WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED AS A BOY SCOUT?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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BOY SCOUT SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYERS
Nationwide Representation for Boy Scouts of America Sexual Abuse
The Boys Scouts of America (BSA) is one of the largest youth organizations in the country. Since its founding in 1910, approximately 110 million Americans have participated in BSA programs. The stated mission of the BSA is to build character and develop responsible citizenship in its young members. As such, the BSA is a respected organization that is trusted and highly regarded by parents and children all over the country.
Were you sexually abused?
Decades of Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse Claims
Contrary to its wholesome reputation, however, the BSA has been linked to claims of sexual abuse by its members for decades. Recently, hundreds of men across the United States have initiated lawsuits against the BSA for sexual abuse perpetrated by scout leaders. The lawsuits allege that Boy Scout officials failed to take reasonable steps to protect children from foreseeable sexual abuse.
The BSA has now stated that it will enforce policies to prevent such abuse, including mandatory criminal background checks for all staff and rules prohibiting children from being alone with a single staff member.
For victims of past sexual abuse, however, such policies were non-existent or poorly enforced during their membership with the organization. The BSA now faces liability for the sexual abuse that thousands of scouts suffered either as a result of lax supervision, ineffective policies, or inaction upon learning of abusive behavior.
Knowledge of Sexual Abuse by the Organization
In 2012, accusations against approximately 5,000 scout leaders and volunteers came to light after documents recounting sexual abuse were discovered. In 2019, shocking new details about the massive scope of the abuse emerged. According to reports, from 1944 to 2016, there were at least 7,819 suspected abusers and 12,254 victims (these numbers are likely low since many of the accused were linked to multiple victims).
Much of this information was gleaned from “Ineligible Volunteer Files” maintained by the BSA. For victims of the abuse, these detailed, confidential files confirm that the organization was aware that sexual predators were volunteering as scout leaders.
Indeed, in hundreds of cases, the BSA failed to report suspected abuse to parents and legal authorities. Scout leaders were often encouraged to resign quietly without disclosing their actions or were simply moved to a different location. In some cases, scout leaders continued to abuse scouts after the abuse was reported to the organization.
New Legislation to Address Sexual Assaults
Sexual misconduct in the BSA spans many decades and affects victims in 48 states. The accusers range in age from 14 to 97. While the passage of time once precluded older victims from seeking justice, new legislation passed in New Jersey and New York has extended the statute of limitations to permit lawsuits based on abuse that occurred many decades ago. As a result, many more boy scout sexual abuse lawsuits are anticipated.
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
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Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
Do I Have a Case?
You may have grounds to file a civil legal action if you were abused as a boy scout.
As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:
- Your abuser is no longer alive.
- Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.
Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims
In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:
- Past medical and mental health expenses
- Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and psychological harm
- Lost income
- Other economic and non-economic damages
We Represent Survivors in All Types of Sex Abuse Claims
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.