Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse Lawyer
If you were harmed in scouting, you can speak with a lawyer who will listen, believe you, and explain your options — privately and at your pace.
Where to start
If you were abused in the Boy Scouts, you have the right to hold the organization accountable
You can bring a civil claim against the Boy Scouts of America and the local council or troop responsible for your safety. A civil case is separate from any criminal case and separate from the national settlement process — it is about your story, your harm, and the compensation you are owed. You do not need to have reported the abuse at the time, and you do not need to have all the answers before you reach out.
For decades, scouting placed children in the trusted care of leaders and volunteers. When that trust was betrayed and the organization failed to protect kids it knew were at risk, survivors have the right to seek justice. A lawyer who handles these cases can tell you whether a claim is still open to you, what it would involve, and what to expect — with no pressure to act before you are ready.
Time limits do apply, and they vary by state. Many states have recently expanded or reopened the window to file. A free, confidential call simply tells you where you stand — no pressure, no obligation.
Why survivors trust us
Real attorneys. Proven results. Quiet strength.
Accountability
How is the Boy Scouts of America held responsible?
Liability in scouting cases usually focuses on the organization itself, not only the individual who caused harm. Years of internal records — long known as the "perversion files" — showed that the BSA tracked thousands of leaders flagged as dangerous, yet often kept that information private rather than acting to protect children. A civil claim asks whether the organization's choices put kids at foreseeable risk. Common grounds include:
- Failing to screen, vet, or run background checks on troop leaders and volunteers
- Receiving complaints or warning signs about a leader and allowing them to keep working with children
- Keeping internal files on known offenders without removing them from contact with scouts
- Lacking basic safety rules — such as bans on one-on-one adult-child contact — during the years many survivors were harmed
- Council- or troop-level negligence in supervision at meetings, camps, and overnight trips
These are matters of organizational responsibility. Your lawyer's job is to investigate what the BSA and your local council knew, and when — you do not have to prove any of it yourself.
Common situations
Scouting abuse can take many forms
If any of these reflect your experience, you may have a claim. Every story is taken seriously and handled with care.
Troop leaders & volunteers
Abuse by a scoutmaster, assistant leader, or adult volunteer placed in a position of trust over you.
Camps & overnight trips
Harm that happened at a summer camp, jamboree, or overnight outing where supervision broke down.
Known but ignored
A leader who had prior complaints or warning signs but was allowed to stay involved with scouts.
Years or decades ago
Abuse from childhood you have never spoken about. Many survivors come forward long afterward.
Simple & safe
How it works
Reach out privately
Call or fill out a short, confidential form. Tell us only what you’re comfortable sharing.
We listen & match you
We connect you with an attorney licensed in your state who handles your type of case.
You decide what’s next
Your free consultation is no-obligation. If you move forward, there’s no fee unless you win.
Named, credentialed, local
Attorneys licensed in your state
Every connection is to a real attorney with verifiable credentials and a record of holding institutions accountable.
Michael Haggard, Esq.
Laurence Banville, Esq.
Eric Weitz, Esq.
Max Morgan, Esq.
Jeff Gibson, Esq.
Ervin Nevitt, Esq.
John Bey, Esq.
Aman Sharma, Esq.
Dan Lipman, Esq.
Joshua Gillispie, Esq.
Jennifer Lipinski, Esq.
Aaron Blank, Esq.
Questions survivors ask
Boy Scouts sexual abuse — your questions answered
Can I sue the Boy Scouts of America for abuse?
Yes. Survivors can bring a civil claim against the organization and the responsible local council or troop, separate from any criminal matter. A claim looks at whether the BSA failed to protect children it had a duty to keep safe. A lawyer can review your situation privately and tell you what options remain open to you.
How much does a Boy Scouts abuse lawyer cost?
Nothing upfront. These cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means you pay no fee unless your lawyer recovers compensation for you. The first conversation is free and confidential, so you can understand your options with no financial risk and no obligation to move forward.
Is there a deadline to file a Boy Scouts abuse claim?
Time limits apply and they vary by state, but many states have expanded or reopened windows for childhood sexual abuse claims. Because the rules are specific and can change, the only way to know if your claim is still open is to ask a lawyer. Reaching out early protects your options — there is no harm in simply checking.
What compensation can I recover in a scouting abuse case?
A civil claim can seek compensation for therapy and medical care, lost earnings, and the emotional harm you have carried. No amount undoes what happened, but it can help fund your recovery and hold the organization accountable. Your lawyer will explain what your specific case may involve.
Do I need a police report to bring a claim?
No. A civil claim does not require that you ever reported the abuse to police or filed a criminal complaint. Many survivors never told anyone at the time. Your lawyer can move forward based on your account and on investigation of what the organization knew.
Will my case be kept confidential?
Your first conversation is private and protected. Throughout a case, your lawyer works to safeguard your privacy and can discuss steps to keep your identity shielded where the law allows. You stay in control of what you share and when.
What if the abuser has died or can't be found?
You may still have a claim. Because these cases focus on the organization's responsibility — its vetting, supervision, and response to warning signs — a case can often proceed even when the individual is gone, unidentified, or no longer living.
I'm not sure I have enough proof. Should I still call?
Yes. You are not expected to have evidence or documents ready. Investigating what the BSA and your local council knew is your lawyer's job, not yours. A free, no-pressure conversation is simply a chance to be heard and to learn whether a claim is possible.
Free & confidential
Talk to a lawyer about your Boy Scouts case
Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Your message is confidential, there is no cost to reach out, and you decide what happens next.
- 100% confidential — your privacy is protected
- No fee unless we win your case
- You stay in control of every step
Prefer to talk now? (877) 421-9608
Start your free case review
It only takes a minute. Share what you’re comfortable with.
You don’t have to carry this alone.
Take the first step on your terms. A free, confidential conversation could be the start of getting the justice and support you deserve.