Sexual assault happens far too often in our society, and sadly, many people are too afraid or ashamed to seek justice for their harm and suffering. Fortunately, movements such as Me Too have encouraged people to speak out and take legal action against their attackers. A civil lawsuit is one option that victims have, which can provide them with compensation for their physical and emotional injuries. While money doesn’t erase the trauma they’ve suffered, most of these victims have experienced tremendous losses throughout their lives. These problems, which include medical expenses, mental health issues, and financial hardship, are a direct result of the violence they endured, sometimes for many years.
If you are in the middle of a sexual abuse lawsuit, or you are thinking about filing a claim, you may be concerned about your bills and other living expenses until you receive your settlement. Maybe you’ve thought about taking out a loan – one that’s specifically designed for people with an active lawsuit. Our law firm may be able to assist you with an early settlement loan. Our attorneys specialize in sex abuse claims against all types of public and private entities, including:
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- Public schools
- College and universities
- Religious organizations
- Youth sports teams
- Foster care homes
- Private classes and studios (for martial arts, dance, cheerleading, etc.)
- Tutoring centers
- Workplaces
- Commercial properties like stores, bars, and nightclubs
- Apartment – office buildings
- Hospitals
- Government buildings
- Public transportation systems
Can I ask my Lawyer for an Early Settlement on my Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
Understandably, many people are worried about legal issues concerning loans between clients and their lawyers. This is allowed in the state of California as long as the attorney has been hired to represent the client. The loan must be for reasonable living expenses, like rent, food, and utilities, and there must be a written agreement that is clearly understood by the client.
It’s essential that you understand the terms of any loan that you sign up for, so please schedule a time to meet with one of our attorneys. By coming to us, you can receive qualified advice on your rights and legal options while learning about the process for an early settlement loan.
Our Recent Verdicts and Settlements
$2.5 Million
$600,000
$1.5 Million
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$525,000
$1.2 Million
How much can I Receive from an Early Settlement on my Lawsuit?
Because an early settlement loan is for reasonable living expenses, the amount that we can lend you is based on your personal circumstances. We also have to consider the projected value of your settlement, which includes payment for damages like medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and mental anguish. To factor in all these elements, we will need to review your case during a one-on-one consultation. Call us today and schedule a free case evaluation at your earliest convenience.
I have an Attorney, but they won’t me a Cash Advance. What can I do?
This is a very common issue that sexual assault victims run into when they’re in need of an early settlement loan. If your lawyer has refused to advance you a loan against your sexual abuse lawsuit, you may have thought about taking your case to another law firm. But switching your lawyer comes with consequences, which you should learn about in order to make an informed choice. We can help, with a second opinion from one of our legal experts. A second opinion is especially helpful if you’re having other issues with your lawyer, and you’re worried about the outcome of your case. We can talk to you about all your concerns, including how we can ease your financial burden with a pre-settlement lawsuit loan.
What about an Early Settlement Loan from a Lawsuit Funding Company?
We get this question quite frequently from current and prospective clients. Initially, the loans from these companies sound like a good idea. Just fill out a simple application, receive your funds, and pay back the loan once you win your lawsuit. Plus, there’s no shortage of companies to choose from based on the results from a simple internet search.
What many borrowers fail to realize are the interest rates, which are not obvious right away. Depending on how long it takes to settle your case and the rate at which the interest accrues, you may end up with interest rates between 30 to 50% or more. Many borrowers have trouble making loan payments in the long run and end up in worse shape that they were before their lawsuit.
Protecting the interests of our clients is always our number one goal. That’s why we are happy to offer early settlement loans for clients with pending sexual assault cases. If this is a service that you’re interested in, contact our office and request a free case review with one of our lawyers.
Deadline to File a Sexual Abuse Injury Claim
The statute of limitations for adult victims of sexual assault (18 or over) is 10 years from the last incident of abuse. But what if your abuse took place while you were still a minor? In that case, you have until the age of 40, or five years from the discovery of the abuse to sue for monetary damages. The SOL for childhood sexual assault claims is explained in Assembly Bill-218, which was passed in October 2019.
AB-218 also provides a three-year lookback window on cases that were expired under the old statute of limitations. These victims now have until December 31, 2022, to file a lawsuit for child sexual abuse. The deadline is coming up soon, so please call us right away to learn about your eligibility for a sexual assault lawsuit.
Average Value for a Sexual Assault Injury Case
In our experience, these cases generate high value settlements, usually in the range of $500,000 to $2.5 million. Some cases are worth $4 million or more, depending on the victim’s injuries, how long the abuse went on, and the level of negligence by the responsible parties. The largest settlements generally involve school sexual assault or abuse cases against churches and religious groups (Catholic Church sexual assault and Jehovah’s Witnesses, for ex). Substantial compensation can also be recovered in lawsuits against nationally recognized organizations that serve children, such as the Boy Scouts of America.
We mentioned AB-218 and its impact on the rights of those who were sexually abused as minors. Under AB-218, these victims may receive “treble damages” if there was an effort to conceal reports or evidence of sexual assault. This means you may be entitled to three times the compensation you would normally receive.
How long do these Cases take to Settle?
The timeline for a sexual assault case may be anywhere from a few months to a few years. The biggest factor in settling your case is the other side’s willingness to accept liability. This is getting better in recent years, thanks to increasing media attention and successful lawsuits against the Catholic Church, state foster care agencies, and other major entities. Still, admitting to something like sexual assault, especially if it’s gone on for many years, is not something most people do willingly. Thus, negotiating a victim’s damages can take up to a year and a half. If a lawsuit is necessary to recover your settlement, the process can take up to several years.
Lawyers Experienced in Sexual Abuse Claims
Sexual assault can happen to anyone at any age, and its devastating effects can stay with a victim for the rest of their lives. California law allows you to pursue criminal charges, as well as a personal injury lawsuit against the parties that failed you. But it can be a tough road ahead for those who are seeking justice, and guidance from a sex abuse lawyer is critical to a successful lawsuit.
The last thing victims should have to worry about is legal fees. Here at Normandie, lawsuit funding is never a problem thanks to the Zero fee guarantee. You won’t pay a dime for any of our services, no matter how long it takes to win your case. Our costs are paid by the defendant along with your settlement, so the only way we get paid is if you get paid. In addition, our lawsuit cash advances will help you make ends meet until your case is fully resolved.
If you’re ready to explore your legal options, contact the attorneys of Normandie Law Firm.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
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Islamic Private School Sexual Assault Attorney
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