Boy Scouts of America Bankruptcy in Wilmington, Delaware

September 25, 2020

Update: The deadline for Boy Scout survivors of sexual abuse to file claims in the bankruptcy is November 16, 2020. This is a rapidly approaching deadline, so it is advised to call Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. as soon as possible to protect your rights.

The Boy Scouts of America recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Wilmington, Delaware on February 18, 2020. Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. has significant experience fighting for survivors of sexual abuse in Bankruptcy Court. The firm also regularly acts as co-counsel to file motions in Bankruptcy Court for out of state attorneys who are litigating cases against a defendant who files for bankruptcy.

In October 2009, the first cases filed under the Child Victim’s Act to go trial were that of John Vai v. Diocese of Wilmington, Inc., St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, and Francis J. DeLuca, former priest of the Diocese of Wilmington whose victims numbered over 20 in his 40 year career with the Diocese and beyond. On the eve of the trial, the Diocese of Wilmington filed for bankruptcy; this meant that the trial was put on hold. Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A., along with The Neuberger Firm, fought for the rights of survivors in the Bankruptcy Court. Significantly, seven survivors were permitted to testify live on August 12, 2010 in Bankruptcy Court to show that they would be irreparably harmed if their cases against the individual parishes were not allowed to go forward to trial. The Bankruptcy Court determined on August 13, 2010 that the survivors would be irreparably harmed if not permitted to go to trial in the fall of 2010.

In October 2010, Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. and The Neuberger Firm represented survivor John Vai in his trial, which was permitted by the Bankruptcy Court to proceed against Francis J. DeLuca and St. Elizabeth’s parish. The jury found St. Elizabeth’s parish was reckless, grossly negligent, and negligent, awarding $60 million against DeLuca and $3 million against St. Elizabeth’s parish.

In February 2011, clergy abuse survivors and the Diocese of Wilmington reached a $77.425 million settlement and creation of a trust to resolve claims against the Diocese of Wilmington.

If you are a survivor of abuse while in the Boy Scouts of America or a lawyer who needs assistance with matters in our bankruptcy court, please contact us today. The Millsboro sexual abuse lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. have successfully won cases for survivors of sexual abuse. Call us at 302-600-1935 or complete our online form for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we proudly serve clients throughout the state, including Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.