The Boy Scouts of America has established a compensation fund to provide victims of abuse with financial benefits. In an effort to grapple with a litany of sexual assault cases, the Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy, and the compensation fund was reportedly set up as part of the bankruptcy proceedings.

PBS explains that the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy may be one of the largest in history, and as a result, the compensation fund could possibly be enormous. USA Today explains that victims can file Boy Scouts compensation claims for benefits through Nov. 16 at five p.m. A website has been established that provides information about the fund, though no claim forms are yet available. Victims can look to the website for updates on the claim form’s availability.

In the case of the Boy Scouts victims’ compensation fund, a range of victims may be eligible for benefits. In the case of many compensation funds, victims who have already received a settlement or pursued independent litigation against a company are barred from seeking awards from a compensation fund. 

However, such is not the case for those seeking benefits from the Boy Scouts of America. USA Today explains that even if you have filed a lawsuit or other claims against the Boy Scouts over physical or sexual assault cases, you may still be eligible for benefits. Even if you have already received a settlement, you may be eligible for compensation.

Victims normally barred from seeking justice under the statute of limitations may also be eligible for compensation — even if your abuse occurred many years ago, you may still be eligible for benefits.

Additionally, USA Today explains that the fund provides benefits to victims who have already attempted to report their abuse, as well as those who have never reported abuse, entered a settlement, or filed a lawsuit over abuse.

Some victims may have tried to report abuse to the Boy Scouts of America through the Scouts First Hotline or other channels, while others may have turned to law enforcement. 

Who May Be Eligible for Compensation?

USA Today explains that victims who experienced a range of abuse may be eligible for benefits. Though perhaps many people think of abuse occurring between a scout and a scoutmaster, it can be committed by a range of people associated with the Boy Scouts of America, including camp employees, directors, volunteers, staff members, or others.

USA Today explains that to file Boy Scouts compensation claims, victims should file not only a benefits claim form, but should also file an Abuse Proof of Claim Form. These forms are not yet available on the website, but will soon become available. The settlement website advises victims to not try to file an Abuse Claim using the general claim form — they must be filed separately to be accepted.

Now, victims can take action to register on the website to be notified when the claim forms become available. The claim forms must be approved by the Bankruptcy Court before they will be published on the settlement website. Once the forms become available, victims will be able to file online or by mail. 

Victims making Boy Scouts compensation claims around sexual assault must file a different form than those filing claims over another kind of abuse, whether it be physical, emotional distress, or another kind of abuse.

Victims should be aware that even if their abuser was not officially registered with the Boy Scouts, they may still be eligible for compensation. Reportedly, many people who worked for the scouts may not have been officially registered.

In filing a successful Boy Scouts compensation claim, victims should include all of the information that they can. USA Today explains that if documentation is available, it may be included to strengthen a claim. It is not necessary to have an attorney to file a claim, though an attorney can help strengthen your case and give you the best chance possible of receiving compensation. 

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.