Personal Injury Law Firm in Seattle Washington. Free case evaluation 206-335-3880
The Boys Scout of America has been one of the longest serving and most enduring organizations in America. Since it was founded on February 8, 1910, it has recorded memberships in millions and ranks as fairly wealthy with assets reportedly running into billions of dollars.
Over the years, the organization has taught millions of American children some basic ethics and morals in their Scout Oath/law. It is a positive experience for those who pass through their trainings and some even turned out to be presidents.
Yet, despite its excellent reputation, it has had a fair share of controversies over the years. The bulk of the controversies involve allegations of sexual abuse, conspiracies and cover-ups. This amounts to a gross violation of the ethics it appears to preach.
Victims of boys scout sexual abuse may seek justice and recover compensation by pursuing a legal action. Are you or your loved one a survivor of boys scout sexual abuse? Our attorneys at Oshan and associates can guide you on the steps to take.
BSA Embroiled in allegations of Sexual Abuse Spanning almost 100 years
Recent reports suggest that the Boys Scouts of America may have been conspiring to hide a dirty secret over the years. Allegations surfacing every other year shows that scout leaders have used the power asymmetry to abuse boys under their watch.
Sexual abuse allegations have rocked the organization spanning around 72 years. The first allegations date back to 1958. More allegations have surfaced over the years to which the organization has offered little or no satisfactory response.
This was the first of thousands of allegations by volunteers against the leaders of the organization. The BSA failed to report these allegations to the authorities. This may amount to concealing a conspiracy and covering up the identity of the alleged abusers.
In April 2019, allegations of sexual abuse by boy scouts leaders once again rocked the news. Over 12,000 alleged victims made allegations against over 7,800 Boys scout of America leaders as reportedly revealed in a Minnesota Child Sex Tape trial. This has led to a series of lawsuits against the organization.
News reports led to the discovery of the existence of what they called the perversion files. It reportedly contains the list of the alleged offenders and their victims as revealed in the said trial.
There is yet to be a full disclosure causing uncertainty on the whereabouts of the victims and whether they are still alive. The most they have given in public statement since the allegations have been about how they care deeply about victims and they sincerely apologize.
The complacency of the organization coupled with failing to warn parents and boys of this decades-long problem has caused an uproar. These revelations led to a chain of reactions including lawsuits, and bankruptcy filing by the organization.
They allowed sexual predators return to scouting
Aside failing to report the sexual abuse to authorities, recent reports suggest that they may have allowed some known predators back to work. The perversion files was a supposed red flag system adopted to identify pedophiles and molesters.
Yet, there are further allegations that they may have knowingly let some identified molesters seep through the system. They allegedly did this through a so-called “probation” system.
This brings to bear potential civil lawsuits against the organization founded on conspiracies and a breach of duty of care. Lack of direct involvement does not exonerate the organization from liability for the actions of these abusers.
Victims may pursue separate legal action against the identified sexual molester to seek justice. Our Boy Scouts sexual abuse attorneys at Oshan and associates can also help victims proceed with actions for compensation against the organization. This is because under US laws they owe a duty of care to the children and youth left under their watch. This duty involves taking reasonable steps to ensure their safety at all times.
Survivors have already instituted several cases have already against the boy scouts. A notable one is the Lewis v. Boy Scouts case, which led to one of the largest punitive damages ever awarded in US history. In that case, they sued the BSA for allowing a serial child molester to continue to serve as a scoutmaster. The court awarded $18.5 million in compensation against the Boy Scouts of America in Oregon.
The organization has now set up a victim's compensation fund. They intend this to be a fund for payouts up to a billion naira. The organization has also reportedly filed for bankruptcy because of pressure from compensation claims.
Aside from merely recovering financial compensation, suing could also help victims gain the much-needed closure and gain justice. To achieve this, you need to get the services of a competent Boy Scout sexual abuse attorney.
Congress launches probe into allegations
Since the recent sexual abuse and molestation cases surfaced online, victims' group and rights organizations have urged congress to investigate. Congress responded by probing the association in 2018 and 2019.
Letters of enquiries were sent from the US House of Representatives to the national council of BSA. The letters required them to provide information concerning their handling of the sexual abuse allegations against them since inception.
Our Boy Scouts sexual abuse attorneys can help
Have you or your loved one been a victim of Boys Scouts sexual abuse, you may be able to pursue legal action against them. We can bring a civil lawsuit against the identified adult molester. This does not prevent proceeding a case against the Organization itself.
Proceeding a case against the boys scout of America is best done early enough for assurance of compensation. Millions have already been awarded in damages against the association leading to the recent bankruptcy filing. A victim is thus in a race against time to file their claims. Contact our competent Boy Scouts sexual abuse attorney today.
Our attorneys at Oshan and Associates are ready to help you recover compensation for the emotional pain and anguish caused to you. Contact us to schedule a free consultation or call us to discuss your case.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
