Have you suffered abuse at the hands of a Boy Scout leader or volunteer? If so, you have the right to file a Proof of Claims form against the Boy Scouts of America, but you must act fast, as the deadline to file is November 16, 2020.
While taking action requires you to relive painful memories of the past, there are professionals like attorneys and social workers who can help you get the justice you deserve, so you can financially and emotionally recover.
Below, we explain what to look for in an attorney to represent your scouting abuse case.
Experience
When it comes to your case, you want an experienced sexual abuse attorney to help you file a claim. As you research law firms, look for a list of notable results on their website related to sexual abuse in Boy Scouts. Do they share content that educates and empowers victims to act?
During the initial consultation, ask the attorney about his or her experience representing victims of sexual abuse against the Boy Scouts and their local councils. It’s important for the attorney to have experience in bankruptcies involving sexual abuse claims, so they understand the ways in which courts, mediators, and trustees evaluate forms.
Detailed
Details matter, especially when it comes to filling out a proof of claims form, as a single mistake could result in a barred claim or reduced compensation. It’s important to hire an attorney who is thorough, and takes the time to walk you through each section of the form to ensure accuracy.
They’ll inquire about your troop, as well as any sponsoring organizations and units. They’ll ask about the abuser and the type of abuse you suffered. They’ll then use this information to tell your story.
A detailed attorney will not rush you through this process. They’ll independently gather as much information as possible to help you fill out the form and file it with the correct parties to maximize your recovery.
Empathy
The process of coming forward is painful for many victims. An empathetic attorney is aware of that, and will go to extreme measures to make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way. They’ll work to ensure your privacy and protection are upheld.
Some law firms may bring in social workers to ensure the process of recounting the abuse is as painless as possible. Victims of childhood sexual abuse commonly experience flashbacks, so it’s important for those entrusted with the case to be considerate of the victim’s thoughts and feelings.
And while no amount of money can erase the scars of abuse, an empathetic team of attorneys can help you receive compensation for the losses you’ve faced to help you recover financially.
Contact Us to Seek Justice Against the Boy Scouts
The sexual abuse attorneys at Hurley McKenna & Mertz secured the largest single-perpetrator recovery for victims of scouting abuse in the organization’s history, nearing $90 million for 16 victims. We know the ins and outs of the organization better than any law firm in the country. That’s why we want to help you seek the justice you deserve. We understand taking action isn’t always easy, but in our experience as advocates for victims of abuse, only by pursuing a claim, will you obtain the closure you deserve.
Contact us today. Your consultation with us is absolutely free.
