Partner at KJSR
For many survivors, taking legal action is not only about financial recovery but also about holding rideshare companies accountable for safety failures, such as negligent hiring or inadequate driver screening. Understanding how this fee structure works can help you feel confident taking the next step toward justice and closure.
- Most don’t charge upfront. Many lawyers work on a contingency basis—no win, no fee.
- Fees come from your settlement. Lawyers usually take 33–40% if the case is successful.
- Costs may include extras. Some firms deduct expenses like filing fees and expert witnesses.
- Free and low-cost help exists. Legal aid, pro bono services, and sliding-scale fees may be available.
- Value can outweigh cost. Legal action can lead to compensation and accountability that makes a difference.
For many survivors, taking legal action is not only about financial recovery but also about holding rideshare companies accountable for safety failures, such as negligent hiring or inadequate driver screening. Understanding how this fee structure works can help you feel confident taking the next step toward justice and closure.
Do You Have to Pay Upfront for a Sexual Assault Lawyer?
No. You do not have to pay anything up front to hire a sexual assault lawyer. Most law firms representing survivors, including KJSR, work on a contingency fee basis. This means your attorney’s payment depends entirely on the outcome of your case, and you owe no legal fees unless your lawyer successfully recovers compensation for you.
Your first consultation with a rideshare sexual assault lawyer is completely free and confidential. It’s an opportunity to ask questions, share your story, and understand your legal options without any obligation to move forward. This approach allows survivors to pursue justice and accountability without the added burden of financial stress.
Contingency Fee Agreements: What They Are and How They Work
A contingency fee agreement means your lawyer’s payment is based on the outcome of your case. Instead of paying hourly rates or upfront retainers, your attorney receives a set percentage of the recovery they obtain for you. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fees.
Most rideshare sexual assault lawyers, including KJSR, use this fee structure to make legal representation accessible to survivors. Before your case begins, your attorney will clearly outline the percentage and terms in writing.
What Is Included in a Sexual Assault Lawyer’s Fees?
In a contingency agreement, your lawyer covers the upfront costs required to prepare and strengthen your case. These expenses are separate from attorney fees and are only repaid if compensation is recovered.
At KJSR, these case-related expenses may include:
- Court and filing fees: Costs for initiating the lawsuit and preparing the required legal documents.
- Investigation expenses: Gathering records, digital evidence, and witness statements to support your claim.
- Expert consultations: Payment for medical, psychological, or forensic experts whose testimony can strengthen your case.
- Administrative expenses: Transcripts, postage, copying, and other essential documentation costs.
- Travel and logistics: Transportation and lodging for depositions, hearings, or trial preparation.
These expenses can add up quickly, especially in complex cases that require expert evaluations or psychological testimony. By covering these costs, your attorney ensures financial barriers never limit crucial evidence.
When your case successfully concludes, advanced expenses are repaid from the recovery, and the agreed-upon attorney fee is applied. Before you sign any agreement, your lawyer will explain exactly how these costs are handled so there are no surprises later.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Legal Representation
Every rideshare sexual assault case is unique, and several factors can influence its overall cost. These may include:
- Case complexity: Claims involving multiple defendants, corporate entities, or overlapping legal issues often require additional investigation and preparation.
- Amount of evidence: Extensive documentation, medical records, and digital data may increase the resources needed to build a strong case.
- Length of litigation: Cases that proceed to trial or require prolonged settlement negotiations typically involve higher overall expenses.
- Expert testimony: Medical, psychological, and forensic experts strengthen a case but may add to the total cost.
- Jurisdiction and legal procedures: Court rules, filing requirements, and deadlines can vary by state, affecting both time and cost.
Rideshare cases frequently involve large corporate defendants and multiple insurance providers, making them more resource-intensive than other claims. Even if your case takes years to resolve, you will not owe attorney fees unless compensation is recovered.
Cost vs. Value: Why Legal Help Is Worth Considering
Hiring a lawyer for an Uber or Lyft sexual assault case isn’t just about pursuing compensation, it’s about securing accountability and protecting your future. While costs are involved in any legal process, the value of skilled representation can far outweigh them.
A dedicated attorney can help you seek compensation for:
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity: Holding the responsible parties accountable for the financial disruption the assault caused.
- Medical treatment and therapy costs: Covering both immediate care and long-term support for your physical and emotional recovery.
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress: Recognizing the profound personal impact of what you’ve endured.
- Punitive damages: In cases involving gross negligence or misconduct, these damages can help drive systemic change.
Beyond the financial recovery, many survivors describe the process as empowering. Having your experience acknowledged in a legal setting can provide closure and help prevent similar harm to others. Successful cases can also lead to broader outcomes, such as new safety policies, increased corporate accountability, and greater public awareness of rideshare safety issues.
How to Choose the Right Sexual Assault Lawyer for Your Budget
Finding the right lawyer for a rideshare sexual assault case is about more than cost, it’s about trust, communication, and compassion. The attorney you choose should understand both the legal and emotional weight of your situation while keeping you informed and supported throughout the process.
When meeting with potential lawyers, consider asking:
- Do you handle Uber and Lyft sexual assault cases specifically?
- How is your contingency fee agreement structured, and what does it cover?
- What case expenses does your firm advance during litigation?
- Who will be my primary point of contact, and how often will I receive case updates?
- What results or experience do you have in similar survivor cases?
It’s also important to ask whether the firm takes a trauma-informed approach, meaning the legal team communicates with sensitivity and respects your boundaries at every step.
Why Hire a Sexual Assault Lawyer?
Hiring a sexual assault lawyer is about more than pursuing a case. It’s about having someone in your corner who believes you and is ready to fight for your rights. A dedicated attorney can manage the legal burdens so you can focus on healing, recovery, and rebuilding your life.
With more than 35 years of experience and a proven reputation across Connecticut, Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. has earned the trust of survivors. Our attorneys combine legal skill with compassion, ensuring every case is handled with care, integrity, and deep empathy for what each client has endured.
You don’t have to face this alone. Contact us online or call 203-865-8430 for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward justice.