If you’ve been a victim of sexual harassment, you may be wondering what kind of attorney can help you obtain justice. In your research, you may have found that personal injury attorneys deal primarily with physical injuries and the costs of medical treatment. But is sexual harassment considered a personal injury? Is there another type of attorney better qualified to help with the complexities of sexual harassment law?
Is Sexual Harassment a Personal Injury?
Personal injury is a legal term for an injury to the body as opposed to property or reputation. While properly classified as personal injury cases, the litigation that stems from incidents of sexual harassment and sexual abuse is unique for a number of reasons.
Perhaps most importantly, the damages that result from sexual abuse are difficult to quantify. Such abuse can result in severe emotional trauma, that includes, among other things, depression, anxiety disorders, and PTSD. These emotional damages can also manifest many physical symptoms, including headaches, shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, changes in appetite, and lack of desire.
Some personal injury attorneys may take sexual harassment cases. However, beware of a law firm that promises to be a “Jack of All Trades.” They may have handled one or two similar cases, but that doesn’t mean they’re the right fit. Because there is no such thing as a standard or routine sexual abuse case, so should seek out an experienced attorney who will treat your case as unique.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Attorney
If you’ve been sexually harassed or abused in the workplace or in school, you may be able to bring a claim against not only the perpetrator but also the company or school district. You want to find an experienced lawyer who has compassion for your case, in-depth understanding of federal and state law, and the ability to handle your case from the investigation stage all the way through resolution. In choosing the representation, here are some things to consider:
- Experience: Look for a legal firm with experience; one who understands what is required to prevail in a civil proceeding against a powerful and well-funded institution. That’s why our firm only has lawyers who come from the nation’s top law schools and have years of experience litigating high-profile cases at some of the world’s most respected law firms. Don’t choose a personal injury law firm that happens to handle sexual abuse cases along with automobile accidents or slip and fall cases. Instead, look for a firm whose team of lawyers provides the same aggressive and exhaustive representation to all their clients, and a team that has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of their sexual abuse clients, and in the process, has driven changes at institutions throughout the country that will help protect others from sexual abuse.
- Legal Costs: Some firms ask that you pay a fee upfront to review your case and ask for additional retainer money. It’s best to work with a firm that offers free consultations to victims of sexual harassment and one that doesn’t charge fees for service unless they are successful in obtaining a recovery on your behalf. Our firm understands many victims of sexual harassment have lost employment as a result or suffered emotional trauma that makes day-to-day work difficult. If, for personal reasons, you decide a trial is not for you, look for a legal firm willing to work tirelessly to get you just compensation through negotiation that will help you move on with your life.
- Convenience: Oftentimes, firms with “1-800” numbers are located out of state and may have a satellite office of legal assistants. Since sexual harassment cases can be much more time-consuming than other personal injury cases, you’ll want your lawyer nearby, where you can easily meet with them face-to-face whenever needed. When you want to speak with someone from our team, we’re located in the heart of the Financial District in San Francisco, easily accessible by public transportation. And if you’re unable to meet us in person, someone from our team will be available to speak with you.
Let an Experienced Attorney Fight for Your Case
Due to the complex nature of sexual harassment and sexual abuse, you should seek to retain an attorney who has substantial experience filing, litigating, and trying this unique kind of personal injury case. The right lawyer will be devoted to the cause of justice for sexual abuse survivors, and will serve as your advocate and confidant throughout the litigation process.
At Lewis & Llewellyn, we seek to effect real change in the lives of those impacted by abuse, as well as society as a whole, by strategically bringing civil proceedings that shine a spotlight on the individuals and entities that condone, cover up, or turn a blind eye to sexual abuse and harassment.
You deserve to have a compassionate advocate who believes you and will navigate these complex systems on your behalf. Contact us today, or call +1 (415) 800-0590 to set up a free initial consultation.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information contained in this blog or on this website should be construed as legal advice from Lewis & Llewellyn LLP. Neither your receipt of information from this website, nor your use of this website to contact Lewis & Llewellyn LLP creates an attorney-client relationship between you and the firm or any of its lawyers. No reader of this website should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this website without seeking the appropriate legal advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s jurisdiction.
