Cases of sexual abuse are tragic and heartbreaking. For victims of sexual abuse, the suffering and trauma often lasts a lifetime. In many of these cases, it may take many years to identify the full extent of a survivor’s emotional and psychological damages caused by sexual abuse and assault. The harm inflicted on the victim often extends to every aspect of that person’s relationships, including his or her career, educational pursuits, mental and physical health, self-esteem, and human dignity.
A civil lawsuit is often the only path to justice for victims of sexual abuse. A civil lawsuit for sexual abuse seeks monetary damages from those responsible for the abuse, or from those who caused it or allowed it to happen. As such, a civil lawsuit is separate from any criminal case against the perpetrator – even where the criminal case involves the same parties and the same factual circumstances. The purpose of a criminal conviction is to punish the abuser. The penalties imposed in a criminal sex abuse case sometimes require the perpetrator to pay some amount of financial restitution to the victim(s). However, even in cases where restitution is ordered, it is rarely–if ever–sufficient to compensate for the lifelong trauma, the emotional suffering, the humiliation, the shame, and the agony suffered by victims of sexual abuse.
If you or a loved one has been sexually abused in Oregon, we may be able to assist you in holding accountable those wrongdoers, including those who caused or allowed the abuse to occur and those who failed to stop it. We may be able to help you or your loved one in pursuing damages for your sexual abuse and trauma and the havoc it has wreaked in your life. We represent victims of sexual abuse victims in seeking justice throughout Oregon. Call us today for a confidential case evaluation.
Types of Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle
At the Law Office of J. Clay McCaslin, we may be able to assist you in the following types of abuse cases:
- Child sexual abuse
- Sexual abuse in foster care
- Sexual abuse by a priest or clergy member
- Sexual abuse in a nursing home or assisted living center
- Sexual assault (Sexual assault may include rape, attempted rape, or unwanted sexual touching of any body part, including groping through clothing)
At the Law Office of J. Clay McCaslin, we are experienced in handling cases on behalf of foster children who have suffered sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect while in the custody of the State of Oregon Department of Human Services, “DHS.” We have represented a number of foster children in these cases and have assisted them in obtaining compensation from the State of Oregon for the profound physical, mental, and emotional damages, and trauma they suffered, all too often in foster homes selected and certified by DHS.
If you or your child or loved one has suffered sexual abuse in a foster home or by a foster care provider in Oregon, we may be able to help you or your loved one in pursuing justice. Call today for a free and confidential case evaluation.
Time Limits
The statute of limitations is your time limit for taking legal action. The statute of limitations for a civil lawsuit is different from the statute of limitations fin criminal cases. These time limits also vary greatly from state-to-state. There are also substantial differences in the time frames allowed for those who are victimized as children and those who are victimized as adults. The results and application of these time limits also vary greatly from case to case, depending on the facts. This is why you should not wait to contact an attorney regarding your potential claims.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, it is critical to consult with an experienced attorney immediately in order to protect your legal rights. If you wait too long before taking legal action, the statute of limitations may expire and you may lose your ability to pursue justice.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of sexual abuse in in Oregon, don’t wait to give us a call. Please call the Law Office of J. Clay McCaslin at 503-239-1910 or contact us online today to schedule your free initial consultation.