![]() ![]() ![]() She did order, however, that any claimant wanting to take the $3,500 payment must indicate so on his ballot.AI chatbots have exploded in popularity over the past four months, stunning the public with their awesome abilities, from writing sophisticated term papers to holding unnervingly lucid conversations.Ĭhatbots cannot think like humans: They do not actually understand what they say. The judge declined the committee’s request to approve two separate voting classes, one for those accepting the expedited payment and the other for those who don’t. Those who do not opt for the $3,500 payments would have their claims scrutinized under trust distribution procedures, risking uncertain recoveries on an uncertain timetable in return for a potentially larger payment.Īttorneys for the official committee representing abuse victims have expressed concern that people opting for the $3,500 payments could improperly sway the vote in favor of the plan. Such payments are expected to be an attractive option for those who have filed false claims, claims that lack required information and may not survive the claims evaluation process, and claims that would be barred in nonbankruptcy lawsuits because of the passage of time. The coalition represents almost 18,000 abuse claimants and is affiliated with more than two dozen law firms that collectively represent more than 60,000 claimants.Ī key point of contention has been a plan provision allowing an abuse claimant to receive an “expedited distribution” payment of $3,500, with virtually no questions asked, and avoid the claim evaluation process. The letter was drafted by attorneys representing an ad hoc group called the Coalition of Abused Scouts for Justice and the court-appointed advocate for those who might file claims in the future, including men who have repressed memories of their abuse. ![]() They say it will result in billions of dollars in compensation for abuse survivors and represents the best possible outcome for them. Meanwhile, attorneys separately representing tens of thousands of abuse claimants have submitted their own letter urging abuse claimants to vote for the plan. The committee also notes that sponsoring organizations such as churches and civic groups can avoid liability for abuse claims dating to 1976 simply by transferring their interests in insurance policies purchased by the BSA and local councils to the victims fund, without contributing any cash or property. In exchange, both entities would be released from any further liability involving child sex abuse claims.Īccording to the committee, a key flaw is that settlements with local Boy Scout councils would leave them with more than $1 billion in cash and property above what they need to fulfill the scouting mission. The Hartford has agreed to pay $787 million into the fund for abuse claimants, and the Mormons have agreed to contribute $250 million for abuse related to the church’s scouting programs. The plan also includes settlement agreements involving one of the Boy Scouts’ major insurers, The Hartford, and its former largest troop sponsor, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church. ![]() In return, the local councils and national organization would be released from further liability for sexual abuse claims. They also would assign certain insurance rights to the fund. The plan calls for the Boys Scouts and its roughly 250 local councils to contribute up to $820 million in cash and property into a fund for abuse claimants. The judge and attorneys also discussed provisions to ensure that law firms that represent multiple abuse claimants and want to submit “master ballots” on behalf of their clients prove they have obtained permission from each client who does not wish to submit a ballot himself. ![]()
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