What If I Can’t Afford a Sexual Abuse Lawyer?

Some victims hold themselves back from pursuing a lawsuit because they worry that they cannot afford a sexual abuse lawyer. Morelli Law can give you some reassurance on this matter. It may cost less than you think.

Many New York sexual abuse lawyers do not take an upfront fee and do not require payment at all unless you win your case. Likely, you will not have to pay anything for a consultation either.

This makes approaching a sexual abuse attorney free of financial risk. Here’s how sexual abuse lawyers get compensated and why you can afford our services.

The Contingency Fee

Many personal injury and sexual abuse lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Your lawyer’s fees are contingent upon winning the case or securing a settlement. If the case is not successful, the victim does not owe any legal fees.

Under this arrangement, the lawyer will take a predetermined percentage of the settlement or award as their fee. This percentage is typically discussed and agreed upon before the lawyer takes on the case.

This also means your lawyer’s fees can only come from your settlement. Your existing personal assets won’t be touched to pay your lawyer’s contingency fee. Therefore, anyone of any income or economic status can work with a sexual abuse lawyer.

Free Consultations

For some legal services, a lawyer may charge upfront costs to start. Yet sexual abuse and other personal injury situations can happen to anyone. The only fair way to let anyone seek justice in civil court is to have no upfront costs.

Instead, sexual abuse lawyers offer a free initial consultation. This meeting is used to discuss the details of your case, assess its viability, and explain the legal process and potential costs. It helps the lawyer know if they should take your case or not.

Victims can ask questions about whether they can afford a sexual abuse lawyer and any other concerns they might have about the costs associated with pursuing legal action. Ideally, by the end of a consultation, the client and the lawyer will know if they can work together.

Are There Any Other Costs for a Sexual Abuse Case?

There may be, but these may also be covered by the law firm you hire and then get deducted from the final settlement amount along with the contingency fee. Some of these fees might  include:

• Paying for expert witnesses to get evidence for your claim.
• Paying court fees to start your case.
• Incidental office expenses related to your claim.

Your contract with the lawyer should explain what other charges there might be for your claim beyond the lawyer’s fee, who pays them, and when they need to be paid. This is something you should be completely clear about before hiring a lawyer.

Legal Aid Organizations

If you feel you cannot afford a sexual abuse lawyer, there are legal aid organizations that can offer services for free or reduced cost. There are also non-profit organizations and advocacy groups that specialize in helping sexual abuse victims afford legal representation.

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is an anti-sexual violence organization that helps victims find resources to cope with sexual assault. They are the largest such organization in the United States.

They also offer programs to help survivors, ensure perpetrators are brought to justice, and provide education and resources to the public to prevent sexual violence and improve the response to these crimes. We encourage you to contact RAINN if you think, “I cannot afford a sexual abuse lawyer.”

Hiring a Lawyer Is in Your Best Interests

Victims must understand the importance of having skilled legal representation when pursuing a sexual abuse claim. A knowledgeable lawyer can significantly influence the outcome of a case, both in terms of securing a favorable settlement and providing support through the legal and emotional challenges of the process.

While the primary goal for many victims is to seek justice and hold the perpetrator accountable, successful legal action can also result in significant financial compensation. Money can cover many of your legal damages, including therapy costs and pain and suffering.

Victims should be encouraged to discuss their financial concerns openly with potential lawyers during initial consultations. This transparency ensures they find a legal representative willing to work within their financial situation.

Speak With a Sexual Abuse Lawyer for Free

If you live in the New York area and you’ve been a victim of sexual abuse, we urge you to contact Morelli Law for a free consultation. Are you thinking, “What if I cannot afford a sexual abuse lawyer?” Let us work together to find a solution that works for you.

To get started for free, call us or email us through our website to schedule an appointment for your consultation. All consultations are held in confidence and are free of legal obligation.