While no amount of money can compensate the trauma of childhood sexual abuse, an award of compensation represents important recognition that offences have been committed and harm has been caused.
A judge cannot force an apology and cannot turn back the clock, but the courts can make an organisation or person pay financially for sexual abuse.
Sadly, in some cases, a significant injury caused by negligence can result in the death of that individual.
Where the victim of a personal injury has died before their claim is settled it is still possible to continue the claim to benefit the claimant’s estate.
Last month, movie mogul Harvey Weinstein finally handed himself in to the New York authorities, charged with rape and several other counts of sexual abuse. He is the subject of multiple complaints by dozens of women ranging from rape to sexual harassment over many years.
Sexual abuse in childhood by a person in authority is the ultimate betrayal.
Often that person represents an institution and may be a religious leader such as a priest or imam, a teacher, a Scout leader or a sports coach.
Where the abuser is acting in two capacities at the same time, a civil compensation claim may be directed against two organisations.
The concept of sending one’s child away to a school where they also live is thought to be something quintessentially British.
Although a dog is seen as a man's best friend, there can be occasions when this is not quite the case.
NHS data reveals that between 2016 – 2017 there were 7,461 people admitted to hospitals in the UK after being bitten or struck by a dog. Dog bites in domestic settings are widely known as the most common injury caused by animals in the UK however injuries caused by animals can occur in other settings such as:
Yet another example of institutional abuse is unfolding.
Surrey Police have launched a large scale investigation into allegations of sexual abuse spanning three decades at a children’s home in Woking, Surrey.
In an effort to identify victims and witnesses, police have spoken to hundreds and state that there are over 1,500 enquiries in relation to this investigation.
Covert or ‘undercover’ surveillance in personal injury claims is long used by insurance companies representing defendants, and is arguably becoming more prevalent. Video footage can be used to undermine a claimant’s claim or raise questions about the credibility, where it is believed the claimant is exaggerating their injuries or being altogether dishonest about them.
Until last week, the law has failed children who have been abused whilst in foster care, providing them with no avenue for financial redress though the civil courts in the form of abuse compensation. Local authorities could only be held to be legally responsible if negligence was proved, but that is notoriously difficult in abuse cases. This left many survivors of abuse in foster care with no legal remedy whatsoever.
An ever-prevalent example of institutional abuse is that which occurs in children’s homes. Children in care are especially vulnerable, requiring the highest standards of professional practice and care. Sadly, such children can sometimes be taken advantage of by those in positions of authority over them. Emmott Snell have represented many individuals who’ve suffered institutional abuse at the hands of those in charge of their care, helping them get the redress they deserve.
