Child sexual abuse is traumatizing to both the victim and the parent or guardian. In addition, the stress of filing a case against the perpetrator is overwhelming, especially if you do not have experience with the same. Therefore, it is good to get a sexual assault lawyer to help you with the procedures.
Besides filing the lawsuit, a legal practitioner will provide emotional support to help you deal with the trauma. If the child sexual abuse lawsuit is possible following The Child Victims Act, it is time to find an attorney.
When finding the right sexual assault lawyer to handle your case, here are some factors to consider.
Experience With Sexual Assault Cases
As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” Therefore, if an attorney has more experience with sexual assault cases, you have a higher chance of winning the lawsuit than hiring an amateur. The challenge is how to tell that the lawyer has the experience.
First, visit the law firm’s website and check the successful cases listed. Suppose you find that the firm has won cases of car accidents, medical malpractice, or other kinds of issues; the attorneys may have no experience with child sexual abuse claims. Your target is getting a good sexual assault lawyer.
The Cost of Filing a Case
The cost of filing a lawsuit mainly depends on the case at hand. However, the sexual assault lawyer should state their fees, including initial consultation, rates per hour or session, and how they wish to receive the payment. In addition, the legal practitioner should be able to give you a ballpark of the expense.
It is essential to know if the lawyer will take up a case against an abuser with few assets. If you are filing a child sexual assault against an institution, choose an attorney who accepts to receive payment on winning the case.
Period of Practice in Sexual Assault Cases
It would be good to pick a sexual assault lawyer who has been dealing with sexual abuse cases for a long time. The more victims the attorney represents, the better they provide support and advice.
Attorney’s Expertise in Child Abuse Cases
Your aim in filing a lawsuit is winning and obtaining justice for your child. To achieve this goal, you need an expert who understands child sexual abuse trials. Do not rely only on what the legal practitioner tells you without finding out.
It would help if you read the attorney’s legal articles, listen to their speeches in professional organizations, or listen to their opinion regarding child sexual abuse trials. A lawyer knowledgeable of the case at hand is the best for the job.
Location of the Attorney
statutes governing child sexual abuse vary from one state to another. It is vital to get a sexual assault lawyer located where you intend to file the lawsuit. There is no harm in hiring an out-of-state lawyer, but an inside one understands the state’s laws better.
Lawyer’s Ability To Provide Emotional Support
Seeking justice for your child against a sexual abuser comes with many emotional traumas. Therefore, you need to find someone who acts as a legal expert and provides emotional support during the trying moments. Find out the potential lawyer’s plan to offer help in preparation for trial.
What if a Lawyer Rejects the Case?
Suppose you consider all these factors and identify the right sexual assault lawyer, but the lawyer refuses to take your case; it is not the end. Get back and consider more options and choose again. Do not give your case to a lawyer you do not trust or one unwilling to represent you.
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