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Boy Scouts Abuse Lawsuit in New York

Under CPLR 214-g, survivors of Boy Scouts sexual abuse in New York can file a civil lawsuit holding the BSA and local councils accountable for negligent supervision — regardless of when the abuse occurred.

Laurence P. Banville Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq. Last updated June 2026
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Laurence P. Banville, New York personal injury attorney
Laurence P. Banville Managing Partner · NY & D.C. Bars

Frequently asked questions

Can I still file a Boy Scouts abuse lawsuit if the abuse happened decades ago?

Yes. Under New York’s Child Victims Act (CPLR 214-g), survivors of childhood sexual abuse may file civil claims until age 55, or within 2.5 years of discovering the abuse caused psychological or physical injury. Many BSA survivors who were abused years ago still have valid claims today.

Does filing a civil lawsuit mean I have to go to court or testify publicly?

Not necessarily. Most civil sexual abuse cases resolve without a trial. You decide the pace of your case, and you are never obligated to proceed further than you are ready for. Your attorney will always explain your options before any decision is made.

Can the BSA or a local Scout council be held responsible even if no one was criminally charged?

Yes. Civil liability is completely independent of any criminal prosecution. Institutions like the Boy Scouts of America and local councils can be held accountable under theories of negligent hiring, negligent supervision, and negligent retention — even if no criminal charges were ever filed against the abuser.

Is my conversation with Banville Law confidential, and where can I get immediate support?

Every conversation with Banville Law is protected by attorney-client privilege — nothing you share will leave the firm without your consent. If you need immediate support, the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7 at 800-656-4673, free and confidential.

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Laurence P. Banville

Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq.

Managing Partner, Banville Law · New York & D.C. Bars

Laurence Banville is a New York personal injury attorney and the Managing Partner of Banville Law. Born in County Wexford, Ireland, he earned his law degree summa cum laude from University College Dublin and once defended insurance companies in product-liability litigation — experience he now uses for injured New Yorkers. He has been named to the Irish Legal 100 and the Irish Echo’s Top 40 Under 40, and is an AVVO Rated attorney.

NY Bar D.C. Bar Irish Legal 100 AVVO Rated AAJ Member

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Laurence P. Banville, Esq., New York personal injury attorney
Laurence P. Banville, Esq. Managing Partner — he personally reviews every case review request.
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