California Boyscouts Abuse Attorney

Boy Scout Sex Abuse Lawyers

OCTOBER 2021 UPDATE

A bankruptcy court recently approved an $850 million settlement from the Boy Scouts of America to compensate victims who filed a claim before November 2020. The deadline to join this class action has passed. As such, it is incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to join this class action lawsuit.

CAN I STILL FILE A LAWSUIT?

In short, yes, all is not lost, and California sex abuse victims may still have a claim:

  • This lawsuit does not affect sex abuse cases against local Boy Scout Councils in the State of California, only the national organization.
  • If the sex abuse occurred at a public facility, school, camp, or even on private property in California, the owner of this property may, in certain circumstances, be liable for the sex abuse victim’s injuries.
  • The Boy Scout leader may be sued in his personal capacity as the perpetrator of sex abuse occurring in California.
  • The Boy Scout leader may still be held criminally liable for sex abuse in California.

Due to the complex legal nature of these sex abuse claims, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who is fully informed of all the technical issues involved in a California Boy Scout abuse case.

HIRE COUNSEL IMMEDIATELY

California AB-218 allows any victim of underage Boy Scout sex abuse to bring a claim before their 40th birthday, subject to certain exceptions. And if the sexual abuse is not discovered until after the victim reaches the age of 40, the new California law also allows them to bring the sex abuse claim within 5 years of discovery. Again, this exception comes with very stringent guidelines, and it is important that sex abuse victims speak with an experienced sex abuse attorney who understands the nuances of this California law.

THE SAD TRUTH ABOUT BOY SCOUT ABUSE

The Boy Scouts was, prior to bankruptcy, one of the largest youth organizations in the U.S., with nearly 2.3 million active participants. In the past several decades, thousands of victims of Boy Scout abuse have come forward, and the total number of past and current allegations is staggering. There are currently 95,000 claims pending before the federal bankruptcy court, and the sheer number of victims demonstrates just how widespread and pervasive Boy Scout abuse has become in our country.

For years, the Boy Scouts knew abuse was rampant, yet they failed to take any concrete action to protect young men from further harm. In many instances, they failed to inform the victim’s parents and repeatedly failed to contact law enforcement.

The Boy Scouts kept documents known as the “Perversion Files” documenting endless instances of sex abuse that occurred between 1965 and 1984. These files contained the names of 7,819 Boy Scout leaders who were accused of child sexual abuse and 12,254 Boy Scouts who were the victims of abuse. Although the Boy Scouts suspended these leaders from further participation, they shockingly allowed several leaders to return at a later date and continue the abuse. To date, the Boy Scouts have successfully fought to keep their secret files from being released for all abuse that occurred after 1984. This means there are many, many more leaders who abused these young men and have not been brought to justice.

LET US FIGHT TO GET YOU COMEPNSATED

This organization was entrusted with our young men to instill honor and a sense of purpose. Sadly, many Boy Scout leaders abused their authority, causing these Boy Scouts to suffer years of trauma and depression. If you or a loved one is suffering from the effects of Boy Scout sex abuse, it is important to know that help may still be available. Boy Scout sex abuse victims have the right to justice, and they have a right to put past trauma to rest. At Craig Charles Law, we are passionate about every client. Our goal is to not only compensate sex abuse victims, but also be part of the healing process.

Put your trust in us. We are a gay friendly, LGBTQIA affirming law practice. Call us today to discuss your California Boy Scout sex abuse case in a confidential, no obligation setting. Let us help you get your life back on track! Call Craig Charles Law today.

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