Abuse Claims

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Recovering compensation for victims of abuse

Our award-winning team of specialist abuse lawyers are highly experienced in recovering compensation for victims of sexual abuse. We operate nationwide and have assisted abuse survivors in many high profile cases. Claims are often funded on a No Win – No Fee basis, so there is usually no financial risk involved.

How we can help you

We can assist with claims against individuals as well as a range of institutions such as schools, churches and local authorities. We will listen to your story with patience and treat you with respect, compassion and sensitivity.

We understand that victims of abuse often repress experiences until adulthood and we are experienced in dealing with cases involving historic abuse. We also appreciate how hard it can be for survivors to approach a solicitor or reveal the full details of their case to a stranger. We therefore aim to make the process as simple and as painless as possible.

We operate a FREE Abuse Helpline which victims can call in complete confidence and without obligation. We also have a separate website dedicated to abuse law which contains more detailed information about this highly specialised area of law.

Specialist abuse lawyers

Our lawyers are specialists in abuse law and are familiar with the legal complexities that can arise in this niche area. Our expertise has led to us being recommended by the prestigious Legal 500 directory.

We are dedicated to making sure that victims of abuse achieve justice and campaign to ensure that future generations are safeguarded.

Abuse lawyer Rachel Thain, is an ambassador for Enough Abuse UK. She and her colleague Elizabeth Duncan also support the NSPCC, and the firm has won the NSPCC’s Childhood Champion Award for Corporate Partner of the Year for South West and Channel Islands 2018.

We can call upon a range of experts to provide expert evidence when required, including doctors, counsellors, psychiatrists and specialist barristers. By putting together the best possible team we are able to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Lawyers with a national profile

Our lawyers are regularly consulted by the media on issues of abuse law. We have appeared on live ITV News and Sky News broadcasts covering abuse stories. In the print we have been featured on the front page of The Sunday Times and in The Guardian.

Funding your claim

We have a number of flexible funding options, including our popular No Win – No Fee scheme, so fear of legal costs should never deter a victim of abuse seeking justice.

Claims against institutions

Some abuse claims are made against the individual perpetrator. This is always an option when the abuser has the means to pay compensation. When the abuser does not have sufficient finances to do so claims can be pursued against an institution that was responsible for safeguarding the victim. These institutions are often insured and are therefore able to meet a compensation award. This would include schools (where the abuser was a teacher) and churches (where the abuser was a priest).

Criminal injury scheme claims

Where compensation cannot be recovered from the abuser or an institution responsible for safeguarding the victim we may be able to claim recompense from the government under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, also known as the CICA.

Claims against local authorities

Children who, under the care of a local authority, should be safe but sometimes they become the victims of abuse. Authorities do not always act as quickly as they should. This can result in them leaving vulnerable children in dangerous situations. When this leads to abuse occurring the Local Authority can be held liable for failing to remove the child.

Historic abuse claims

Many of the cases we deal with involve allegations of historic abuse. Although strict deadlines apply to mainstream compensation claims, the rules relating to abuse are a little more lenient. If you have been the victim of abuse in the past then you may still be able to recover compensation. But don’t delay any further. Contact us as soon as you can.

Call today

Call our FREE legal helpline now on 0808 139 1606 or email us for a free case assessment at [email protected]

James McNally

Partner – Personal Injury
James joined Slee Blackwell in 2001 and now heads up our personal injury department.

01392 429166
[email protected]

Rachel Thain

Legal Executive – Abuse
Rachel is a team leader in Slee Blackwell’s specialist Abuse Department; helping victims of abuse obtain compensation.

01823 354545
[email protected]

Elizabeth Duncan

Legal Executive – Abuse
After 12 years at a general Personal Injury practice, Elizabeth joined Slee Blackwell to specialise in abuse law.

01823 354545
[email protected]