For decades, the Boy Scouts of America had a reputation of respect in the United States. Unfortunately, revelations of widespread sexual assault by Boy Scout leaders have come to light. The Boy Scouts of America settled a $2.46 billion sexual abuse case brought by victims of sexual abuse.
More lawsuits involving sexual assault in the Boy Scouts of America are being filed in Texas and nationwide. If you or your son survived sexual abuse by a Boy Scout leader in Texas, you must reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. You may have a right to pursue compensation and hold the Boy Scouts accountable. The attorneys at Rochelle McCullough have extensive experience handling complex and class action lawsuits.
Sexual Abuse in the Boy Scouts of America Has Been Happening for Decades
Since the early 2000s, Boy Scouts of America, thousands of former scout members have filed sexual abuse lawsuits against the Boy Scouts of America. These lawsuits have helped uncover the Boy Scouts of America’s lists of known sexual predators within the organization. As of November 2020, more than 92,000 former Boy Scouts have joined in filing sexual abuse claims against the Boy Scouts of America. The claimants in these lawsuits were all minors when their abuse occurred.
With so many reported incidents of sexual abuse, many more instances of abuse have likely gone unreported for decades. In 2020, the Boy Scouts of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to compensate abuse claimants. If you’ve suffered sexual abuse from a Boy Scout volunteer or leader, you may still have legal grounds to file a lawsuit. Still, it’s crucial that you reach out to an attorney as soon as possible.
Holding the Boy Scouts Accountable for Sexually Abusing Minors
The attorneys at Rochelle McCullough understand that sexual assault cases are sensitive and can traumatize the abused child and the entire family. Discussing the events can be re-traumatizing for survivors. Our attorneys thoroughly research the sexual abuse allegations and gather evidence with great care and empathy.
We actively listen when abuse victims come forward to tell us their stories and take action to hold the leaders accountable. These types of cases are about more than obtaining financial compensation. Succeeding in sexual assault cases sends a message to the Boy Scouts of America and other organizations that they will be held accountable for allowing minors to be sexually assaulted.
The Trauma of Boy Scout Sexual Abuse Can Last a Lifetime
If you or your loved one have survived sexual abuse as part of the Boy Scouts, you aren’t alone. The trauma of Boy Scout sexual abuse can last a lifetime, but the opportunity to pursue a claim and seek justice will not. While money can never erase the trauma of past abuse, these claims and the financial compensation can help survivors heal while sending a strong message to other survivors that justice is possible. Some survivors of child sexual abuse may show PTSD symptoms, including the following:
- Frightening dreams
- Agitated behavior
- Fear or anxiety
- Children may engage in thumb-sucking or bed-wetting
- Depression or withdrawal
- Anger, shock, and disgust
- Suicidal thoughts
- Sexual anxiety and disorders
- Difficulty maintaining appropriate boundaries with others, including avoidant or enmeshed relationships
- Low self-esteem
- Poor body image
- The use of unhealthy behaviors, such as drug abuse, alcohol abuse, self-mutilation, or binging and purging to mask painful emotions related to the abuse
Do I Have a Valid Boy Scout Sex Abuse Claim?
The deadline for filing a sexual abuse claim within the Boy Scouts bankruptcy court has already passed. However, you may still be able to file a separate lawsuit against the abuser or the entire organization. If you’ve experienced sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, sexual assault, or sexual comments, you must discuss your case with an attorney. You may have a claim no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. Even if the abuse occurred as a child, you may still have the right to pursue compensation.
Additionally, survivors can pursue claims of sexual abuse committed by those affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, even if the perpetrator wasn’t an official leader. Camp counselors, other scouts, and others affiliated with the organization can be held accountable.
Claims can also cover acts of child sex abuse in various BSA-run organizations, such as the Explorers, the Sea Scouts, and Venturing. When the abuse occurred at schools, camps, churches, or other locations where Boy Scout activities were also occurring, survivors may be able to bring a lawsuit against these organizations.
Although the time limit has expired for claims against the national organization, survivors can successfully file a claim against local councils. Local councils hold many of the Boy Scouts of America’s assets. Pursuing claims against them may be in the survivor’s best interests.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
In 2019, Texas was one of several states that expanded its statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims. As a result, survivors can file a claim at any point up until their 48th birthday. If you are under 48 years old and you survived sexual abuse in the Boy Scouts, school, church, or any other organization, you still have a right to file a lawsuit against the responsible organization.
The attorneys at Rochelle McCullough will listen carefully to the facts of your case and help you understand whether you have the right to pursue a claim against the Boy Scouts of America or another organization.
Schedule a Complimentary Case Evaluation with Our Lawyers
Rochelle McCullough is here to help you hold child sexual abusers accountable for their actions, bringing justice and closure. Please contact Rochelle McCullough today if you or someone you love has suffered sexual abuse by a Boy Scout leader or another troop member.
Rochelle McCullough attorneys are trustworthy, honest, and compassionate, and we have a proven track record of success. Our clients only pay us when we win their case, as we work on a contingency basis. Contact Rochelle McCullough to schedule a complimentary case evaluation.
We extend our personal injury legal services to help clients with Boy Scout sexual abuse or sexual assault cases throughout Texas, including Dallas and Fort Worth, as well as in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Committed to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.