In February of this year, The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for bankruptcy in Federal Court in Delaware in response to mounting liability from child sexual abuse cases. The organization faced 275 lawsuits in state and federal courts plus at least 1,400 additional potential claims. As part of these bankruptcy proceedings, funds were set aside to compensate the survivors of sexual abuse at the hands of BSA scoutmasters, scouts, and other volunteers. Victims have until November 16, 2020 to file their claims with the court. For sexual abuse survivors who are considering filing a claim, you’ll find answers to common questions below.
A: Anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or assault within Boy Scouts of America is eligible to file a claim, regardless of when or where it occurred. Eligible claimants include (but are not limited to) those who:
A: Abusers do not have to be scoutmasters to qualify a claim. Abusers can be scoutmasters, fellow scouts, assistant scoutmasters, camp employees, camp directors, instructors, or other volunteers.
A: Incidents within all BSA programs are eligible, including Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Explorer and Venturing programs.
A: It’s okay if you don’t remember every single detail. File your claim based on the information you do remember.
A: No. Messa & Associates works on a contingency basis. We don’t charge filing or consultation fees and we will not be compensated unless you are compensated.
A: Your privacy will remain secure. Claims will not be made available to the general public and Messa & Associates will employ confidential protocol in order to file your claims discreetly. With the exceptions of the required review committees, your information will remain confidential unless you choose to disclose it.