Sexual Abuse Survivors: How To Find an Attorney

This content contains sensitive subject matter related to sexual abuse.

Many survivors of sexual abuse do not want to go through it again in court. Unfortunately, going to court may be the only way to hold the abuser accountable for their actions. If you want to take your sexual abuse case to civil court, it is important to have an attorney who can guide you through the difficult process and advocate for you.

Every state has its sex abuse civil case laws. To find out about your rights, talk to a sexual abuse lawyer where you live. The following are some tips to help you find the right sexual abuse attorney to make sure your abuser can’t silence you any longer.

Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Overview

Sexual abuse can take many forms. Sexual assault and child sexual abuse are criminal offenses, but abusers are not always held accountable for their actions. There may not be enough evidence to lead to a sex crime conviction. As a result, prosecutors may not go forward with a criminal case even when survivors of sexual assault come forward to report a sex abuse case.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse may have other legal options, even if the abuser is never convicted of a crime of sexual violence. Victims of sexual abuse can file a civil lawsuit to recover damages, including money for emotional distress, mental health counseling, and trauma-informed medical care.

How Can I Find an Attorney for a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

Victims of sexual assault may not know where to start to find legal professionals who can give legal advice for their sexual assault cases. Here is some information to help you find the right legal team to guide you through the legal process for a sexual abuse lawsuit.

Online Legal Resources for Sexual Abuse

Searching on your phone for a “sexual assault attorney” may be the first place you try. But, the results may not be all that helpful. The first few listings are usually based on attorney advertising instead of a targeted search. You want to find a local attorney with experience handling cases like yours.

You can do a more relevant search using a legal resource tool like the LawInfo website. LawInfo has helpful information about sexual abuse laws and a legal directory to find lawyers who specifically handle sexual abuse cases in your area. You can search by city and practice area to find a local lawyer to give you a free case evaluation.

Recommendations From Family and Friends

A friend or family member can give you attorney recommendations to handle your will or contract dispute. But some people don’t feel comfortable talking to co-workers about more sensitive issues like sexual abuse. If you know someone else who is a victim of child sexual abuse, they may be able to recommend an attorney who can give you a confidential consultation about your case.

State Lawyer Association Recommendations

Most states or counties have a bar association that regulates lawyers. You can check out your local state bar association or call them by phone for a list of attorneys who handle legal sexual abuse cases. Unfortunately, they may just have a listing without more information on their experience or success rates.

What Are Good Questions to Ask a Sex Abuse Lawyer?

After you find a sexual abuse lawyer, you should make sure they are the right person to handle your case. When you go for your initial consultation, be prepared with some basic questions, like:

• Do you have experience handling cases like mine?
• Have you ever taken a sexual abuse lawsuit to trial, and what were the results?
• What is your approach to settlement negotiations?
• What experts do you work with to strengthen your clients’ cases?
• This is a very hard matter for me to have to deal with again, how will you keep my needs in mind?

If you don’t feel like the first lawyer you talk to is right for you, talk to someone else. You can use LawInfo’s attorney directory to find a sexual assault attorney to help with your case.