Boy Scouts reach settlement for sexual abuse survivors
The Boy Scouts of America agreed to one of the largest settlements for sexual abuse survivors in U.S. history to compensate more than 60,000 men who allege they were abused as children.
The $850 million settlement addresses claims that the Boy Scouts neglected to protect children from known abusers, and partook in a nationwide coverup to hide widespread abuse. Survivors allege the organization allowed abusers to prey on children in alarming numbers, largely unchecked by law enforcement.
The Boy Scouts filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in February 2020 amid thousands of lawsuits filed by abuse survivors. On July 1, 2021, the organization filed a restructuring agreement that, if approved, will compensate survivors who filed claims through the bankruptcy process.
Motley Rice attorneys Joe Rice and Dan Lapinski are involved in the bankruptcy proceeding as a part of a group of firms that represent thousands of survivors, referred to as The Coalition of Abused Scouts for Justice. While the settlement, if approved, will resolve claims against the Boy Scouts, claims against the organization’s insurers are ongoing.
“This settlement sends a resounding message that the former Scouts who suffered at the hands of the people entrusted with their care have finally been heard,” said Daniel Lapinski, who represents former Scouts in the bankruptcy and litigates around the country for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. “This settlement is a fair and reasonable outcome that will allow The Boy Scouts of America to continue to come out of bankruptcy and continued to function moving forward even as the organization continues to remedy the horrors it is accused of facilitating for decades. As monumental as this day is for thousands of survivors, this settlement does not signify the end of this ordeal. We can now focus on the insurance companies and other organizations that have a financial responsibility to victims of abuse.”
For more information on the bankruptcy, visit BSA’s claims and noticing agent website.
Motley Rice sexual abuse litigation experience
In addition to representing former Boy Scouts in the bankruptcy process, out attorneys also represent survivors of child sexual abuse who seek to hold their abusers and abuse enablers accountable under newly enacted “window” laws in several states, including survivors in litigation filed under New York’s Child Victims Act who allege clergy members sexually abused them. Motley Rice also reached confidential settlements for two John Does who alleged they were abused by Skip ReVille, a former Charleston, S.C., teacher, foster parent, coach and church youth group leader, who pled guilty in 2012 to the sexual assault of 23 boys, although the number is believed to be much higher.
Read more on our experience litigating child sexual abuse cases.
Speaking out about sexual abuse is a difficult and sensitive process, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you or someone you love is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse by a school, church, athletic club, summer camp or another organization that was trusted to care for children, you may complete this form at any time or call 1.800.768.4026 to discuss a potential legal claim.
Motley Rice LLC, a South Carolina Limited Liability Company, is engaged in the New Jersey practice of law through Motley Rice New Jersey LLC. Esther Berezofsky attorney responsible for New Jersey practice.