On This Page
If you are considering legal action after sexual abuse, choosing a lawyer can feel like a difficult step, especially when you may not know what to look for or who to trust. You do not have to rush that decision.
You need a sexual abuse lawyer you can trust. You should feel comfortable asking questions and be confident that the attorney has the skills and experience needed to handle complex cases and stand up against institutions that may have enabled the abuse.
With over 50 years of combined experience representing sexual abuse victims, Andreozzi + Foote is unwaveringly committed to pursuing justice and meaningful results for our clients. We do not shy away from taking cases to trial when needed. Our sexual abuse lawyers are here to stand by you and advocate for you and your family.
Key Takeaways:
- Survivors should consider hiring a lawyer who regularly handles sexual abuse cases and understands the challenges these claims can involve.
- A lawyer should understand the unique concerns that can arise in sexual abuse cases, such as trauma and privacy.
- Survivors should look for a lawyer who is prepared to investigate institutional responsibility rather than focusing only on the individual who committed the abuse.
- A consultation is an opportunity to learn who will handle the case, how the firm charges fees, and what communication will look like.
- A firm’s past results can provide insight into its experience, but they should never be treated as a promise about a future result.
Why the Right Lawyer Matters in a Sexual Abuse Case
The right lawyer matters because sexual abuse cases involve legal and personal issues that many general personal injury cases do not. Some claims involve abuse that happened years or decades ago, making it important to understand how to investigate older evidence and records. These cases may also involve institutions as potential defendants, such as a church or a school, requiring a closer look at what an organization knew about the abuse and how it responded.
Privacy is often another concern. A lawyer should take steps to protect a survivor’s identity and explain when their name or personal information could be disclosed as the case moves forward.
A survivor should also feel comfortable with their attorney. These cases can involve difficult conversations over an extended period, so trust and open communication can shape the entire process, not only the outcome.
What to Look for in a Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Choosing a lawyer for a sexual abuse case requires looking beyond general experience with personal injury claims. Below are some factors a survivor should consider when hiring a sexual abuse lawyer:
Focused Experience in Sexual Abuse Cases
A firm that regularly handles sexual abuse cases is more likely to understand and be capable of handling the issues that often arise with these types of claims. Those issues may include investigating older claims, dealing with institutional defendants, and understanding the laws and exceptions that may affect when a survivor may pursue a claim.
A Trauma-Informed Approach
A trauma-informed lawyer recognizes that discussing abuse can be difficult. Representation should allow survivors to ask questions, take breaks, and move through the process at a manageable pace. Lawyers should also protect sensitive information and, when appropriate, help survivors connect with advocates or therapists.
Willingness to Hold Institutions Accountable
A case may involve more than the individual who committed the abuse. A lawyer should be prepared to investigate whether a church, school, hospital, or other organization enabled or concealed the abuse. This allows the survivor to pursue compensation and accountability against all potentially responsible parties.
Trial Readiness and Experience
Most sexual abuse cases resolve before trial. However, a lawyer’s willingness and readiness to take a case to trial when necessary may benefit a survivor’s position during settlement negotiations. If a case goes to trial, survivors deserve an experienced legal team they can trust to handle it with care and determination.
Privacy and Confidentiality Protections
A survivor should know how a lawyer plans to protect their identity before moving forward. The attorney should explain the firm’s confidentiality practices and discuss what information could become public. For instance, where the law allows, asking the court to permit the survivor to file anonymously, either under a pseudonym or by using initials.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Sexual Abuse Lawyer
An initial consultation can help a survivor learn about their legal options, but it is also an opportunity to ask questions to determine whether a lawyer or legal team is the right fit for them. Consider asking the following questions:
- How much of your practice involves sexual abuse cases?
- Have you handled cases involving claims that began years or decades ago?
- Who will handle my case day-to-day?
- How will I communicate with the attorney handling my case, and how quickly can I expect a response?
- How does your firm charge for these cases?
- Will I have any upfront costs?
- How long might my case take, and what factors could affect the timeline?
- How will you protect my privacy and identity?
What It Costs to Hire a Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Many sexual abuse law firms handle cases on a contingency-fee basis and offer free case evaluations, though not every firm does. With this type of arrangement, the survivor does not pay the lawyer’s fee up front. Instead, the lawyer receives an agreed-upon percentage of the compensation recovered in the case.
For survivors, this arrangement removes any financial barriers that may prevent them from pursuing justice. It also means they can obtain legal representation without paying an attorney before knowing whether the case will result in compensation. Typically, if there is no recovery, then survivors owe no attorney fees.
No ethical lawyer can promise a specific result. A guarantee of success or a promised dollar amount should be treated as a warning sign when choosing an attorney.
Before hiring a lawyer, ask for a clear explanation of the fee agreement and expenses that could be deducted from the recovery.
What a Proven Track Record Looks Like
Past results can help survivors evaluate a lawyer’s experience, but they should not be viewed as a prediction of what their own case will be worth, as no two cases are the same.
However, looking at a firm’s past results can still be useful when evaluating its skill and experience. Ask how the firm approached those cases and what made them challenging.
Below are some examples of notable results that Andreozzi + Foote has obtained for our clients:
Contact Andreozzi + Foote for a Free, Confidential Consultation
Finding a lawyer you trust begins with a conversation. If you are considering legal action, the sexual abuse attorneys at Andreozzi + Foote are here to listen to your story in a safe space, answer your questions, and explain your legal rights with a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Our firm represents survivors of sexual abuse and their families nationwide. We are dedicated to helping them pursue the compensation they need to heal and move forward.
When you’re ready, contact us online or call (866) 311-8640 to get started.