Did your application for an apartment rental get turned down because of your race? You may have the right to get compensated for having to experience discrimination, but the first thing you will need is a civil rights lawyer to build your case. Find out in this article how a civil rights lawyer can help and what kind of legal fees you might have to pay.

How Can a Lawyer Assist with a Discrimination Case?

You must explain to your lawyer why you believe your apartment application was denied because of your race. A simple assumption that you were discriminated against is not good enough to win a lawsuit. Your lawyer will want to know if the person handling your application said or did anything that clearly shows racism. For instance, if you were told that your kind do not usually live in that area, it is grounds to start a civil lawsuit.

Before taking your case to court, the lawyer will thoroughly investigate the history of renters at the apartment complex you applied at. He or she will also find out if there have been discrimination cases against the owners in the past. The person that handled your application will be personally investigated, as he or she may simply discriminate against certain individuals without the owners having knowledge that it is going on.

Your lawyer will contact the owners to meet up for a mediation session, but only if they agree to it. During mediation, your lawyer will explain what you went through and provide any evidence that was found of other individuals going through the same thing in the past. If the owners are convinced that your case against them is strong, a settlement may be reached without going to court. You can get compensated for things such as:

  • Counseling
  • Mental anguish
  • Pain & suffering
  • Punitive damages

What is the Hourly Fee Charged by a Lawyer?

The minimum hourly fee that a lawyer is estimated to charge is $90. Complicated cases can end up costing over $500 per hour. It is common for an hourly rate to be taken out of an advance retainer fee. However, a civil lawsuit may be based on you paying a contingency fee to the lawyer. Basically, a contingency fee is paid after a lawsuit is successfully won and the lawyer won't get paid if you don't win. Don't delay speaking to an attorney who specializes in civil law about your problem so he or she can start working on it!

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