boy Scouts youth programs tend to focus on outdoor activities. The Girls Scouts has an outdoors program, but they have three other paths: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM); Life Skills; and Entrepreneurship. Recent lawsuits highlighted further the difference between the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts.

Girl Scout Cookies, Boy Scout Lawsuits

The “Girl” in Girl Scouts stands for: Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, and Leader. There are 1.7 million girls who participate in Girl Scout programs throughout the United States, guided by 750,000 adult volunteers and staff members. Another 8.5 million girls are in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Girl Scouts offer six programs based on grade levels:

• Daisies for kindergarten and first grade
• Brownies for second and third graders
• Juniors are for grades four and five
• Cadettes for sixth through eighth grades
• Seniors for ninth and tenth graders
• Ambassadors for grades eleven and twelve

One of the Girl Scout’s most famous fundraising programs is their annual cookie sale. It is estimated that 200 million boxes of cookies are sold each year to sustain the organization’s local councils. The Boy Scouts, however, are not known for a singular fundraiser but rather for their dark history of alleged sexual abuse and concealing these acts from the public.

What Is the Estimated Net Worth of Boy Scouts of America?

As one of the country’s largest private youth program organizations, and due to recent restructuring, the estimated net worth of the Boy Scouts is about $1 billion. In 2020, the Boy Scouts filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This decision allows the organization to continue to operate as it restructures to pay debts and other liabilities.

What Filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Means

“Chapter 11” bankruptcy means that an organization or an individual formally requested to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The Boy Scouts filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after a series of lawsuits financially crippled the organization.

Under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the Boy Scouts are required to:

• Create a reorganization plan to remain operational while paying creditors over a set period.
• Follow the court’s instructions for implementation of their reorganization plan, which can take anywhere from 4 to 18 months.
• Creditors are categorized based upon their priority for repayment.

The Boy Scouts created a Victims Compensation Fund to pay for the legal fees, damages, and other expenses stemming from the hundreds of lawsuits against the organization. At least 275 lawsuits are already been filed for alleged sexual abuse, with another 1,400 legal cases pending.

Suing the Boy Scouts for Alleged Sexual Abuse and Neglect

In 2010, a former Boy Scout sued the organization for alleged sexual abuse that occurred when he was a member in the 1980s. This lawsuit opened the door that forced the BSA to release the secret files that it kept under lock and key for decades.

Subsequent court rulings uncovered a sordid history that involved more than 7,800 perpetrators and over 12,200 victims. Rather than reporting these incidents to the police, the Boy Scouts are accused of sweeping them under the rug to maintain its wholesome public image.

Making the Case for Negligence

The Boy Scouts sex abuse case continues to make headlines as more survivors are coming forward. Many of their attackers are listed in the once hidden files that are now public information. Survivors are suing for the sexual abuse and for the BSA enabling these alleged predators to quietly resign instead of facing criminal charges.

A Boy Scouts of America sex abuse lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you establish that the BSA was negligent in its duty to protect you from your sexual abuser. We can help you recover compensation for your financial losses as well as your emotional suffering.

What Is the Child Victims Act?

The Child Victims Act (CVA) is a New York state law that extends the statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse. This means victims of child sex abuse can seek compensation through a civil lawsuit against the abuser and/or a liable third party. At least 275 cases have been filed that name the Boy Scouts of America as a liable third party.

The Child Victims Act:

• Increases the amount of time that perpetrators may be criminally charged
• Allows victims to file a civil lawsuit at any time until they are 55 years old
• Provides victims whose claims were dismissed because of the old statute of limitations a one-year window for legal action
• Drops the requirement to file a notice of claim for sexual abuse committed against a minor
• Requires judicial training for cases that involve child sexual abuse
• Streamlines the process for victims whose claims were previously dismissed under the old deadline

Under the CVA, you may pursue compensation whether there are corresponding criminal charges pending or not.

Child Sexual Abuse Statistics

Child sexual abuse is any unwanted touching, activity, or verbal advances that are non-consensual and sexual in nature.

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN):

• One in 9 girls and one in 53 boys under 18 years of age are assaulted or abused by an adult.
• Girls and young women ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted or raped than the general population.
• More than three-quarters of child sexual abuse victims under 18 are female.

You Have a Limited Time to Act

The Child Victims Act is a landmark piece of legislation signed into law by New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in 2019. However, the CVA is set to expire in August of 2020, unless the New York State Legislature decides to extend it.

If you live in New York state and suffered sexual abuse as a member of the Boy Scouts of America, you have a limited time to act.

If you live in another state, it is possible that your state also extended or suspended the time restraints on filing a sexual abuse lawsuit. Also, the Boy Scouts recent declaration of bankruptcy will probably result in the court establishing a deadline for pursuing compensation.

The easiest way to find out if you are within the statute of limitations is to call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire A Lawyer to File A Lawsuit?

If you are one of the thousands of people affected by the Boy Scouts sex abuse case, you may want to hire a lawyer to file a lawsuit to pursue compensation. According to the Offices of the United States Attorneys’ 2015–2020 attorney fees matrix, lawyers charge between $300 to $600 per hour.

However, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm operates differently. Our lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis. If you hire a lawyer to help you with a lawsuit against the Boy Scouts, your lawyer is paid contingent upon successfully resolving your case.

As our client, you:

• Do not pay upfront costs.
• Do not pay hourly fees.
• Do not owe us fees unless and until we recover compensation on your behalf.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation at your home, our office, or over the telephone.

How Contingency Fee Legal Service Benefits You

Choosing a lawyer who works on a contingency-fee basis allows you to be protected by legal representation that is affordable. A lawyer who works on a contingency basis is paid through a portion of a successful settlement or verdict.

A lawyer who works on a contingency basis is motivated to recover compensation on your behalf. This ensures that you have a diligent legal advocate with a vested interest in your case.

This arrangement lets you focus on recovering from your injuries instead of worrying about payment.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Plaintiff

If you are interested in pursuing compensation from the Boy Scouts for sexual abuse that you suffered while a member of their organization, you are the plaintiff. Your abuser and/or the Boy Scouts of America is the defendant.

It is important that you understand what hiring a lawyer involves:

• Always ask if a law firm charges for an initial consultation (Pintas & Mullins Law Firm does not).
• Make sure you understand what percentage or portion of any recovered compensation your lawyer will receive.
• Ask about any additional costs or fees, such as court costs or filing fees.
• Read the contract before you sign and ask about anything that you do not understand.

As a client, everything that you discuss with your attorney is privileged information and will not be made public. You may choose to testify in court or to have your statement recorded and played for the court later. You also have the right to know about any offer or settlement that is made to you by the defendant.

Call Us Today for Legal Assistance

The Boy Scouts of America sex abuse case involves thousands of innocent victims across the country, going back as far as the 1940s. While the act of child sexual abuse is heinous enough, the Boy Scouts allegedly covered up these acts by hiding files on both the perpetrators and the victims in their Texas headquarters.

Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is committed to helping sexual abuse survivors seek compensation and justice. A Boy Scouts of America sex abuse lawyer from our team will help you recover a financial award for medical bills, lost pay, and pain and suffering. Our entire team is here to help you through this process with compassion, dignity, and due diligence for your legal protection.

We invite you to call today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will give you our honest evaluation about your situation. Please call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to speak with a member of our team now: (800) 794-0444.

Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form