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Can You Sue the Boy Scouts for Sexual Abuse in New York?

Yes — survivors of Boy Scouts sexual abuse can file a civil lawsuit in New York against the BSA and any local council that failed to protect them, 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 lawsuit if the abuse happened years ago?

Under New York's Child Victims Act (CPLR 214-g), survivors of childhood sexual abuse have until age 55 to file a civil claim — or within 2.5 years of discovering that the abuse caused psychological or physical injury. Many survivors are still eligible even if the abuse occurred decades ago.

Can the Boy Scouts organization be held responsible even if the abuser is no longer alive or was never criminally charged?

Yes. A civil lawsuit targets the institution — the BSA and its local councils — for negligent hiring, negligent supervision, or failing to remove known abusers. Criminal prosecution of the individual is not required, and the outcome of any criminal case does not determine your civil rights.

Is my conversation with Banville Law confidential?

Absolutely. Every conversation is protected by attorney-client privilege from the moment you reach out. You are never obligated to proceed, and you decide next steps entirely at your own pace.

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

Most civil sexual abuse cases resolve before trial. Coming forward takes courage, and Banville Law works to protect survivors from unnecessary re-exposure throughout the process. You will never be pushed into a step you are not ready for.

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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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