The BSA Bankruptcy and Settlement
After years of abuse-related litigation, the Boy Scouts of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2020. The bankruptcy process allowed the organization to negotiate a global settlement with tens of thousands of survivors, creating a Survivor Trust funded by contributions from BSA's national organization, local councils, and the organization's chartered partners (churches and civic organizations that hosted troops).
The total settlement fund exceeded $2.4 billion when including contributions from all sources, making it the largest sexual abuse settlement in American history at the time of finalization. The bankruptcy plan was confirmed in 2022 and became effective in 2023, with the trust beginning to process and pay claims.
The Trust and Payment Process
The Settlement Trust, administered by an independent trustee, processes claims submitted by survivors and pays them according to a matrix that takes into account factors including: the severity of the abuse; the number of documented instances; the age of the survivor at the time; and the identity and position of the abuser. Claims are valued on a point-based matrix and paid as a percentage of their maximum point value depending on the total claims filed and available funds.
The volume of claims -- approximately 82,000 filed -- means that individual payments are substantially lower than the total fund divided by claimants, because different claims have different values. The Trust has begun making initial payments to claimants, with the payment process expected to continue over multiple years.
Filing Deadlines and Current Status
The official claims bar date for the BSA bankruptcy was November 2020, which was widely publicized at the time. Survivors who filed before that deadline are included in the Trust. Survivors who did not file by the bar date generally cannot participate in the Trust's distribution, though legal advocates have filed challenges arguing that some survivors were not adequately notified.
Some states have separately enacted or are considering legislation that creates new filing windows for abuse claims against institutions like BSA beyond the bankruptcy proceedings. Related: Sex trafficking civil litigation.
Who Should Know Their Rights
Survivors of sexual abuse by a BSA volunteer, scoutmaster, staff member, or adult leader who filed their claim before the November 2020 bar date are Trust claimants awaiting payment. Survivors who were not aware of the filing deadline and did not submit claims may have limited options but should consult an attorney specializing in institutional abuse claims to assess any remaining avenues.
Survivors should also be aware that resources and support services are available through organizations including the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, regardless of whether a legal claim is viable.
Support Resources for Survivors
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (nsvrc.org) provides resources for survivors and can connect them with local support services. The RAINN hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) offers confidential support. Legal advocates specializing in institutional abuse claims can provide a free consultation about any remaining legal options.
How to Get Legal Help
If you believe you qualify based on the eligibility criteria described above, the next step is a free consultation with an experienced attorney. Most plaintiff-side attorneys handling these cases work on contingency -- meaning you pay nothing unless your case results in a recovery. Bring any relevant documentation including receipts, correspondence, or evidence of the harm you experienced.
To stay current on case developments, claim deadlines, and settlement news, bookmark this page and subscribe to LawsuitWatch alerts. Coverage is updated as new court filings, settlement announcements, and eligibility changes are made public.
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Boy Scouts of America Lawsuit: Sexual Abuse Settlement & Claims: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about this case and your legal options.
How much did the Boy Scouts pay in the abuse settlement?
The total settlement including contributions from BSA national, local councils, and chartered partners exceeded $2.4 billion. The BSA national organization contributed approximately $850 million.
How do I file a BSA abuse claim?
The claims bar date was November 2020. Survivors who filed by that deadline are Trust claimants. If you did not file, consult an attorney about any remaining legal avenues.
How long does it take to receive payment from the BSA Trust?
The Trust began processing and paying claims after the 2023 effective date. Given the volume of claims (approximately 82,000), the full payment process is expected to span multiple years.
Can I still sue the Boy Scouts?
The bankruptcy plan's channeling injunction generally prevents direct lawsuits against BSA outside the Trust process for claims covered by the settlement. Consult an attorney about any exceptions that might apply to your situation.
What support resources are available for BSA abuse survivors?
RAINN: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). National Sexual Violence Resource Center: nsvrc.org. Many states also have specific survivor support programs through their attorneys general offices.