Many sexual abuse cases are tied to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) organization, and much of this sex abuse, including perpetrators and victims, was documented confidentially by the organization in their so-called “perversion files”. The files go back as far as 1944 and document the names of around 7,819 scout leaders who allegedly committed sexual abuse, as well as the names of 12,254 victims. Some of the files, but not all, are public.
Lifting Time Limits for Boy Scouts Sex Abuse Cases
Numerous sexual abuse cases in the Boy Scouts of America go back decades. In civil law, the statute of limitations sets a general time limit in each state, within which a child sexual abuse case must be brought forward. This time limit varies from state to state and can also vary according to other factors, such as the age of the sexually abused victim. If you are intending on filing a Boy Scouts of America sex abuse case, it is important that you are aware of the statute of limitations that exist in your state.
In the case of the boy scouts sexual abuse scandal, some states recently decided to lift the time limits of their statute of limitations, or pass new laws, in order to give plaintiffs the opportunity to get justice and compensation. The state of New York, for example, passed the Child Victims Act (CVA) in 2019. This allows victims to file claims for monetary compensation and allows claims against institutions involved in the abuse. New York state also lifted its statute of limitations for one year, allowing for more victims of boy scout abuse to come forward.
The state of California suspended its statute of limitations for sexual abuse lawsuits for three years from January 2020. The state also passed a law extending the upper age limit at which a victim can file a claim to 40. The previous age limit was 26 years. All this helps victims of childhood sex abuse that possibly missed the opportunity to now come forward and file a claim against the Boy Scouts of America. Speaking to a sexual abuse lawyer can help you find out whether you might have legal recourse, too.
Boy Scouts of America Filing for Bankruptcy
BSA filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in February 2020, stating that the organization is looking at establishing a trust for the victims of boy scout abuse. At this time, Boy Scouts of America faced a wave of sex abuse lawsuits from around 300 men who claimed they were sexually abused in the organization.
Unfortunately, the bankruptcy filing can potentially make it more challenging for victims sexually abused to receive compensation. Chapter 11 Bankruptcy involves a “claims bar date”, set by the bankruptcy court. This is a kind of deadline for creditors to file a claim, in this case for the victims of sexual abuse to claim compensation. After the claims bar date passes, it can be more difficult and even impossible for a plaintiff to file a claim.
If you were abused sexually while a member of the BSA, you could receive compensation. However, time is running out. Do not let your sexual abusers get away without seeking justice for the pain and anguish they caused. Once the claims bar date passes, your chance to hold individuals and the organization to account may be gone.
For a free legal consultation with a What Is the Boy Scouts of America Sex Abuse Case Lawyer serving nationwide, call (800) 794-0444
Contact Us Today for a Free Boy Scout Sex Abuse Case Consultation
Sexual abuse, even if much time passed, leaves scars. We understand that survivors of boy scout abuse may be reticent to come forward and potentially open up old wounds. However, sexual predators should be held to account for their actions and victims could receive compensation for their suffering. We can be by your side and support you all the way through this.
If you would like to find out whether you have a sex abuse case against the Boy Scouts of America, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for your free consultation at (800) 794-0444.
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