Sex abuse survivors in New York are closely monitoring the Boy Scouts of America case. As you may recall, the organization faces 84,000 claims against it. However, is the proposal equitable?
What is in the proposal?
Although in bankruptcy, the Boy Scouts of American propose to pay $250 million into a survivor’s trust. Local councils would add another $500 million. Assets in the trust include cash and property. In return for these agreements, local councils will not have to face any additional allegations.
It is important to note that the survivors have to agree to the settlement. Moreover, the bankruptcy court also needs to approve the proposal before it could take effect. In the meantime, the organization is optimistic about a summer settlement, citing mediation involving groups made up of survivors.
What this means in New York
New York has extended the time for survivors of child sex abuse to file a claim without regard to the statute of limitations. Therefore, if you have a claim against the organization and are not part of the class, you might still have rights. However, you need to act before August 14.
So far, the opportunity to file without the need for observing strict deadlines has led to more than 5,000 child sex abuse survivors stepping forward in a variety of cases. It has given confidence to individuals who feared that the court would not hear them.
Money will not make sex abuse go away
The Boy Scouts of America organization needs this deal to go through, so it can get out of bankruptcy. Survivors may benefit from this settlement because it allows them to pay for therapy and other healing measures. However, it will never be sufficient to make the pain go away.
If you or a loved one survived child sex abuse, you may be able to protect your rights by contacting an attorney.
