On February 18, 2020, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) petitioned for bankruptcy in a highly publicized move following a surge in sexual abuse claims.
The organization’s actions could initiate substantial ripple effects for victims seeking justice, but it can be overwhelming to stay abreast of the latest news.
The sexual abuse litigation experts at Hurley McKenna & Mertz have assisted more than 300 vicitms nationwide in taking legal actions against the Boy Scouts of America, and are committed to ongoing support for anyone affected by the organization’s negligence.
To that end, we’ve curated the most helpful news and information about the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy filing from our trusted network of publications.
Are you seeking justice against the Boy Scouts of America? We can help.
‘A Hundred Thousand’ Boy Scouts May Have Been Abused, Says Lawyer
Rolling Stone
In the BSA’s bankruptcy filing, it requested the court offer victims an 80-day period to come forward with abuse allegations, presumably to prevent any state from expanding the statute of limitations within which victims may initiate legal proceedings.
“This presents a pressing issue for victims who have yet to come forward, who may not have fully grappled with the consequences and emotional fallout of their abuse and may be still trying to understand what happened to them as youth,” Michael Mertz, attorney at Hurley McKenna & Mertz, which is also representing victims of the Boy Scouts of America, said in a statement to Rolling Stone. “The process of moving from recognition of the abuse to a place of taking action can be slow and painful, and often only occurs after long periods of counseling.’”
Boy Scouts’ bankruptcy filing seen as bid to limit ‘exposure to abuse claims.’ Local groups say they won’t be impacted, but lawyers could be eyeing assets.
Chicago Tribune
Victims face an even more troubling outlook if they’re rushed to come forward by a statute of limitations. Because going to court over sexual abuse takes an immense emotional and mental toll, many victims require a long period of healing before they’re well enough to face their trauma in a courtroom.
“It’s well known that abuse victims require decades before they’re able to come forward. There are people who have been abused in the last several years who are not able to speak about their abuse. Those people will be without any legal remedy…”
Boy Scouts seek bankruptcy, urge victims to step forward
Star Tribune
Some victims and members hold their positive BSA experiences in high regard, but agree that any ongoing organizational activities—if any—must be highly regulated or completely overhauled.
“James Kretschmer of Houston, one of those suing, said he was molested by a Scout leader in the mid-1970s in the Spokane, Washington, area. The bankruptcy, he said, ‘is a shame because at its core and what it was supposed to be, the Boy Scouts is a beautiful organization.’
“‘But you know, anything can be corrupted,’ he added. ‘And if they’re not going to protect the people that they’ve entrusted with the children, then shut it down and move on.’”
Are you a victim of scouting abuse? Let us help you seek the justice you deserve.
Our team takes pride in obtaining the best possible results for our clients, so they can recover as fully as possible.
If you have suffered abuse at the hands of a Boy Scout leader or volunteer, our personal injury attorneys can help you consider your options for filing a civil lawsuit for money damages against the organization, including addressing how a bankruptcy filing will affect your case. The sooner victims speak out, the better—contact us immediately for a free consultation.
