Liam Goggin
Director of Public Law Practice Area
English
.If you were abused in an institution such as a school, care home, or church, our specialist Abuse Solicitors in England and Wales are here to support you where we can. We understand that speaking about what happened can take enormous courage, and that the effects of abuse can be long-lasting. When you are ready to talk, we are here to listen and explain your legal options with care and sensitivity. If you have grounds to bring a claim, we may be able to help you seek accountability and compensation.
Your abuser may have avoided criminal prosecution, and a civil claim may be the only way to have your experiences formally recognised. You may also want the institution to take responsibility for what happened. Whatever your circumstances, we can offer confidential advice to help you decide whether you wish to bring a claim.
Get in touch for a confidential conversation. We can also advise on whether you may qualify for Legal Aid or we may be able to deal with your claim on a No Win, No Fee basis.
Fill in the form below to get in touch with one of our dedicated team members, or call our team today on: 0800 260 5010
Institutional abuse usually happens in a setting where an organisation has been entrusted with a person's care, education or supervision. It can take place in settings such as:
In many cases, someone working at an institution used their position to commit abuse. Where this happens, the institution itself may be held legally responsible. Even where the abuser was a volunteer rather than an employee, the organisation may still be responsible and liable to pay compensation.
Signs of institutional abuse can include:
If you are worried that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused in an institution, it is important to report your concerns as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve contacting the organisation's safeguarding lead, the local authority or the police. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, you should always call 999.
If you are over 18, you can usually bring a compensation claim yourself. Where the survivor is a child or an adult who lacks mental capacity, a parent or another suitable adult can bring the claim by acting as a Litigation Friend.
The time limits for bringing an abuse claim vary depending on the type of abuse you experienced. If your claim relates to child sexual abuse, there is no fixed time limit for issuing a civil claim at court in England and Wales. Even so, bringing a claim at court before your 21st birthday is still important, as after your 21st birthday a Defendant may argue that the passage of time has affected the evidence available and that a fair trial can no longer take place.
If your claim relates to childhood physical or emotional abuse, you will need to bring your claim before your 21st birthday. However, the courts understand that many survivors are unable to speak about their experiences until much later in life. In appropriate circumstances, they can allow claims to proceed outside the usual time limits where there are good reasons for the delay, and a fair trial remains possible. If you are unsure whether you are still able to make a claim, our specialist Abuse Solicitors can assess your individual circumstances, explain how the time limits apply to your case and advise whether a claim may still be possible.
We will make the process as straightforward and compassionate as we can, moving at a pace that feels right for you:
Your first conversation with us is completely confidential. One of our team will take some initial information surrounding your circumstances.
A member of our team will review your case and advise whether you may be able to make a successful claim. We would never put you through the claims process unless we were confident you had a good chance of success. We will also take time to understand what you want to happen and the type of support you feel you need while the claim is progressing. Whether you decide to proceed with a claim is entirely your choice.
Your legal team will gather evidence, which may include records, witness statements, and police reports.
We will often arrange for you to see an independent psychiatrist or psychologist who will assess the psychological impact the abuse has had on you and prepare an expert report to support your claim.
Most abuse claims settle without a final court hearing, but we will be by your side throughout, even if your claim does go to court.
If your claim is successful, we will explain to you the amount you will receive ensuring you fully understand the outcome of your claim.
Our team can put you in touch with support organisations if you want further help with your recovery.
Every case is different, and the amount of compensation depends on your individual circumstances, and factors such as the severity of the abuse, the psychological impact it has had on you, and the support and treatment you may need in the future.
Compensation is usually divided into two parts. General damages compensate you for the pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment caused by the abuse. Special damages cover financial losses caused by the abuse, such as the cost of treatment, travel to appointments, and any loss of earnings.
At Simpson Millar, we are proud of the feedback our clients give us. Our specialist team understands this complex and sensitive area of law and we are members of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers (ACAL) and follow its code of conduct.
By choosing us, you can trust that we will:
We're helping people just like you all over the UK! Get in touch with our dedicated team today!
You do not have to have reported the abuse to bring a civil claim, although a police report can be helpful evidence. If you decide to report the abuse, we understand that it can be a difficult step, and we can guide you through the process.
Yes. Even if the organisation involved has since closed or merged with another body, you may still be able to bring a claim. Depending on the circumstances, there may still be an organisation, insurer or other legally responsible body that can be pursued. Our specialist Abuse Solicitors can investigate who may be responsible and advise you on the best way to proceed.
Yes, it may still be possible to bring a claim. Evidence can be difficult to obtain, particularly where the abuse happened many years ago, but this does not automatically prevent you from claiming. As your solicitors, we will help gather what evidence is available and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
There is no right or wrong time to seek legal advice. When you feel ready, contact us on 0800 260 5010 or request a call back at a time that suits you. If we believe you may be able to make a claim, we'll explain your legal options clearly and help you decide on the next steps.
We're rated‘Excellent’
This guide explains what we know so far about the Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, including its purpose, where investigations will begin, and what becoming a Core Participant means. It outlines who may be eligible to apply, when applications opened, and how survivors can take part. The article also explains how the Inquiry differs from civil compensation claims and how Simpson Millar can support survivors with both the Inquiry process and their legal options.
Our specialist Abuse Claims Solicitors represented a survivor of historic childhood abuse in a civil claim involving alleged safeguarding failures by a Local Authority.
Vicarious liability is a legal principle that can allow organisations to be held responsible for abuse committed by people acting on their behalf. This guide explains how vicarious liability works in abuse claims, which organisations may be held accountable, how it differs from negligence, the evidence that may be needed, and how recent legal developments, including foster care cases, have strengthened survivors’ ability to pursue compensation.
Fill in the form below to get in touch with one of our dedicated team members, or call our team today on: 0800 260 5010
