Dealing with the aftermath of sexual assault is never easy. While victims deserve justice and have their rights, things are not always pleasant in the real world. If you have been sexually assaulted, you need to take legal action against the abuser. Hiring the right sexual assault attorney is critical for your case. Here are some basic things to know about sexual assault cases.
Understanding sexual assault
In Georgia, various kind of nonconsensual sexual acts are counted as sexual assault. You may have a sexual assault, if the abuser subjected you to fondling or groping. Besides that, there are textbook examples, such as rape, unwanted touching, and child enticing. For victims of sexual assault¸ the battle is not just about the physical act or damage caused to their body, but also to the mind. Victims often have a hard time going back to their normal life, and while a sexual assault lawsuit may not be an easy battle, it is an important one. It is necessary to hold the person responsible for their action, and depending on the circumstances of the case, it may be possible to seek compensation.
Know your options
Your immediate legal action for a sexual assault case could be criminal charges, and if there is enough evidence, you can expect a favorable judgement. There is also the second kind of legal action, which is filing civil charges. Truth is proving sexual assault can be hard at times, and criminal cases often rely only on evidence, which can be hard to provide. You can file a personal injury lawsuit, which at least makes room for financial compensation.
Meeting an attorney
Finding the right attorney for your sexual assault case is important. If you are meeting an attorney for the first time, ask questions like –
- What percentage of your practice consists of sexual assault cases?
- How often do you go to trial?
- What do you think of my case?
- How much would you charge?
- Will you handle the case personally?
Many sexual assault attorneys assign cases to their juniors, and that can impact the eventual outcome. Ensure that the lawyer you meet is the one working on the case. As for the cost of hiring a sexual assault attorney like from Major Law Firm, it depends on the legal action you take. Some attorneys charge for each hour, others may ask for a retainer fee, and if there is a personal injury lawsuit, your lawyer can work on a contingency basis. Talk to an attorney immediately after the incident.
