If you’re going to file a childhood sexual abuse claim with the National Redress Scheme, you have options available in the way of legal support. 

Whether you choose free legal advice or opt for a private lawyer, moving forward with a professional is a must to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Nothing can undo the trauma you experienced, but you deserve some form of justice to help towards your healing. A lawyer can help you get that. 

Why Consider Legal Support for Your NRS Claim? 

The Royal Commission Sexual Abuse claims system is navigable for anyone. However, complex ins and outs make a qualified lawyer a useful tool to get through the process. Here’s why. 

Expertise and Knowledge

If you enlist lawyers who specialise in childhood sexual abuse claims, you have a knowledgeable team that understands the process from start to finish. A lawyer understands the eligibility criteria, application process, and the considerations for compensation. They can ensure you meet the criteria before you apply and also provide you with advice about other potential avenues for justice. 

Streamlining the Application 

A big part of the application process is supporting evidence, and your lawyer can help you gather everything you need to support your child sexual abuse claim. A lawyer will also ensure the form is accurately completed and filed within the time limits. If a challenge arises, a lawyer can help you navigate the process, especially if there is cause for an appeal. 

Maximising Your Compensation 

You have been through a traumatic event and there is a cap on compensation, but a lawyer will maximise yours so you receive the maximum amount possible for what happened to you. Likewise, a lawyer can recommend a different path to compensation. There aren’t caps on compensation in civil cases, and you may have more success with that route. 

Emotional Support 

Don’t underestimate how emotional the process can be. When you engage with past trauma, it can bring up a lot of unwanted thoughts and feelings. A lawyer provides you emotional support and legal advice, offering security and support throughout the process to ensure your well-being is prioritised and most importantly, that your voice is heard. They deal with the stressful parts so that you don’t have to. 

Understanding Your Options 

The system can be complicated and a lawyer can explain all of your options, whether they believe an NRS claim is the right choice for you or believe you should pursue a civil claim. They can explain what each process looks like and the likely outcome for each. 

If you have already had a civil claim upheld, you could still be eligible for the NRS, speak to a lawyer to find out. 

Navigating Your Legal Support Options 

Free Legal Support 

You can find free legal support through the National Redress Scheme with knowmore. The organisation can offer advice on eligibility, applications, and understanding the implications of accepting an offer once your claim is processed. 

Private Lawyers

While free legal support is wonderful, you can also work with a private lawyer who specialises in the National Redress Scheme. A private lawyer will provide you with all-encompassing legal representation throughout the entire process. 

AJB Stevens will advise you whether you’re eligible for the scheme, whether it’s the right choice for you, the scheme’s limitations, and any other options you have available. 

Choosing the Right Legal Ally: Key Considerations 

If you want to move forward with a private lawyer, you must choose the right team for you. Consider the following as you continue your search. 

Experience

Experience is a major factor, you should look for a lawyer experienced in handling NRS claims. Ask potential lawyers what their expertise and experience is with handling successful NRS claims. 

Accreditation

Check accreditation, it can make a difference to find an accredited specialist who works in personal injury law. It demonstrates their expertise and breadth of knowledge in dealing with trauma-related claims. 

Communication Style

This is a personal thing – it’s a gut feeling. You should feel comfortable talking to your lawyer and if they don’t make you feel heard, you shouldn’t continue through the process with them. Look for a lawyer who communicates clearly, listens when you speak, wants to hear your concerns, and respects your space and pace. 

Location and Accessibility

You should also consider a lawyer’s location. If they are difficult to reach in person, you may not want to move forward unless they can offer you online conferencing and meetings to make up for the accessibility issue. Ask how often they expect to keep in touch and what the process looks like from start to finish. 

How AJB Stevens Can Help 

At AJB Stevens, we provide victim-survivors with support and guidance in navigating the sexual abuse compensation scheme. While you can file a claim online without hiring family sexual abuse lawyers, using a legal professional will ensure you include all of the necessary information so, your claim makes its way through the system without delays. We have expert sexual abuse lawyers in Sydney, and we’re on your side.