To choose a civil sexual assault lawyer, check their background and their experience with these cases, and ask how they’ll handle your case before you sign anything. Plenty of ads say they’re ready to get survivors lots of cash. Every lawyer is different.
Please note: Greer Law handles sexual abuse claims against institutions and organizations that allowed the abuse to happen, such as schools, churches, youth programs, hotels, and employers. We do not take cases against an individual acting alone, such as a family member, spouse, partner, or acquaintance. If that describes your situation, the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault and the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 can connect you with support.
As Marlo Greer points out in her video on this topic, it is very important in a sexual assault case to research the lawyer who may represent you. There are several reasons for this.
Why Researching Your Lawyer Matters
- Some attorneys who claim to represent sexual assault survivors have themselves been accused of sexual harassment or abuse. And while having sexual assault in their background might not preclude them from running for public office, when it comes to representing sexual assault survivors, it’s a definite red flag.
- Sexual assault cases are challenging. There may not be physical evidence of the sexual assault, and many cases turn on the testimony of the plaintiff. If you are bringing a lawsuit for sexual assault, that means you will have to revisit over and over events that you would probably rather forget. You need to work with an attorney who understands the challenges you are facing and is ready to be there for you and support you throughout the legal process.
- You want an attorney with experience in this area. Many lawyers now advertising their experience with sexual assault cases have very little direct background in bringing sexual assault lawsuits. These cases are very different from other personal injury cases.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Civil Sexual Assault Lawyer
- How many sexual assault cases have you handled?
- How many of those resulted in compensation for the client?
- How many sexual assault cases have you tried in court?
- Who will actually handle my case day to day?
- How, and how often, will I get updates?
- What fees and costs apply, and when are they paid?
- How do you handle privacy, such as asking the court to let me use a pseudonym? (See Can You File a Sexual Assault Lawsuit Anonymously in Colorado?)
For what a good first meeting looks like, read What to Look for in a Trauma-Informed Legal Consultation. To understand what you’ll need to show, see What Evidence Is Needed for a Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
What to Ask About the Case Process
We have represented clients who survived sexual assault for years, and we know how hard it is to sue someone responsible for your assault. When you contact us, we won’t give you the “hard sell.”
We’ll give you information: what suing will involve, how long it will take, what facts you’ll have to disclose, what the legal issues are, what personal challenges you’re likely to face and what we’ll do to help throughout.
We’ll also give you time to consider your options, ask more questions and decide when you’re ready.
Talking to a Civil Sexual Assault Lawyer
If you were sexually assaulted and are considering suing anyone responsible, call Greer Law at 303-331-6460 or submit our online contact form. We’ll set up a free case evaluation where you can tell us about your case and ask your questions.
