Institutional Abuse Lawyers

We help you seek justice, financial compensation, and the support you need - covering lost income, medical treatment, emotional distress, and future losses, and seeking meaningful acknowlegdment, acceptance and apologies for what occurred.
No upfront expenses
We cover all your costs for you.
Top 2% of the industry
We only use Accredited Specialist lawyers.
No Win, No Fee
You only pay if we win.
Book your free consultation
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Your information is kept private.
Our Director's Experience
1300+
Cases settled
$100 million
Total payout
23+ years
Experience

Gain compensation in 4 simple steps

Institutional abuse claims can be legally and emotionally complex, but we manage the entire process to minimise stress, guide you through the process, and maximise your compensation.

Free, Confidential Consultation

We review your case with care and sensitivity, explaining your rights and legal options. We discuss whether you can claim common law compensation, redress scheme payments, or financial assistance through Victims Assist QLD. We are happy to discuss your case in person, via email, video link, or with the assistance of your support person.

Gathering Evidence and Lodging Your Claim

We collect supporting evidence, work with psychological and medical experts, and handle all legal documentation. If needed, we engage historical records or witnesses to strengthen your claim. Our approach ensures the institution and perpetrator are held accountable, even if the abuse happened decades ago.

Claim Assessment and Legal Advice

Once the claim is lodged, the institution may admit liability, offer a settlement, or dispute the claim. We provide clear legal guidance at every stage, ensuring you understand your options and potential outcomes. If an institution refuses to cooperate, we explore alternative legal avenues to ensure the greatest chance of a meaningful outcome.

Negotiation & Payout

Where possible, we aim to negotiate a fair settlement to secure compensation without the stress of a trial. However, if necessary, we are prepared to take legal action to fight for maximum compensation. We ensure you receive funding for medical and psychological care, loss of income, and damages for pain and suffering.

We handle all types of institutional abuse claims, including abuse in religious institutions, schools, foster care, government-run facilities, detention centres, sports organisations, youth groups, disability services, churches, orphanages, arms of the defence force, and other institutional settings where duty of care was breached.

Ready to make a claim?

With office locations in Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba, you can easily meet with us in person. We also provide online or phone consultations, and can even come to you if needed.

Book your FREE consultation

Or call 1300 11 GAIN for free and speak to a specialist abuse lawyer today.

QLS Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury
Member of Queensland Law Society
QLS Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury
Practitioner of the Supreme Court of Queensland

What our clients say about us

“I cannot rate Jeremy highly enough – he’s a fantastic personal injury lawyer. He was excellent in my motor vehicle compensation claim, providing great support and service during an extremely stressful time in my life. Jeremy took over my case when I was satisfied with my previous lawyers, and he ended up achieving a result that was more than double what my previous lawyers had recommended I accept. I now refer anyone and everyone I can to Jeremy because he truly is the best”

Alex B.

“I highly recommend Jeremy Roche. His knowledge was incredible and he genuinely cares about you. I found him honest, straightforward and professional. He made everything so much easier and did a fantastic job.”

Chris D.

“I was out of my depth making a claim, but Jeremy made me feel at ease the whole way through. I was so confident in him right from the start and he did a fantastic job. He genuinely cared about me.”

Sarah S.

What you stand to gain

Your case is run by an Accredited Specialist

Fewer than 2% of Queensland injury lawyers hold this Queensland Law Society accreditation — the highest recognition for proven expertise, professional excellence and ethical standards.

Maximised compensation – no excess fees, no hidden costs

Our priority is making sure you keep the maximum payout. We pay your evidence costs upfront, never ask you to take out high-interest personal loans, and refuse to charge hidden “uplift” fees on your settlement.

100% transparency – clear, consistent communication

You’ll always know where you stand. With regular updates, direct access to your lawyer, and easy access to your documents, the process stays open and stress-free.

Practical help that goes beyond your payout

We offer holistic support tailored to your circumstances — including the financial, family, and personal challenges that can come with injury, illness or abuse.

Ready to make a claim?

Our Mission

“We started Gain Lawyers because we saw an industry putting profits before people. It's time for a change, which is why we focus on your recovery and financial well-being first.

You’re placing a great deal of trust in us to handle important and often complex matters during what can be a very uncertain and stressful time in your life. We take that responsibility seriously.”

Jeremy Roche, Director At Gain

3 important things to know about institutional abuse law in QLD

At Gain Lawyers, we make sure you understand your rights - and don’t miss out on the compensation you deserve.

Survivors can seek compensation, regardless of when the abuse occurred

Queensland law acknowledges the lifelong impact of institutional abuse. There is no time limit to bring a civil claim for child sexual abuse. This means survivors can pursue justice even decades after the abuse took place.

Claims can be made against churches, schools, government institutions, foster care systems, sporting groups, the military, and any other institution that failed to protect a child or vulnerable person from harm.

Multiple legal options exist for compensation

Survivors may be eligible for compensation through several legal pathways:

  • Common law damages. For abuse facilitated or covered up by an institution.
  • National Redress Scheme. A government program offering payments and counselling for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.
  • Victims Assist QLD. Financial support for those who were abused in a criminal context.

Each path has different processes and outcomes. Legal guidance is vital to determine which is most appropriate for you.

Institutions have a duty to prevent and respond to abuse

Under Queensland law, institutions owe a duty of care to protect individuals in their care. If that duty was breached, they can be held liable. Even if the abuser is deceased or unidentified.

The Legal Identity of Defendants (Organisational Child Abuse) Act 2018 allows survivors to claim directly against the institution, without needing to prove fault by a specific person. This makes it easier for survivors to access justice and compensation.

Why Gain Lawyers stands out

Truly "no win no fee"
No additional hidden fees
No upfront costs for evidence
Get your compensation promptly
Clear guidance through claims process
Help finding medical treatment
Direct access to your lawyer
Access your own documents
Transparent, ethical communication
Your lawyer is an accredited specialist
Lower fees than big firms
Most other firms

“I highly recommend Jeremy Roche. His knowledge was incredible and he genuinely cares about you. I found him honest, straightforward and professional. He made everything so much easier and did a fantastic job.”

Chris D.
Rated 4.9/5 Based on XXX Happy customers
Talk to a Queensland institutional abuse lawyer today.

The sooner you get in touch with us after your accident, the better your outcome will likely be.

Remember, your initial consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. There’s no risk in reaching out, but potentially everything to gain.

The sooner you get in touch with us after your accident, the better your outcome will likely be.

Instuitutional Abuse Lawyer FAQs

What is an abuse claim?

An abuse claim seeks compensation for physical, emotional, or sexual harm caused by individuals or institutions. This includes cases of:

  • Institutional Abuse: Negligence or misconduct within organizations like schools, religious institutions, or foster care.
  • Nursing Home Abuse: Mistreatment of vulnerable individuals in aged care facilities.
  • Sexual Assault: Non-consensual sexual acts or harassment.
  • Child Abuse: Physical, emotional, or sexual harm inflicted on minors.
What compensation can I claim in an abuse case?

Compensation may include:

  • Trauma Support: Costs for psychological and emotional care.
  • Loss of Income: Reimbursement for lost wages or diminished earning capacity.
  • Pain and Suffering: Damages for emotional distress and life impact.
  • Future Care: Ongoing care and support services.
How do I start an abuse claim?
  1. Confidential Consultation: Speak with an experienced lawyer to understand your rights and options.
  2. Gather Evidence: Documentation such as medical records, witness statements, and incident reports.
  3. Lodge the Claim: File against the responsible individual, organisation, or through a relevant redress scheme.
What is the National Redress Scheme?

The National Redress Scheme in Queensland offers compensation, counseling, and acknowledgment for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. It provides an alternative to legal proceedings and includes a formal apology from the responsible institution. Usually, a common law claim against the perpetrator and institution is worth significantly more compensation but every case is different.

How long do I have to file an abuse claim?

There is no time limit for child abuse claims in Queensland. For other abuse cases, timeframes vary depending on the type of claim and circumstances. Seeking legal advice as early as possible ensures your rights are protected.

Will my privacy be protected?

Yes. Abuse claims are handled with the utmost confidentiality. At Gain Lawyers, we prioritise your privacy and ensure all communication and proceedings are sensitive and discreet.

Do I need to face the abuser during the claim process?

In most cases, direct confrontation is not required. Claims are typically resolved through legal representatives, insurers, or institutions, minimising your stress.

What if the abuse happened a long time ago?

You can still make a claim. Many abuse survivors come forward years after the incident, and the law allows for these claims, especially for cases involving childhood abuse or institutional misconduct.

Do I need to go to court for an abuse claim?

While many claims are settled out of court through negotiation or redress schemes, some cases may require litigation. If court proceedings are necessary, our team will guide you through every step with care and professionalism. In Queensland, most cases are resolved out of court.

Why choose Gain Lawyers for your abuse claim?

At Gain Lawyers, we offer a compassionate, client-focused approach to abuse claims. With extensive experience in handling sensitive cases, we work tirelessly to secure justice and compensation while supporting your emotional recovery throughout the process.