Child Abuse Solicitors
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 .
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Eastwood Park Detention Scheme compensation scheme
Suing individuals for sexual abuse
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
Cases against the Church of England
Criminal injuries compensation schemes
Child sexual exploitation overview
FAQs Child Abuse Compensation 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.
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.
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.
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, and make sure you're never alone.
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.
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 .
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government organisation. It runs a compensation scheme for people who have suffered physical or mental injuries as the victims of violent crimes. This includes instances of child abuse. Sometimes, a child abuse claim will be made to CICA rather than against the person or institution responsible for the abuse.
If a victim of child abuse suffered harm as a direct result they may be owed compensation through this process. Harm includes physical, sexual, or abuse. There are several other conditions that must be met to make you eligible to claim. For example, you must have reported the abuse to the police.
A claim must generally be made within two years of the crime. CICA may extend this time limit in cases involving historical abuse or where there are exceptional circumstances. The usual time limits can be waived if the person can show that there was a good reason for not making the claim earlier. Your solicitor will advise you on any time limits that apply and help you to prove this if you need to.
Compensation can be awarded for all physical and injuries. Additional payments can be made for financial losses related to the injuries. CICA will take into account the vulnerability of the victim in cases of child abuse.
Survivors who are considering a CICA claim for child abuse should get support and advice from a specialist child abuse solicitor. This is not just needed for the legal process, but also to protect your wellbeing. Revisiting the details of abuse can be distressing, but specialist solicitors have training that can help you. The child abuse claims team at Switalskis has lots of experience with cases like yours, and all conversations will be sensitive and confidential.
Historical child abuse refers to instances of abuse that occurred in the past, but are only reported or talked about much later. This sometimes means many years or even decades ago. This can also be called non-recent abuse or historic child abuse. It covers all types of physical, sexual, emotional abuse, or neglect that happened during childhood.
Sometimes, people abused as children struggle to talk about their experiences until they're adults. This can be for a variety of reasons - children might fear that they will not be believed or will face consequences for speaking out. Some people repress memories of the abuse that don't resurface until later. Abusers often manipulate or threaten victims into silence, or make children believe that their actions were not abusive.
Thankfully, it's not too late to take action in response to non-recent child abuse, even if it happened a long time ago. There has been a growing recognition of the importance of addressing these cases. Some high-profile public inquiries have been set up to investigate and address historical allegations of child abuse. It's often possible to claim compensation or even press criminal charges against an abuser long after the abuse has ended.
Speak to the specialist child abuse solicitors at Switalskis to find out more about your legal options.
For most types of compensation claims, there is a time limit for you to launch the claim. There are different types of child abuse cases and each has its own specific time limits that may apply. A solicitor can advise you on your ability to claim and make sure you meet any relevant deadlines.
No matter your age or the time at which the abuse took place, Switalskis can support you. Our role in helping survivors includes taking whatever steps we can to secure the compensation they are owed. We'll offer a free consultation in which you can talk about your experiences. From there, we'll let you know the best ways that we can help you pursue justice.
There are a few possible outcomes when a claim is successful. The first is that you'll receive compensation. If you claim through CICA, this will be based on a set tariff that considers the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. It'll cover physical and mental injuries, financial losses related to the injuries, and expenses like loss of earnings or the cost of any medical care you need. In some cases you'll receive punitive damages, which intend to punish the abuser for their behaviour.
If you claim against an individual or institution in a civil claim, your solicitor will negotiate to secure the maximum award of compensation that you are entitled to. Beyond the money, receiving compensation serves as an official acknowledgement of the wrong that you suffered. This can be an important aspect of the healing process. Civil claims may also result in outcomes like formal apologies from the people or organisations responsible. Settlements can sometimes include confidentiality agreements, to keep the details of your situation private.
When institutions are found responsible for instances of abuse, a settlement can prompt changes in policies and practices that might prevent future abuse. High-profile cases can raise public awareness about child abuse and lead to systemic changes aimed at tackling the problem. For that reason, it's important to make a claim when you feel ready. It won't just help you - it could help others in the future, too.
With all of this said, the legal process is complex and outcomes are different in every case. The child abuse lawyers at Switalskis will discuss the possible results of your case before it starts, so you'll know exactly what to expect.
The amount of compensation awarded in cases of child abuse in the UK varies depending on the nature of the claim and the circumstances of the abuse. CICA compensation is based on a predetermined tariff system that rates injuries and their severity. The amounts can range from a few thousand pounds for less severe injuries to a maximum of £500,000 for the most serious and debilitating injuries.
In civil cases, compensation is not limited by a tariff system. That means the damages can be much higher. This includes financial losses related to the injury - for example, if you have taken time off work due to ongoing trauma. In some cases, it may include legal costs, although many child abuse compensation claims are made under a conditional fee agreement. This is also called a no win, no fee claim. A successful claim of this type depends on strong evidence of harm and loss.
For historical abuse, quantifying damages might involve considering the prolonged impact of the abuse over the victim's life, potentially leading to higher awards. Many civil claims are settled out of court, and the settlement amount is influenced by negotiations between parties. The team at Switalskis will also push to secure the maximum amount of compensation for you. When you decide to seek compensation, your solicitor can advise you on how much you can expect and which type of claim will be best.
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.