Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Coming forward after sexual abuse takes courage, and it often takes time. Oregon law is built around that reality.
High Desert Law guides survivors through the civil claims process with discretion, clarity, steady counsel and on a timeline that respects your decisions.
We take this work seriously, and we handle it with the care it deserves.
Sexual Abuse Injury Law Firm
Oregon’s extended statute of limitations for sexual abuse survivors, ORS 12.117 for sexual abuse of a minor and ORS 12.118 for sexual abuse of an adult, provides a much longer, more flexible timeline to file a civil claim. The standard two-year limit that applies to most personal injury cases does not apply here. The time does vary depending upon when the abuse occurred — as a minor or as an adult.
When you’re ready, a confidential consultation will tell you exactly where you stand.
Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
A civil sexual abuse claim can pursue accountability not only against the person who committed the abuse, but also against the institutions that allowed it to happen.
Organizations — schools, religious institutions, employers, healthcare providers — can be held liable when they failed to prevent abuse through negligent hiring, inadequate training, or a failure to supervise. These institutional failures are often where the clearest accountability lies, and where civil claims can have the broadest impact.
We handle these cases with the gravity and discretion they require.
Best Attorneys for Sexual Abuse Cases
The right sexual abuse attorney is one who handles this work with discretion, understands Oregon’s specific legal protections for survivors, and knows how to pursue accountability against individuals and/or institutions without putting additional burden on you.
High Desert Law has guided survivors through civil claims in Oregon. Consultations are confidential. There is no obligation. If you’re exploring your options, we’re here to help you understand what they are.
Sexual Abuse Cases FAQs
Is it too late to file a civil sexual abuse claim in Oregon?
For most survivors, no. Oregon’s sexual abuse statute of limitations (ORS 12.117 for abuse of a minor and ORS 12.118 for abuse of an adult) provides an extended timeline that replaces the standard two-year limit. The law recognizes that coming forward takes time, and it protects your right to pursue a civil claim when you are ready. A consultation will help you understand exactly where you stand.
What is the difference between a criminal case and a civil sexual abuse claim?
A criminal case is brought by the state and can result in incarceration. A civil claim is brought by you, the survivor, and pursues financial accountability. The two processes are separate. You can pursue a civil claim regardless of whether a criminal case was filed, is ongoing, or resulted in a conviction. The standard of proof in civil court is also lower than in criminal court.
Can I file a civil claim against an institution — not just the individual?
Yes. Organizations can be held liable when their negligence enabled abuse — through careless hiring, failure to supervise, inadequate training, or ignoring known risks. Schools, religious organizations, employers, and healthcare institutions have all faced civil accountability under this framework. In many cases, institutional liability is where a civil claim carries the most weight.
Will my case be kept confidential?
Your consultation with us is absolutely confidential. How your identity is handled in any subsequent legal process depends on the circumstances, and we’ll walk you through those considerations clearly before any decisions are made. Protecting your privacy is a priority throughout.
What damages can a sexual abuse survivor recover in a civil claim?
Recoverable damages in a civil sexual abuse claim can include past and future medical and psychological treatment costs, lost wages and earning capacity, and non-economic damages that reflect the emotional, psychological, and relational impact of the abuse. The specific damages available depend on the facts of your case.
How much are sexual abuse civil claims worth?
Settlement and verdict amounts in sexual abuse cases vary widely depending on the severity and duration of the abuse, the number of responsible parties, institutional involvement, and the long-term impact on the survivor’s life. There’s no reliable formula. A thorough case evaluation is the only honest way to assess what a claim may involve.
Do I have to go to court?
Not necessarily. Many civil sexual abuse claims resolve through settlement negotiations without trial. The right approach depends on the facts of your case and what you want to achieve. We’ll be clear with you about the options and what each involves before any decisions are made.
Understanding what a civil sexual abuse claim may involve.
Civil sexual abuse claims involve a damages picture that’s specific to each survivor’s circumstances.
Our Settlement Calculator is a confidential tool designed to help you privately understand your financial options. If you have received an early settlement offer, this tool can provide crucial insight. It shows the total amount an attorney must secure for you to end up with more resources for your healing than you would by accepting the offer on your own.
This provides a clear, private way to evaluate your options, empowering you to make an informed choice on your own terms.
