Abuse compensation claims

Types of abuse claims

At Express Solicitors, we know that abuse can take many forms and can profoundly affect individuals for the rest of their lives. Our goal is to provide you with the support, compassion and legal expertise you need to seek justice. Abuse can happen in many settings and may involve different types of perpetrators. Here are some common types of abuse claims we handle:

Childhood abuse

• Abuse by individuals in positions of trust: This includes abuse by teachers, coaches, religious leaders, or other adults who are responsible for a child’s care and well-being. 
• Abuse in local authority or foster care: Children in the care of local authorities or foster families can sometimes be exposed to abuse, whether physical, emotional, or sexual. This also includes situations where social services have failed to act on concerns raised about a child’s welfare.
• Organisational abuse: Abuse that happens within institutions such as sports clubs or other youth organisations where children are supposed to be safe. This can happen when these organisations fail to properly vet staff or fail to put appropriate safeguarding measures in place.
• Family abuse: Abuse by a family member, which can be particularly traumatic as it occurs in the supposed safety of the home. 

Abuse by professionals

• Medical professionals: This involves abuse or assault by healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, or other medical staff. Patients place their trust in medical professionals, and when this trust is violated, it can lead to severe emotional and physical consequences.
• Care home abuse: Elderly individuals in care homes may be vulnerable to abuse from caregivers, other residents, or visitors. This can include physical abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.

Adult abuse

• Domestic violence: Abuse that occurs within intimate relationships, sometimes characterised by a pattern of controlling and coercive behaviour by one partner towards another. This may include physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or financial control.
• Single incidents: Single instances of sexual or physical assault, which can still have long-lasting impacts on the victim’s mental and physical health.

If you or a loved one has experienced any of these forms of abuse, our legal experts are here to provide support and expertise. We handle all cases with the utmost confidentiality and sensitivity, ensuring your privacy and dignity are maintained throughout the process.

What kind of injuries can I claim for?

If you’ve experienced abuse, you can claim compensation for both physical and psychological injuries. These injuries can have a profound impact on your life, so it’s critical to understand what you can claim for:

Physical injuries

• Visible injuries: This includes bruises, cuts, fractures, or any other injury directly caused by the abuse.
• Long-term effects: Chronic pain, mobility issues, or permanent disabilities resulting from ongoing physical abuse.

Psychological injuries

• Mental health conditions: Conditions like PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), depression, and anxiety caused by the abuse.
• Emotional trauma: Emotional distress, nightmares, and flashbacks related to the traumatic event or events

Financial losses and special damages

• Loss of earnings: If the abuse has affected your ability to work, you can claim for lost income.
• Medical expenses: Costs for medical treatment, rehabilitation, therapy and counselling related to the abuse you’ve suffered.
• Other expenses: Any extra costs incurred due to the abuse, such as travel expenses for medical appointments.

CICA scheme 

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government-funded programme that has been established to compensate victims of violent crimes, including abuse. If you are unable to claim directly against your abuser or the institution that was responsible for your care at the time, you might be eligible for compensation through the CICA scheme. Here are some key points about the CICA scheme:

• Eligibility: To be eligible, you must have reported the abuse to the police and applied for compensation within two years from the date of reporting. However, this time limit can be extended in exceptional circumstances.
• Types of compensation: The CICA scheme allows you to claim compensation for the abuse itself, as well as for any physical or psychological injuries resulting from the abuse.
• Compensation levels: The amount of compensation is determined by the CICA tariff, which provides a guideline on the level of compensation for various types of injuries. The compensation can range from minor injuries to severe physical and psychological trauma.
• Application process: You will need to provide a Police Crime Number and evidence supporting your claim. Our solicitors can help guide you through this process to make sure you have the best chance of a successful claim.

If you’ve suffered from abuse, our dedicated team at Express Solicitors is ready to support you. We know how difficult this process can be and are committed to handling your claim and fighting for justice on your behalf, so that you can focus on your recovery. Our experienced solicitors will guide you through every step and handle every aspect of your compensation claim with care and professionalism.

Who can make an abuse compensation claim?

Anyone who has suffered abuse can make a claim for compensation. This includes people who have been physically, sexually, or emotionally abused, whether it happened in childhood or adulthood. Abuse might have occurred at home, in a care facility, school, workplace, or by someone in a position of trust. Family members can also claim on behalf of loved ones who have passed away due to abuse. 

If you’ve experienced any form of abuse, Express Solicitors is here to guide you through the process and fight for your justice.

How to make an abuse claim?

We know that initiating an abuse claim takes courage. Taking that all-important first step can be daunting and emotional, but we’re here to support you right from the start. First, get in touch with us by phone or through our online form. Our compassionate team will listen to your story and give you tailored advice on how to proceed.

Next, we’ll set up a meeting to talk about your case in more detail. During this consultation, we’ll explain what your rights are, what the process of claiming looks like, and answer any questions you have. This meeting can be done in person, over the phone, or via video call – whatever works best for you.

After our initial discussion, we’ll help you gather all the evidence needed to support your claim. This might include medical records, police reports, witness statements, and any other relevant documents. Once we have everything we need, we’ll file the claim on your behalf. If we’re claiming through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), we’ll handle the application and submission for you.

You’ll likely need to have a medical assessment to document your injuries. This will be an essential piece of evidence, as it will show the extent of your physical and psychological injuries. Then, we’ll negotiate with the responsible party or their insurance company for a fair settlement. If the claim is through the CICA, we’ll take care of all communications and negotiations.

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we might need to take your case to court. Our experienced solicitors will represent you and make sure your case is presented well. Once a settlement is reached or a court decision is made in your favour, you’ll receive your compensation. This can help cover medical expenses, lost earnings, and provide support for your recovery.

Throughout the entire process, our team at Express Solicitors is here to provide you with support, guidance and compassion.

Why choose Express Solicitors?

With over 20 years of experience in handling personal injury claims, Express Solicitors is here to support you through your abuse claim. Our mission is to get you the justice and compensation you deserve for your suffering.

Our no-win, no-fee agreement means you can pursue compensation without worrying about upfront costs or legal fees. We’re proud of our “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot and our accreditation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), reflecting our commitment to professional integrity and client satisfaction.

Don’t wait. Reach out to us today to start your abuse compensation claim and find out how much you might be entitled to.