A group of sexual abuse survivors is challenging the Boy Scouts of America’s $2.46 billion bankruptcy reorganization plan, arguing before the Third Circuit that it unlawfully forces them to waive future claims against insurers, local Boy Scout councils, and troop sponsors. Attorney Delia Wolff, representing 144 survivors, contended that the plan’s non-debtor releases violate their rights, citing parallels to a recent Supreme Court decision that barred the Sackler family from using bankruptcy protections to avoid future opioid lawsuits.

Although 86% of the roughly 82,000 survivors in the case voted to approve the settlement, Wolff emphasized that her clients — a small but vocal minority — should not be compelled to relinquish liability claims in exchange for compensation. The outcome of this challenge could have significant implications for victims and the broader use of bankruptcy law to resolve mass tort claims.