When you wish to file a lawsuit against an abusive therapist, finding a lawyer with experience handling these cases is crucial. Not only will they be sensitive to the trauma you have experienced, but they will also understand how difficult it can be to discuss.
As well as their prior experience, there are several other things you need to know before you retain a lawyer for your case. You want the right lawyer for a therapy abuse case; make sure you get to know them and have a clear understanding of what they will do for you during this difficult time.
What You Need to Know About the Lawyer
Here are some questions that you may want to ask your lawyer to help you decide if they are the right one to take on your therapist abuse case:
- What is your background and experience in therapy abuse cases? The right lawyer should have several cases under their belt similar to yours. It is good to know how many therapy abuse cases the lawyer has handled before and if their outcomes were successful.
- Do you charge for an initial consultation? When you call to set up your first appointment, be sure to ask about fees. Many injury lawyers offer a free consultation. Some also work on a contingency-fee basis. This means you will only pay their legal fees if they win your case. Usually, this is a percentage of your total settlement or court award.
- What is the statute of limitations for my case? The statute of limitations for personal injury cases varies from state to state. Additionally, some states may have exceptions in cases of therapy abuse.
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How to Prepare for Your First Meeting
It may seem overwhelming when you meet with your lawyer for the first time. Write down any thoughts or questions beforehand so that you won’t forget them during your meeting. You will also need to take the following items that can provide proof of your case and be used as evidence:
- Medical documentation
- Photographs
- Communications between you and your therapist
You should bear in mind any documents you give to your attorney, such as letters, financial documents, or your diary, may also be disclosed to your therapist’s attorney. Make sure to ask your lawyer about this.
Understanding Your Options
Make sure that your lawyer explains all your legal options to you and their possible outcomes. For example, you may choose to take one or more of the following steps:
- A civil lawsuit: If you choose to file a civil lawsuit against your therapist, you will be filing for damages. Damages take the form of financial compensation and may cover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. In some cases, you may also be able to sue for punitive damages.
- A licensing board complaint: This complaint aims to have the offending therapist’s medical license suspended or revoked. If this is the outcome, they will no longer practice as a therapist or harm any other clients.
- A criminal complaint: If you are the victim of sexual abuse, this is not only unethical but is considered to be malpractice in every state. In some states, it is also a criminal offense.
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Understanding a Civil Lawsuit
If you are considering a civil lawsuit, make sure that your lawyer explains all the stages of the litigation procedure. Such as:
- Filing the complaint: Your lawyer explains your complaint and damages to the court.
- Service of papers: Papers describing the complaint are formally delivered to the other party.
- The answer: The other party has some time to prepare and present his response to the complaint.
- Discovery: Both parties have time to gather information and evidence to strengthen their cases.
- Negotiations: Your lawyer will negotiate with the other party and his lawyer to get a fair settlement.
- Trial: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case will go to trial.
- Verdict: The judge or jury will deliberate the details of your case and decide on an outcome.
- Appeal: If you disagree with the outcome of your case, you may, in some cases, take your case to an appellate court to appeal. If you reach this decision, your lawyer will advise you on proceeding.
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Why Choose Jenner Law?
At Jenner Law, you can consult Katie Kerner, who is recognized in the field of personal injury cases and has experience with therapy abuse lawsuits. She will listen carefully to the details of your case and provide you with your legal options. Katie has the skills and experience to negotiate a fair settlement and litigate in court if necessary. She will handle all the legal necessities while you focus on healing.
Contact our legal team at Jenner Law at (888) 585-2188. We can start working today to build a strong case for a fair settlement and prevent your abuser from harming anyone else.
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