If you’re looking for a church abuse lawyer, there’s no shortage of them. But finding one who will fight hard for you and your case is another thing entirely. You need someone who knows what they’re doing—and does it well. So before you hire someone to represent you in court, make sure you ask them all these questions:
How much experience do you have handling these kinds of cases?
Be sure to ask your lawyer how much experience they have handled these kinds of cases. How many cases have they handled? What was the outcome of each case? Did the lawyers win or lose, and why? Also, be sure that your lawyer is currently handling these types of cases. You want someone who can keep up with any new developments in the field, not just someone who has handled similar types of cases.
Who will be my primary point of contact?
It’s always a good idea to build a relationship with the person who will serve as your primary contact at the attorney’s office. A good rule of thumb is: if it’s not clear who that person is, ask. Make sure you understand how they can best be reached and when or under what conditions. Find out how long they’ve been at the firm and their experience level. Do they have any specific areas of expertise? Also, are they willing to communicate with you openly, honestly, and directly?
What are your fees?
When interviewing a church abuse lawyer, it is important to ask about fees. It’s also a good idea to ask for a breakdown of the fees and expenses that you may be responsible for. Ask about any additional costs (e.g., expert witnesses), how often payments will need to be made, and whether any additional fees are associated with mediation or arbitration. In addition, make sure the attorney has no hidden agendas: some attorneys might collect money from their clients but never put it toward their case.
What kind of compensation will I receive?
Compensation can be paid in the form of a cash settlement or structured settlement. A structured settlement is an arrangement that allows you to receive payments over time instead of one lump sum. It’s important to note that compensation amounts are based on how severe the abuse was, but they also depend on how long it has lasted. The longer and more severe the abuse, the higher your compensation will likely be.
What kinds of evidence will I have to provide?
You will be expected to provide evidence of your abuse. This can include medical records, photographs, police reports, and even testimony from other people who witnessed the abuse. If you do not have all of this evidence first-hand, your lawyer may help you obtain it. Sometimes an attorney may be able to use documents or records from a previous case against your abuser or from another source to build a stronger case against them.
When it comes time for trial and court hearings related to the abuse you suffered (if there are any), your attorney will work with you on how best to present your case. They might recommend that another witness testifies alongside you so that two different perspectives are shared with the jury or judge presiding over the matter.
Conclusion
When you are ready to seek legal help, it is best to have an attorney who is experienced with cases like yours. A good first step is to speak with a lawyer about your situation and see if they can assist. The best way to find an attorney is to ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. You can also search online for attorneys who focus on your area of concern. It’s also worthwhile to speak with several attorneys before making your decision.
