The last thing parents and guardians expect with their kids in Boy Scouts is that something bad will happen. The Boy Scouts is supposed to be an organization that instills leadership skills and ethics into our children, but we now know that the Boy Scouts have a sordid history concerning child sex abuse.
At Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger, we are ready to help if you or a loved one have been sexually abused while participating in the Boy Scouts of America. We will thoroughly investigate your case and work to secure any compensation you are entitled to, so call us for a free consultation today: (415) 981-7210.
Boy Scouts of America and Sexual Abuse Cases
For years, the Boy Scouts of America tried to keep allegations of child sexual abuse covered up. However, thanks to extensive reporting, we now know that more than 8,000 Boy Scout leaders have been accused of sexually assaulting boys since 1944. An article in the New York Times reports that the Boy Scouts kept information related to sexual abuse within the organization inside what they called “perversion files.” Documents indicate that more than 12,000 children have been sexually abused or participating in Boy Scouts.
In most cases, the sexual abuse was perpetrated by Boy Scout leaders and volunteers with individual Boy Scout troops. This is not something that happened only in the past — this kind of sexual abuse is still ongoing today. The Boy Scouts offer an environment in which a Boy Scout leader is able to groom a child over time into a sexual relationship.
AB 218 Give Victims of Abuse More Time
On January 1, 2020, AB 218 took effect in California. This law extends the amount of time that victims of childhood sexual abuse have to file civil lawsuits against the perpetrators of their abuse. Previously, victims had until they turned 26 years of age or three years after they discovered the abuse to file a lawsuit. Now, victims have until they are 40 years old or up to five years after they discover the adult psychological injury caused by the abuse.
Many victims of childhood sexual abuse are not comfortable reporting what happened until they are adults. This new law gives more people time to seek justice for what happened to them.
AB 218 also established a three-year “lookback” window for those previously barred from filing claims due to time restrictions to do so.
How Will an Attorney Help This Case?
The Boy Scouts of America is a large organization with plenty of resources to defend themselves against allegations of sexual abuse. By securing help from an Boy Scouts sexual abuse attorney, you will have someone with resources and experience on your side to level the playing field. Your Bay Area sexual abuse attorneys will be responsible for:
- Thoroughly investigating the instances of sexual abuse you incurred as well as past cover-ups by the Boy Scouts.
- Helping ensure you receive the counseling that you need to get through what has happened.
- Negotiate with all parties involved to reach a fair settlement on your behalf or prepare to take the case to trial if necessary.
We Are Ready to Help You Secure the Compensation You Deserve
If you or a loved one have been sexually abused while participating in Boy Scouts of America events, contact an attorney as soon as possible. The team at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger is dedicated to helping victims of childhood sexual abuse secured the compensation they need. This can include coverage for any pain and suffering damages, compensation for counseling, and possible punitive damages against the perpetrators of the abuse. Call us today for a free consultation of your case.