If I call Betti & Associates, is my conversation private and confidential?

Yes. Absolutely. All of your discussions with Betti & Associates whether by phone or in person are private and confidential.

Will my family know that I am filing a lawsuit or about my sexual abuse?

Initially no they won’t know unless you want them too. In our experience though if your case progresses towards trial, your family becomes important to describe how the abuse affects you.

If I’m less than 18 years old will you talk to me?

Yes. There is a deadline by which your case must be filed. It is called the “Statute of Limitations.” Don’t jeopardize your case by letting the statute of limitations expire.

What does the term Statute of Limitations mean?

This is a deadline by which your case must be filed in court. Some states for example require that you file your lawsuit before you turn a certain age, e.g., 19 years old. In rare cases, a state will open a “civil window” in which to file your lawsuit. This window is usually open for one or two years and there is no age requirement. So far, only two states have passed a civil window – California and Delaware.  Currently, New York is considering a one year window.

Can I file a lawsuit using an anonymous name?

In all cases where a client requests this, we will do everything within the law to make this happen. However, some states may not allow it unless you are a minor.

How much do you charge?

If we handle all the costs of your case from start to finish we will receive a percentage. Typically, the amount we receive will range between 33% and 40% of a settlement, or judgment. If you would like us to handle your case on an hourly-fee-basis, please feel free to discuss this with us when you call.

How much experience do you have with these cases?

Since 2002 we have represented over 175 survivors of abuse against defendants nationwide. Some of these defendants include the Archdioceses of New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, YMCA, Kaiser Permanente, The Methodist Church, The Greek Orthodox Church located in New York and San Francisco, as well as several Catholic dioceses and religious orders (Jesuits, Franciscans, Salesians, Claretians, Domenicans). Very important to our firm and our clients is the fact that we have uncovered the secret personnel files of perpetrators and released them to the public.

Will your other clients know I am a victim?

Never without your consent. In most cases it is not necessary. But where we represent many victims of the same perpetrator sometimes it becomes important to share facts. We will always ask for your consent before doing this.

Is my case worth anything?

It depends. The facts of each case vary. Some victims receive multi-million dollar awards while sadly others receive nominal amounts, if anything. This depends upon many factors which we will discuss with you when you call.

Does it matter that the abuse occurred when my perpetrator was at work?

Yes, generally, defendants include not only the perpetrator but his or her employer. An employer could be held liable for your sexual abuse if we can demonstrate that prior to or at the time of your abuse the employer had reason to know that your perpetrator was a pedophile. In our experience, exposing the cover up is the single most important source of justice for survivors.

Can you help me get therapy?

Yes, in all cases where our clients request help, we refer them to a network of psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists with whom we have previously worked.

How long will my case take from start to finish?

All cases vary. Not all cases go to trial. Some cases settle quickly while others take several years.

Why should I choose Betti & Associates?

Our approach to your case involves much more than just great lawyering. We are an outlet for you and your family to link with survivors’ groups and health professionals. Long after your case is resolved you can look to us as an advocate for life.