Sexual abuse can lead to physical and emotional scars that impact your life for a long time. Even if the person who sexually assaulted you was convicted and sentenced to prison, it still doesn’t make up for what happened to you. After you’ve experienced something as traumatic as sexual abuse, your quality of life can suffer dramatically and you may need professional therapy to heal from it. That’s why it’s in your interest to file a Pennsylvania civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and receive the compensation you deserve. This type of lawsuit can be difficult to navigate on your own, so it’s important to hire an experienced sexual assault lawyer.
Here are some questions you should ask a Philadelphia law firm for sexual abuse claims against the Archdiocese before making a hiring decision.
How Many Sexual Assault Lawsuits Do You Handle Each Year?
One of the first things you should find out is how many sexual abuse cases the Philadelphia law firm for sexual abuse handle each year. If the sexual abuse lawyer you speak to specializes in other personal injury cases, like car accidents or product liability, and hasn’t handled many sexual assault lawsuits, he or she might not have the type of experience you’re looking for. A lawyer who specializes in sexual abuse claims against the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will be more likely to know the type of evidence you need to prove your case.
What Are the Strengths and Weaknesses in My Case?
Like all other personal injury claims, every sexual abuse case has its own strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to ask your Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyer what these strengths and weaknesses are in the very beginning. This way, you will know what to expect and will have fewer surprises down the road. After your lawyer tells you about the weaknesses in your case, ask if there’s anything that can be done to overcome them.
How Often Do You Go to Trial?
While many sexual abuse lawsuits are settled out of court, sometimes it’s necessary to go to trial. For example, if the other side is offering you a settlement that is too low and isn’t willing to negotiate, going to trial may be your option. That’s why it’s important to work with a Philadelphia lawyer who has trial experience and is willing to go to court when it’s necessary. If the lawyer you speak to always settles lawsuits out of court, it might indicate he or she isn’t willing to do the work to get you the settlement you deserve.
If you ask a sexual abuse lawyer these questions during your initial consultation, you will find out more about his or her skills and experience. If any of his or her answers are unclear, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Bringing a sexual abuse lawsuit is a big deal, so it’s important to have the right lawyer by your side.
You deserve justice against those responsible for the injuries you have suffered. If you would like to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a Philadelphia law firm for sexual abuse claims against the Archdiocese, contact Wieand Law Firm today.
