Liam Goggin
Director of Public Law Practice Area
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English
For free legal advice call our Abuse Claims Solicitors and we will help you. Ask about Legal Aid or if we can deal with your claim on a No Win, No Fee basis.
If you have suffered neglect or abuse (physical or sexual) due to the negligence of social services whilst in their care, you may have a claim against the local authority.
In certain circumstances, a claim could be made against the local authority for abuse by individuals that are not employed by social services such as a parent, another family member or a person visiting your home.
If you were neglected or abused by a foster carer you may be able to claim against the local authority who selected, placed and monitored the foster carer placement.
If you were neglected or abused in a school or children’s home a claim could be brought against the organisation or body responsible for the institution. In many cases this is the local authority.
We’re specialists in getting justice and compensation for people who were let down whilst in the care of their local authority. Our friendly and dedicated team of Abuse Solicitors are here to listen as soon as you’re ready to talk and we’ll tell you if you can make a claim for compensation.
You could qualify for Legal Aid, depending on your financial situation. If not, we could deal with your case on a No Win, No Fee basis.
We're rated‘Excellent’If you were under the care of the local authority and suffered neglect or abuse, you could make a claim against them if they were legally responsible to protect you from harm.
Circumstances in which the local authority could be held responsible for the neglect or abuse are:
Other circumstances where claims could be made against the local authority including neglect or abuse that took place in foster homes, children’s homes, schools and other institutions.
The rules around whether the local authority can be held responsible can be quite complex. That’s why it’s important to speak to a specialist Abuse Solicitor who can advise you whether you have a claim.
Our expert team of Abuse Solicitors understand this extremely complex area of law and can make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible
We’ll always talk to you in clear, straightforward language, and we won’t use complex legal jargon
We’re members of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers (ACAL) and we subscribe to its code of conduct
We’ll be upfront your legal costs in advance and talk you through a No Win, No Fee agreement.
Simpson Millar5 stars
I highly recommend Natalie as she is…
I highly recommend Natalie as she is extremely sympathetic and understanding and is very knowledge in her field. If you are looking for a solicitor who knows what there talking about and delivers the...
Paula
Simpson MillarJoshua Hurst at Simpson and Millar have…
Joshua Hurst at Simpson and Millar have been dealing with my matter and I wish to write this review because they have been amazing. They have kept me up to date with emails and phone calls even though...
Samantha%have Condron
Simpson MillarGreat company
Nathalie Swanick is very caring, open & honest. She handled my case with sensitivity & professionally but also with the human touch. I didn't feel I was just a case number but felt listened to.
Belinda Edwards
Simpson MillarProfessional, diligent and considerate
To leave a review for Simpson Millar is no easy task. The instructions given to their team were from events that happened decades ago. Yet with great patience and professionalism I was afforded the op...
H. Stewart
Simpson MillarJust a note to say thank you to…
Just a note to say thank you to Nathalie !! You’ve been absolutely amazing, such a great support and you always show so much compassion. You are an expert in your field and it is very obvious that you...
Becky
Simpson Millar5 star service.
I’ve been working with Simpson Millar for 5 years on what has honestly has been an emotional roller coaster of a case. Both my solicitors Liam and especially Kate hall have been absolutely fantastic....
Mae Emilie
Simpson MillarNatalie Swanwick
Natalie has been working with claims for a while now, and she has been excellent in keeping me update and explaining thing so I can have a complete fully understanding of what is happening and going...
Karla Thomas
At Simpson Millar we want to help you. We are proud of our track record and the comments from our clients which is at the end of the day why we do the work we do. Watch our video about why you need a specialist solicitor to help you when making an abuse claim.
When you are ready to talk, we’ll speak to you confidentially about your experiences in the care of social services (local authority) to see if we can assist you to bring a claim. This initial consultation is free.
If we take on your case, we’ll investigate your claim and request relevant documents and records, including your social care records.
We may arrange an independent medical assessment with a medical expert. The expert will prepare a medical report outlining how the abuse has affected you and any treatment you need now and any future needs you may have.
We’ll provide details of your claim to the local authority and start negotiations for a fair and appropriate settlement that meets your needs and reflects what you’ve been through.
Most abuse cases don’t go to Court, but if it does, we’ll be here to advise you one step at a time. We’ll instruct a Barrister to advise on your claim and to represent you at court.
If the abuse occurred in childhood, you have until your 21st birthday to issue court proceedings in order to bring a claim for the abuse you suffered within time.
Importantly, it is well recognised that it often takes survivors of abuse a long time to talk about what happened to them. In some circumstances, the court can be persuaded to allow claims to proceed out of time.
Even if the abuse occurred many years ago, you may still be able to bring a claim and we can advise you whether we think we can persuade the court to allow you case to proceed out of time.
If the abuse occurred when you were an adult, you have 3 years from the date of the incident or period of abuse if there was more than a single incident.
When the abuse occurred there may also have been a breach of your human rights (under the Human Rights Act 1998) and a claim should be brought within one year of the breach
You may qualify for Legal Aid, depending on your financial circumstances. Alternatively, we could handle your claim on a No Win, No Fee basis, which means if your claim is successful, some of your legal costs will be paid. You won’t pay anything if your claim is not successful.
If you have Legal Expenses Insurance this could cover your legal costs. You would usually buy this as an addition to a motor or home insurance policy.
Domestic violence is often perceived only as physical acts of violence – But it’s much more complicated than that. A lot of the time, people witnessing or experiencing this kind of behaviour don’t know that it is domestic violence. It therefore often goes on unreported and is often ignored. But domestic violence can happen at any point in a person’s relationship and there are many forms that it can take.
Institutional abuse, also known as organisational abuse, is when an individual or group of individuals are neglected or suffer because of poor care practices within an organisation or care setting.
If you have experienced physical or sexual abuse and wish to make a claim under the Criminal Injuries Compensation (CIC) Scheme, contact our Abuse Claims Solicitors for free legal advice and a no-obligation discussion.
Fill in the form below to get in touch with one of our dedicated team members, or call our team today on: 0808 239 1287
