Sexual And Physical Abuse Claims

Sexual & Physical Abuse Claims

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors for Sexual & Physical Abuse Claims

No Win No Fee Sexual & Physical Abuse Claims

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is a leading firm of personal injury solicitors and can advise on how to make a no win no fee compensation claim for sexual and physical abuse.

The Duncan Lewis personal injury team understands how traumatic making a claim can be – and Duncan Lewis offers a confidential, supportive and effective claims service for those wishing to make a compensation claim for sexual or physical abuse.

Child Sex Offence Claims

The law relating to child sex offences is set out in the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and the Criminal Justice Act 2003 – as well as the Sexual Offences Act 1956 and the Sex Offenders Act 1997.

Sex with a minor under the age of 13 can be classed as rape.

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 also makes it unlawful for family members such as blood relatives to engage in sexual activity with each other or a child – as well as prohibiting live-in partners, adoptive parents or foster parents from engaging in sexual activity with a minor.

Those in positions of authority or care – such as teachers – are also banned from sexual contact or activity with a child.

Grooming a child for sexual activity and sex with a child under the age of 16 are both unlawful.

Claims for Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is becoming more widely talked about as a result of high profile cases.

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors understand that this does not make it any easier for people who have experienced sexual abuse to come forward and talk about their experiences – including parents whose children may have been subjected to sexual abuse by others.

Duncan Lewis sexual abuse solicitors are experienced at handling such claims, whether sexual abuse happened in a family, at work, at school or college, in a care home or hospital – or in other circumstances.

Sexual abuse can be difficult to talk about because often the abuser was or is in a position of trust or responsibility. Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors will make sure you feel comfortable with your solicitor, to help you explain what happened in a supportive environment.

Claims for sexual abuse are made under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme or through the civil courts and your Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitor can explain more about this.

Claims for Physical Abuse

Physical abuse can affect anyone at any stage of their life – and may start as what appears to be a minor issue, but then escalates.

Sadly, elder abuse and the abuse of vulnerable people in the community, in care homes – and sometimes even within the family – are being reported more frequently.

As with sexual abuse, people who are physically abused will often be dependent on their abuser in some way and breaking the emotional bond can be traumatic.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors understand how difficult it can be to talk about physical abuse when there may be a family or close relationship involved.

Duncan Lewis offers a supportive environment in which to prepare a claim for physical abuse compensation – and will help you fight for your own right to compensation, or the rights of a loved one who has been physically abused.

Like sexual abuse claims, claims for physical abuse are made under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme or through the civil courts and your Duncan Lewis solicitor will explain more about this.

How long do I have to claim for Sexual & Physical Abuse?

Claims for sexual and physical abuse compensation fall under the area of law known as personal injury.

Personal injury claimants usually have three years to make a claim.

Because of the nature of sexual and physical abuse, compensation claims can often be made outside the three-year limitation period. The House of Lords has extended the time limit in which victims of sexual abuse can make a claim.

But it is best to seek legal advice from Duncan Lewis Solicitors about your claim for sexual or physical abuse as soon as you can.

Cases of sexual or physical abuse must have been reported to the police before you can make a claim – but there is no time limit for making a police report about sexual or physical abuse.

Family members can call Duncan Lewis for advice on making a claim if a loved one is unable to call – or is a minor.

How much compensation can I claim for Sexual & Physical Abuse? 

The exact amount will be assessed according to the extent of physical, emotional or psychological injury and whether medical treatment or other care is needed, as well as any money lost as a result of the abuse.

 

Who pays the compensation for sexual and physical abuse?

Compensation claims for sexual and physical abuse are made under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. However, if you have any unspent criminal convictions, you are not eligible to make a claim under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

Victims of sexual or physical abuse can, however, make a claim against their abuser in the civil courts. The defendant or its insurer will pay any compensation awarded.

You can still make a claim for sexual and physical abuse if your abuser was not convicted – but you must have reported the matter to the police and have cooperated with any police investigation.

Will I have to go to court to claim compensation?

Your Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitor will keep you fully informed at all stages of the case.

Many sexual and physical abuse compensation claims are settled out-of-court – although a police report must be made and a police investigation may result in criminal charges for the abuser.

If a court hearing is necessary for your compensation claim, Duncan Lewis instructs leading barristers who specialise in sexual and physical abuse cases, so you will have the best legal representation in court.

Why Duncan Lewis is the best solicitor for Sexual & Physical Abuse Claims

• Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors understand just how traumatic the effects of sexual and physical abuse are – we believe in putting you and your family first to obtain the best results for you
• Duncan Lewis is one of the leading firms of Personal Injury and Legal Aid solicitors in the UK
• Our initial advice on making a claim for sexual and physical abuse compensation is free
• Duncan Lewis accepts sexual and physical abuse claims on a no win no fee basis, so you will not have to worry about legal fees
• We will visit you at home if you are recovering from injuries sustained in sexual or physical abuse – and can arrange expert medical and professional opinions to help back up your claim
• Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors will make sure you understand every stage of your sexual and physical abuse claim
• We will handle negotiations for you, so you do not have to worry about making a claim for sexual and physical abuse.

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors have a successful track record in sexual and physical abuse claims – our job is fight for you to get the best compensation settlement.

Contact Duncan Lewis for free advice on making a sexual and physical abuse compensation claim by calling 020 7923 4020.