Oregon Abuse Lawyer

Legal Representation for Abuse Victims

With over 20 years of service in the state of Oregon, Paul C. Galm has handled a variety of abuse and negligence cases. Whether you or a loved one is the victim of abuse by an institution or individual, Paul Galm takes pride in holding accountable parties responsible in these cases. Paul treats his clients like family and takes a compassionate, determined approach to each case he takes on. He is known among his clients and fellow attorneys for his experienced, aggressive, and empathetic representation. Paul Galm Law is available to assist victims of abuse and negligence across a wide spectrum of cases.

Domestic or Sexual Abuse 

If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual or domestic abuse, please reach out to the authorities or the team here at Paul Galm Law. Research has shown that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced some form of violence by a partner. Intimate partner violence makes up 15% of all violent crimes. Reaching out can be difficult in these cases, and Paul Galm is here to help with legal and victim assistance.

Nursing Home Abuse 

As horrible a crime as it is, nursing home abuse is an unfortunate reality. Elderly individuals can be the victim of daily abuse at the hands of their caretakers or staff. As an especially vulnerable population, elderly individuals can be taken advantage of by the facilities designed to care for them. These cases require experienced counsel, and Paul Galm is one of Portland’s best attorneys for elderly and nursing home abuse cases.

Foster and Daycare Abuse

An unfortunate reality in the foster care system is that instances of abuse can and do happen. From verbal to sexual abuse, these cases take many forms and require expert legal counsel due to the sensitive nature of the crimes. The first step in stopping foster abuse or daycare abuse is to report it. If your child or if you know of a child experiencing abuse in a foster or daycare setting, Paul Galm Law is here to help. For parents worried about their child in a daycare setting or for those parents whose child has had an accident at their daycare, Galm Law also provides counsel for daycare negligence.

Understanding Your Legal Options as an Abuse Victim in Oregon

Abuse victims in Oregon have multiple legal paths available, and understanding the difference between them helps you choose the approach that best protects your rights and pursues the justice you deserve.

Abuse law encompasses several distinct legal avenues, and an experienced attorney can help you determine which one — or which combination — fits your situation.

Legal Paths Available to Survivors

• Civil lawsuits for damages. Survivors can sue the person or institution responsible for the abuse to recover compensation. Because civil lawsuits require a lower standard of proof than criminal cases, you may be able to hold a defendant accountable even if criminal charges were never filed or resulted in an acquittal.

• Claims against enabling institutions. When a school, church, nursing home, foster agency, or daycare facility failed to prevent abuse, you may be able to file a claim against that institution for enabling the harm. These cases often involve organizations that ignored warning signs or failed to properly screen and supervise staff.

• Protective and restraining orders. Oregon has five types of protective orders designed to shield victims from further harm. These orders can prohibit contact, require the abuser to stay away from your home and workplace, and address custody concerns.

• Crime victim compensation. Oregon’s Crime Victims’ Compensation Program can help cover medical bills, counseling costs, and lost income resulting from the abuse.

Our Oregon abuse victim lawyer can review your circumstances and explain which legal options give you the strongest path forward.

Time Limits for Filing Abuse Claims in Oregon

Oregon law provides survivors of abuse significant time to come forward, but understanding these deadlines is critical because waiting too long can permanently bar your claim.

The trauma of abuse often prevents victims from taking legal action immediately, which is why Oregon’s statutes recognize the need for extended filing windows.

Key Deadlines Survivors Should Know

• Child sexual abuse claims. Oregon allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file civil claims until their 40th birthday, or within five years of discovering that the abuse caused them harm — whichever comes later. This extended timeline acknowledges that many survivors need years before they’re ready to pursue justice.

• Adult sexual assault and domestic violence. Different deadlines apply to abuse experienced as an adult, and these timelines vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Consulting an experienced attorney promptly ensures you don’t miss a critical filing window.

• Claims against institutions. When pursuing a claim against an institution that enabled the abuse, additional procedural requirements and notice deadlines may apply, particularly if the entity is a government agency such as the Oregon Department of Human Services.

Why Acting Sooner Strengthens Your Case

• Evidence is preserved while it’s still available

• Witness memories remain clear and reliable

• Documentation and records are easier to obtain

• Your attorney has more time to build a thorough case

Even though Oregon provides generous time limits, the sooner you reach out, the stronger your position. Contact Paul Galm Law to discuss your claim and understand the deadlines that apply to your specific situation.

Contact Our Oregon Abuse Lawyer Today

We represent victims of abuse across the state of Oregon. Call us to schedule a free consultation. If you are currently experiencing domestic violence or abuse in Oregon, contact the Call to Safety Line for a service provider or shelter.