We have recovered compensation exceeding £250,000 in an abuse claim against Devon County Council
A man who was abused by his female headteacher while he was at primary school has been awarded compensation of more than 1/4 million pounds following a five day trial.
The headteacher established a close and overfamiliar relationship with our client and his family, and she continued to have frequent contact with him after he left the primary school and moved on to his secondary school.
The headteacher’s conduct seriously damaged our client’s mental health and affected him profoundly as he grew up.
As an adult he decided to find out whether he could do anything about what he had been through, and he contacted Slee Blackwell’s specialist abuse team for guidance.
We advised him that he was entitled to seek compensation, and agreed to represent him in an abuse claim against Devon County Council and the headteacher.
Because we were confident about the legal merits of his case we were happy to work on a no win, no fee basis, which meant that our client did not need to worry about funding his case.
We obtained supportive reports from medical experts detailing the impact of the inappropriate relationship on his health and well-being. An educational expert also reported on the negative effect of the abuse on his education.
Devon County Council strongly defended the claim, effectively implying that the allegations had been fabricated. Obviously this was hugely distressing for our client and his family.
Understandably he was keen to put the case behind him and move on with his life. He therefore asked us to explore whether a negotiated resolution of the claim could be reached. We are often able to agree an out of court settlement of abuse claims, but in this instance we were unable to do so, despite the very best efforts of our abuse team to broker a deal.
Devon County Council attempted to persuade our client to drop his claim, but to his credit he stood firm and the case proceeded to a five day court hearing.
At the conclusion of the trial the judge found in our client’s favour and awarded him compensation of more than £250,000.
Our highly experienced abuse team is recommended by the influential and independent legal directory, The Legal 500. The 2024 edition of the publication had this to say about us:
“Slee Blackwell have vast experience of complex claims arising out of sexual abuse. They are the clear market leaders in the West Country.”
So if you wish to bring an abuse claim against Devon County Council or any other party, then contact us in complete confidence for a free assessment of your case and details of no win, no fee funding. Call us on 0333 888 0404 or email us at [email protected].
