Child Abuse Solicitors

Child Abuse Solicitors

For a voice in your corner

A discussion of child abuse is undoubtedly one of the most challenging conversations you'll ever have. The emotional toll it takes can be overwhelming, and the legal complexities can seem impossible. That's why we're here - to offer you not just legal guidance but emotional support as well. 

At Switalskis, we're committed to providing a safe, caring and confidential environment where you can freely discuss your concerns and questions. We understand that the legal process can be daunting, especially when dealing with such a sensitive issue. That's why we aim to make every step as clear and straightforward as possible. 

Our goal is to shoulder the legal burdens, allowing you to focus on your healing and wellbeing. Whether you're seeking child abuse compensation or looking to talk about historical abuse, we're here to guide and support you every step of the way.

To speak to one of our specialist child abuse solicitors about your situation in confidence,
call us on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.

How Switalskis can help you

Navigating the legal maze of a child abuse claim can be tough, especially when you're already dealing with emotional pain. That's where we come in. At Switalskis, we're not just experts in law; we're people who genuinely care about your wellbeing.

From the moment you reach out to us, you'll find a caring and confidential environment. We know how hard it is to talk about abuse, and we're here to listen without judgement. Our team is led by David Greenwood and is highly skilled in handling both recent and historical abuse claims. We'll explain all your options in simple terms, so you know exactly what steps are available.

We will help you gather all the necessary evidence to make your case as strong as possible. This could include medical records, witness statements or any other documents that could help. We'll make sure you're well-prepared and understand what's happening at every stage.

Legal fees can be a worry, but we're upfront about costs from the start. We'll discuss our fee structure clearly, so there are no surprises later on.

We're not just here for the legal side of things. We understand the emotional toll a child abuse claim can take, and we're here to offer emotional support as well. Once your case is resolved, our support doesn't just stop. Whether you secure child abuse compensation or achieve another form of justice, we'll guide you through the next steps and any further actions you may want to take.

At Switalskis, we're more than just child abuse solicitors; we're a team committed to helping you through one of the most challenging times of your life. We're here to offer expert, compassionate support every step of the way.

Read what our clients had to say about the help they received from Switalskis

What is a child abuse claim?

A child abuse claim is a legal action aimed at holding accountable those who have caused harm to a child. This harm can take various forms, including physical abuse, emotional mistreatment, neglect, and sexual exploitation. There are two main reasons why people make such a claim: to seek justice for the wrongs committed and, where applicable, to secure compensation for the victim.

Types of child abuse claims include:

  • Physical abuse: claims involving physical harm or injury inflicted upon a child.
  • Emotional abuse: cases where a child has been subjected to ongoing emotional or psychological harm.
  • Sexual abuse: claims that involve any form of sexual exploitation or harm.
  • Neglect: situations where a child's basic needs for food, shelter or care have been ignored.

Child abuse claims can be made for recent incidents or for abuse that happened in the past, with the latter often referred to as historical abuse claims. It’s possible to get historical abuse compensation even if the events took place many years ago. The process for historical abuse claims can be different, but our expertise covers both recent and historical cases. Working with us means maximising your chance of a successful claim.

Please see below for more information on the ways we can help with your claim.

Why make a claim?

Many survivors of child abuse have kept their memories of the abuse to themselves for years. They may be well into their adult life before they ever discuss it with anyone, if at all. Just speaking to someone about your experience can be a weight off your mind and could help prevent others from suffering abuse in the future.

You might be worried about not being believed or unsure as to whether your experiences actually amount to abuse. All of these thoughts are completely normal. We can discuss your circumstances, help you establish the facts and decide whether or not you have a valid case to make a claim.

Making a child abuse claim is not just about seeking financial compensation. It's also about achieving a sense of justice and closure. The outcomes of a successful claim can vary. It may result in a conviction for the abuser, a protective order or financial compensation for the abused person. Each case is unique, and we'll guide you through what you can realistically expect beforehand, so you’ll know the outcomes we’re working towards.

For many, making a claim is an important step in the healing process. It can also help bring to light the actions of abusers, potentially preventing them from doing harm to others in the future.

Who can make a claim?

Typically, a person who has suffered abuse can make a claim for compensation. However, there are also circumstances where a parent, guardian or another responsible adult can make a claim on behalf of a child. This is particularly common in cases where the victim is too young or emotionally distressed to participate in the legal process themselves.

Making a child abuse claim

Taking legal action against an abuser and making a child abuse claim can seem overwhelming, but we're here to simplify it for you. Here's a more detailed look at the process, broken down step by step:

Step 1: Initial consultation

Your journey with us starts with an initial consultation. This is a confidential meeting where we'll discuss the specifics of your case. We'll listen to your story, answer any questions you may have, and outline your legal options. There's no obligation to proceed; this first step is about making sure you're comfortable and informed.

Step 2: Case assessment

We'll assess the strength of your case. This involves reviewing any evidence you have collected and advising on what additional information you might need. We'll also discuss the likelihood of achieving your desired outcomes, whether that's justice, child abuse compensation, or both.

Step 3: Gathering evidence

We'll guide you through the process of collecting all the necessary documents, medical records and witness statements. We may also consult with experts to strengthen your case further.

Step 4: Outcome and next steps

A successful claim could result in various forms of justice, including financial compensation for historic abuse or legal penalties for the abuser. We'll guide you through what the outcome means and discuss any further steps you may wish to take, such as appeals or additional legal actions.

Step 5: Aftercare

Our relationship doesn't end when the legal process does. We'll continue to offer support and guidance on any further actions you may want to take, and we can connect you with additional resources for ongoing emotional support.

Cases like these don’t always move forward in a straight line. However, Switalskis will remain steadfast throughout, keep you up to date on our progress, and always push for the outcome you want to achieve.

Child abuse claim resources

Questions to ask when looking for a Child Abuse Solicitor

Types of Child Abuse Compensation claims we can help with

Catholic Church cases

Failed care cases

What is involved in making a claim for Child Abuse compensation?

What lawyers have to offer to survivors of child abuse

Church of England cases

To speak to one of our specialist child abuse solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.

Our child abuse solicitors

photo of David Greenwood
David GreenwoodDirector and Solicitor
Rob CaseyDirector and Solicitor Advocate
Photo of Amy Clowrey
Amy ClowreyDirector and Solicitor
Helen HughesAssociate Solicitor
photo of Sally Smith
Sally SmithAssociate Solicitor
View more

How long does a claim take?

The duration of a child abuse claim varies depending on the specifics of your case. Some claims may be resolved in a matter of months, while more complex cases, especially historical abuse claims, could take years. Rest assured, we'll work to resolve your claim as swiftly as possible while making sure all aspects are thoroughly addressed.

Is my information confidential?

Absolutely: your privacy is our utmost priority. All discussions, documents and information shared with us are held in strict confidence. We adhere to all legal requirements concerning client confidentiality to make sure your information is secure at all times.

Will I have to go to court?

While many cases are settled before reaching court, some do require a trial to reach a resolution - fewer than 1% of our cases go to a hearing so it’s very unlikely you’ll have to give evidence at court. If your case does go to court, we'll be right beside you, offering our full support. We'll prepare you for what to expect and guide you through each stage of the court process, making sure you're never alone.

How much will it cost?

We're transparent about our fees from the very beginning. During our initial consultation, we'll discuss the likely costs involved in pursuing your claim. We aim for complete financial transparency, so you're never caught off guard by unexpected expenses.

Some child abuse claims are eligible for free Legal Aid funding. This covers the costs of making a claim and allows you to pursue compensation without financial risk. If you're eligible, we're experienced in applying for Legal Aid funding on behalf of clients and can help you with this. If Legal Aid funding isn't available, we may be able to work on a no win, no fee basis. We’ll discuss funding with you once we have explored the details of your case.

Can I claim on behalf of someone else?

You can make a claim on behalf of someone else, particularly if the person involved is a minor, or is unable to participate in the legal process for emotional or reasons. However, specific conditions must be met for this to happen, and we can discuss these in detail during our initial consultation.

To speak to one of our specialist child abuse solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.

Why Switalskis?

When you're dealing with the emotional and legal complexities of a child abuse claim, you need more than just legal advice. You need a team that embodies values you can trust and rely on. Here's why Switalskis stands out as your best choice:

Clarity in complexity

Child abuse claims often involve intricate legal procedures and terminology that can be overwhelming. At Switalskis, we excel at bringing clarity to these complexities. We break down each step of your legal journey into simple, understandable terms, making sure you're never left confused or anxious. Our goal is to make the legal process as transparent and straightforward as possible, allowing you to focus on your healing.

Empathy at every step

We understand that a child abuse claim is not just a legal matter but an emotional one as well. From your initial consultation to the resolution of your case, you'll find a team deeply committed to your emotional and wellbeing. We offer a compassionate, listening ear and a supportive environment where you can feel safe and understood. Our empathetic approach makes sure that you're not just heard but also cared for, every step of the way.

Expertise you can trust

When it comes to child abuse claims, you need a team with proven expertise. Our legal professionals are highly skilled in this specific area, bringing years of experience and a track record of successful outcomes. But our expertise isn't limited to legal knowledge; we're also skilled at handling sensitive and emotionally charged issues with the utmost care and confidentiality.

Championing your rights

Your rights and wellbeing are at the core of what we do. Whether you're seeking justice, compensation, or both, we're here to advocate for you tirelessly. We're not just your solicitors; we're your supporters in this challenging journey towards justice and healing. Our commitment is always to you, making sure your voice is heard, your rights are upheld, and your best interests are at the forefront of every decision.

National recognitions

2014: National PI Awards

  • Case of the Year for Rotherham grooming
  • Claimant Personal Injury Team of the Year
  • Claimant Lawyer of the Year: David Greenwood

2015: National PI Awards

  • Claimant PI Team of the Year

2016: National PI Awards

  • Claimant Lawyer of the Year: David Greenwood

2018: National PI Awards

  • Claimant PI Team of the Year

2022: National PI Awards

  • Claimant PI Team of the Year

Yorkshire recognitions

2015, 2017, 2021: Yorkshire Legal Awards

  • Dispute Resolution Team of the Year

2022: Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year

  • David Greenwood

Rising stars and special mentions

2018: Modern Law Awards

  • Rising Star of the Year: Amy Clowrey

2023: Modern Law Awards

  • Lawyer of the Year: Amy Clowrey

Other accolades

2023: Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse

  • Winning Lawyer in Insurance: David Greenwood

Find out how Switalskis can help you

We're committed to providing expert, caring legal advice for child abuse claims, including the most serious historical abuse compensation and child sexual abuse cases. If you're ready to take the next step, we're here for a no-obligation chat.

Feel free to get in touch with us by calling 0800 138 0458 or by contacting us through the website.

When completing this form, the details you provide will only be used to deal with your enquiry. Please read our Privacy Policy for more information on how your data is used and stored.

Contact us