Last week, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed a motion to stop law firms’ advertising directed at victims of scouting abuse. This comes months after the BSA’s February bankruptcy filing, along with an agreement in May that the organization would spend $7 million in outreach efforts to former claimants, along with national TV and print advertisements.
So why—after months of a reached agreement—is the BSA raising concern to halt advertising? While the organization claims it’s to reduce confusion for victims, attorneys believe it’s BSA’s attempt to limit the amount of victims who come forward. Law firms representing scouting abuse victims, like Hurley, McKenna & Mertz, also believe BSA grossly underestimated the amount of victims that would come forward, and thus the amount of compensation the organization will have to pay out.
Quoted in an article in USA Today, Chris Hurley, managing partner of Hurley, McKenna & Mertz, went on to say:
“I think the Boy Scouts thought they were going to get into this bankruptcy and get out quickly and get about their business. Come to find out there are thousands and thousands of victims that span decades and suffered unspeakably at the hands of child abusers. The bill is coming due for their long dereliction of duty and I don’t think they like it and so that’s where we’re at.”
Hurley went on to speak with The Associated Press on the subject, saying:
“The Boy Scouts are in bankruptcy for one reason: thousands of boys were victimized by sexual predators at Boy Scout camps and activities. At today’s hearing, it was clear that the Boy Scouts had no idea that thousands of victims would eventually come forward. This is not surprising because for decades the Boy Scouts did little to identify and prevent abusers from entering their program and hurting boys. Indeed, thousands of boys have been hurt and left to sort it out on their own for decades. The loneliness and despair experienced by sexually abused children is as heartbreaking as it is permanent. Now the Boy Scouts and their insurers are laser-focused on protecting their money. Had they put one tenth of that effort into protecting kids, we would not be here today. I do agree with Judge Silverstein, who specifically stated two things: first, that in her experience as a judge and a lawyer, victims with lawyers do better in the legal system, and second, there is nothing wrong with many of the ads she was given. Judge Silverstein also said she is not inclined to issue broad orders barring normal commercial speech.”
Let Us Help You Seek Justice Against the Boy Scouts
The experts at Hurley McKenna & Mertz are here to simplify the process of filing a claim against the Boy Scouts of America. We understand that taking action requires you to relive painful memories from your past, which is why we’re working with a team of experienced social workers. The sooner you can come forward, the better. In our experience as advocates for victims of abuse, only by pursuing a claim, will you obtain the justice and closure you deserve.
Contact us today. Your consultation with us is absolutely free. It’s only after we secure a settlement for you that we receive any form of compensation
