Abuse Claims Solicitors — Scotland

Suffering from the effects of abuse is a harrowing ordeal, and the mental scars can remain for life. Making an abuse claim will never cancel the suffering and what has happened to you, but it may offer you some recognition of the effects that this abuse has had on you, and that someone is responsible for that. Watermans specialist abuse claims solicitors are here to support you through this challenging process with understanding and professionalism.        

Made It Very Easy For Me

"I was very apprehensive starting a claim, but I was helped through every step. I found it a very easy process and was very pleased with the outcome. Watermans were professional and efficient in handling the claim. They made it very easy for me!"

S Costelloe, Personal Injury Claim

The Short of It

  • The pain and suffering caused by abuse are long-lasting,

    and you are entitled to make a claim against the responsible party or organisation.

  • Victims can suffer both physically and psychologically,

    and although no amount of financial compensation can change the past, it can help to change the future.

  • At Watermans, our abuse personal injury solicitors handle each claim confidentially and sensitively

    to help you seek the compensation you deserve.

  • Everything we do at Watermans is about getting you the resolution you need

    and providing straightforward legal advice. It should be that simple.

  • The Long of It

    Abuse Cases

    Abuse claims

    The consequences of neglect and abuse can be devastating. Sufferers are often left feeling isolated, alone, and unsure of what to do next. If you, or someone you know, is an abuse survivor, our specialist team of abuse solicitors can help you take the next steps in moving on with your life.

    We have experience in dealing with cases of physical and psychological abuse and know how difficult it can be for our clients to relive a past experience. Whatever you have been through, you can be safe in the knowledge that we will be at your side every step of the way. We will also refer you to dedicated support organisations who will be there to support and care for you at every stage.

    We understand that recovery can be a long process, especially if your experience has been particularly traumatic. So, in every instance, we’ll take as much time as you need and keep everything completely confidential. For many of our clients, claiming compensation has helped them recuperate and provided some much-needed closure.

    Types of Abuse Claims  

    We understand that financial compensation will never remove the effects of the abuse and that these will remain with you for the rest of your life. The compensation is designed to help you move on from this distressing experience and improve aspects of your life.

    Here are the main categories of abuse claims we can assist you with: 

    • Sexual abuse – This includes any form of unwanted sexual activity, ranging from harassment to sexual assault. We understand the profound impact of sexual or physical abuse and offer compassionate support throughout your sexual abuse claim.
    • Child abuse – Our child abuse lawyers specialise in helping survivors of abuse that occurred during childhood. We handle child abuse claims with utmost care, recognising the long-lasting effects of such trauma.
    • Physical abuse – This covers intentional acts causing bodily harm. Our team is experienced in physical abuse claims, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation for any physical injury sustained.
    • Emotional abuse – While often less visible, emotional abuse can be just as damaging. We recognise the severe psychological impact and fight for appropriate compensation.
    • Elder abuse – We advocate for the rights and dignity of older adults who have suffered abuse, whether in care homes or by individuals.
    • Domestic violence – Our team supports survivors of domestic abuse, helping them seek compensation for domestic violence and start a new chapter in life.
    • Institutional abuse – This includes abuse occurring in schools, children’s homes, or foster care settings. We hold local authorities and social services accountable when they fail in their duty of care.

    Remember, a claim for compensation can be made against your abuser or the company or organisation that engaged your abuser.

    Consequences of abuse can be physical and psychological, and for these reasons, we handle each abuse claim with sensitivity.

    At Watermans, we offer you the strength and support you need to claim compensation from those responsible. Our expert lawyers are committed to upholding your human rights and securing the compensation you deserve as a victim of abuse.

    Making a Claim

    How do I make an abuse claim?

    Abuse compensation claims are complex issues which require sensitivity and careful handling by people specially trained in this area. We understand how difficult these situations can be for you, and we handle the legal process so that you don’t have to.

    Making an abuse claim typically involves:  

    • Initial consultation – Contact our specialist abuse lawyers for a confidential discussion. Our domestic, sexual, and child abuse solicitors will listen to your story with empathy and discuss your options in the strictest confidence.
    • Case assessment – Our expert solicitors will evaluate your case, even if it happened decades ago. We have extensive experience in handling child abuse cases and various other forms of abuse.
    • Evidence gathering – We’ll help collect the necessary evidence, which may include medical records, witness statements, or reports from the local authority. Our personal injury lawyers handle this sensitively to minimise distress.
    • Negotiations – We’ll negotiate on your behalf to secure fair compensation for abuse. Many cases are settled without a court hearing, but we’re prepared if court action is necessary.
    • REDRESS Scheme – your case, depending on the cirsumstances, may be best pursued through the Government-funded REDRESS scheme, specifically set up for victims of abuse.
    • Settlement or court – If a fair court settlement can’t be reached, we’ll represent you in court. We’ll guide you through every step, ensuring you can make your own legal decisions with our support.
    • Compensation – We’ll work tirelessly to secure appropriate compensation for victims of abuse, helping you move forward with your life.

    At Watermans, we employ specialist abuse personal injury solicitors. We take the hassle out of the legal side of things so that you can concentrate on recovering from your ordeal and regain control over your life.

    How Much Compensation?

    How much compensation can I claim for an abuse claim?

    As with all compensation claims, the amount of compensation for abuse victims will vary on a case-by-case basis.

    The compensation you may be entitled to includes:  

    • Pain and suffering – This covers both physical injuries and emotional trauma from the abuse suffered. Psychological abuse compensation can be substantial, reflecting the long-term impact on abuse survivors.
    • Medical expenses – Compensation for past and future medical treatments, including therapy costs. This is particularly important in child sexual abuse cases where ongoing support may be needed.
    • Loss of earnings – If the abuse has affected your ability to work, you may claim for lost wages and future earning potential. This is often a significant factor in a domestic abuse claim.
    • Care costs – If you require ongoing care due to physical and sexual abuse, these costs can be included in your claim.
    • Special damages – These cover specific losses related to the abuse, which can vary widely in a domestic and child abuse compensation claim. Examples include alternative childcare arrangements or the cost of relocating to ensure safety from an abuser.

    Our specialist abuse solicitors fully investigate each case we work on, whether it’s a child abuse claim or a domestic violence compensation case. We make sure that we get the maximum amount of compensation possible for you.

    Why Watermans?

    Why should I choose Watermans to pursue my claim?

    At Watermans, we understand the severity of your situation. Suffering from the effects of abuse is harrowing, and the mental scars last a lifetime. Our abuse claim solicitors aim to work in partnership with you to help you to seek the compensation you deserve for your suffering.

    We understand that financial compensation will never make up for the effects you have suffered as a victim of abuse. The compensation is designed to help you to move on from this experience and improve your future.

    Trusted Personal Injury Solicitors in Scotland

    Our personal injury solicitors know how important it is for you to trust your legal team, and we offer straightforward, clear legal advice in relation to your case so that you are fully informed every step of the way. We are committed to seeking justice and the best possible resolution for you and handle all information relating to your case sensitively and carefully.

    We represent thousands of clients throughout Scotland each year, securing millions of pounds in compensation for our clients. We also work on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means that if your abuse compensation claim is unsuccessful, you won’t end up out of pocket.

    FAQs About Abuse Claims 

    For most personal injury claims, including abuse cases, there’s generally a time limit of three years from the date of the incident occurring in which you are required to have raised a court action. However, time limits on making an historic abuse compensation claim may differ depending on the circumstances, and on whether a civil Court action can be raised. The Scottish Government introduced legislation which has effectively removed the time bar in certain historical abuse claims.

    It is crucial to consult with our abuse compensation solicitors as soon as possible, regardless of when the abuse occurred. We can advise on the specific time limit applicable to your case.

    At Watermans, our abuse team understands the sensitivity of these cases and the importance of minimising financial risk for our clients. That’s why we offer some free initial advice to help you understand your options and seek justice.

    If you decide to proceed, you can make a no-win, no-fee agreement with us, ensuring that you won’t face any upfront legal costs. We are transparent and will explain all aspects of our fee funding structure before you commit to any legal action. This approach allows you to pursue your claim without worrying about financial barriers.

     

    Focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your abuse claim.
    Contact
    Watermans abuse claims solicitors today for simple legal advice. 

    The figures quoted are a rough guide to show you the amount you could receive as compensation for your injury. Our solicitors will advise you in more detail about your specific claim.

    Your claim could be worth...

    Claim Worth

    The figures quoted are a rough guide to show you the amount you could receive as compensation for your injury. Our solicitors will advise you in more detail about your specific claim.

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    Get in touch with us

    Everything we do at Watermans is about getting you the resolution you need and making that process straightforward. Start the process by sending us your details below or calling us on 0131 555 7055

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    Our personal injury claims expert

    “Making a claim for compensation can be such a daunting process for people, so I try to make it as straightforward and easy to understand as I can for them.”

    Susanne McGraw, Head of Personal Injury