In March 2024, the Alabama legislature passed a bill allowing victims sexually abused as Boy Scouts to receive damages from court controlled settlement fund.
The bill will officially become law once it is signed by Governor Ivey.
We hope that Governor Ivey signs the bill into law soon so victims can start the road to recovery and obtain justice.
If you have been sexually abused as a Boy Scout, contact the experienced sexual abuse attorneys at Fob James Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation.
Our lawyers are here to listen and help you in any way possible.
The Problem With Alabama’s Current Sexual Abuse Law
Under current state law, victims of child sexual abuse have until six years after they turn 19 to file a civil lawsuit. The time period to file a claim is called the “statute of limitations”.
The problem with the current law is that Boy Scouts who were sexually abused many years ago can no longer file their claims within the statute of limitations.
For instance, if a 12 year old Boy Scout was sexually abused in 2010, his claim would be barred under the current law.
A recent study reflects that the average age of disclosure is 52. As a result, the majority of claims involve sexual abuse that occured decades ago. These claims have long been time barred.
The Scout’s Honor Bill In Alabama Revive’s Time Barred Claims
The purpose of Alabama’s Scout’s Honor bill is to allow victims with time barred claims to be able to file a claim with $2.6 billion settlement trust established after the Boy Scouts filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020.
The Bankruptcy Court approved the “Scouting Settlement Trust” to compensate victims of Boy Scout sexual abuse between $3,500 and $2.7 million.
In order to file a claim with the Scouting Settlement Trust, your claim must be allowed under applicable state law.
The Scout’s Honor bill currently on Governor Ivey’s desk allows victims in Alabama to file a claim in the pending bankruptucy proceeding until December 31, 2026.
Accordingly, claims that were previously time barred would be able to proceed under the new law.
After April 21, 2024, claims filed with settlement fund will pay substantially less than previously filed claims.
Do not delay. Contact the Alabama Boy Scout sexual abuse lawyers at Fob James Law Firm before time runs out.
Contact a Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me For Help
At Fob James Law Firm, our job is to help you to the best of our ability and fight for you. If you’ve suffered abuse as a Boy Scout, you should contact our secual abuse attorneys immediately.
We can determine if you are eligible to file a claim or not. It won’t cost you anything to speak with us. Additionally, you’ll never pay us anything until we successfully settle or win your case
Our Alabama Boy Scouts sexual abuse lawyers are experienced, dedicated, and they truly care about you. We treat all of our clients exactly how we would want our own family members to be treated.
Contact us right now at 866-837-1010 or set up a free case evaluation so we can help you.
Fob James
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large regional firm for several years where he obtained awards for both individual and corporate clients, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society.