Suffering abuse is often incredibly traumatic and can leave you with severe psychological and emotional distress for many years to come. No one should have to deal with this alone - our expert abuse solicitors are here to support you with compassion and understanding, in complete confidentiality.
Talking about abuse is never easy, no matter how long ago it occurred. If you’ve suffered from any form of abuse, you can be left feeling isolated, alone and unsure of what to do next or who to turn to.
No one should have to suffer in silence or bear the burden alone. At Slater and Gordon, we understand that discussing abuse with a solicitor can seem overwhelming and intimidating. Our team of expert abuse solicitors have specialised in complex and difficult cases of abuse over many years and provide the best possible legal support with unwavering empathy and compassion.
Abuse is a significantly varied form of violence. Some are more obvious than others, but all forms have the potential to severely injure a person, whether physically, psychologically or both. The impact of abuse can be felt many years after the abuse occurred, and can severe consequences for the victim’s day-to-day life, making things such as going to work or school or developing relationships difficult.
When thinking about an abuse claim, there are three main types of abuse we see in claims:
Sexual abuse
Physical abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse
If you’ve suffered due to abuse, you don’t have to deal with the consequences alone. We know that bringing a civil claim can seem daunting, but there can be many benefits of doing so – from covering the cost of any financial losses you may have incurred due to time out of work, to unlocking treatment such as counselling that can help you move forward with your life.
Whenever you’re ready to talk, we’re here for you.
Where might abuse occur?
Because there are many different types of abuse, it can occur almost anywhere, including professional or care environments such as police stations or hospitals. Though abuse can be perpetrated by anyone, some abusers take advantage of a position of trust or power, such as religious leaders, teachers, doctors or police officers.
Some of the most common places for abuse to occur include:
Churches or religious settings
Schools or sports clubs
Hospitals, healthcare or care homes
Children’s homes or foster care
No matter where abuse has occurred, we’re here to support you. From seeking justice through the civil courts, to helping you move forward with access to counselling and specialist support, our expert abuse solicitors have a wealth of experience in successfully pursuing abuse claims, securing the best possible outcomes for our clients to help them rebuild their lives.
Slater and Gordon have been an absolute asset for me, I would use them again in an instant. The litigator I corresponded with throughout the process of my injury claim worked tirelessly to chase the insurance company, kept me up to date with correspondence and fought to maximise the claim. I would thoroughly recommend Slater and Gordon.
5* Trustpilot Review
A long and slightly complicated process made very painless and easier by Slater and Gordon. My solicitor explained everything to me in depth, working tirelessly to retain my documents and always keeping me up to date with how my claim was progressing. I couldn’t recommend this firm enough.
5* Google Review
I am entirely grateful for all the hard work the team at Slater and Gordon have put in to fight and win my case. They had a fight on their hands, and they kept me updated at all times and kept pushing. They looked at all photographic evidence and had to prove negligence and time scales, I could not have done this on my own. Great team and would highly recommend - if you need help, do contact them!
5* Trustpilot Review (Slater and Gordon Scotland)
Abuse can happen to anyone, at any stage of life. No matter your age or circumstance, you shouldn’t have to deal with the consequences of abuse alone or in silence.
Anyone who has suffered from abuse may be able to bring a civil claim against their abuser, no matter the type of abuse, when the abuse occurred, or whether (in the UK or abroad). Where the victim is a child under the age of 16 or someone who lacks the mental capacity to make a claim for themselves, a parent, guardian or advocate may be able to make a claim on their behalf.
Whatever your circumstance, our experts can help you get the justice you deserve. Speak to one of our specialist abuse solicitors on 0330 041 5869 or arrange a call back at a time that suits you using our online form.
What does the abuse claims process entail?
Talking about the abuse you have suffered can be an incredibly emotional and difficult thing to do, and the first step is often the hardest to take. Whenever you are ready, our specialist abuse solicitors are here to listen, with unwavering support and empathy.
To start your claim, we’ll take an account of what has happened to you. We’ll take the discussion a step at a time, at a pace you are comfortable with, and will explain the process of making a claim in detail. Throughout our conversations, we’ll answer any questions you have and provide our expert advice and guidance from the beginning.
We will then need to begin gathering evidence to support your claim. This could include reviewing past medical records and taking a detailed statement from you, where appropriate. Any appointment can be done either face-to-face or virtually, and our solicitor will be there to support you each step of the way.
Once we’ve collected the evidence we need, we’ll submit your claim to the responsible party and their insurers. They’ll then have a set amount of time to review the claim and respond, stating whether they accept they are at fault (known as ‘establishing liability’).
Why should I choose Slater and Gordon Scotland’s abuse solicitors?
Making the decision to pursue an abuse claim can be a very challenging and emotional time, and it is critical that you have the right support and guidance from the outset.
Our specialist abuse solicitors have many years of experience in the field and have represented many victims and survivors of abuse. We approach each case with compassion, empathy and sensitivity, putting your emotional well-being at the forefront every step of the way.
Our dedicated team are some of the most trusted and experience lawyers in the country, with many receiving high rankings and acclaim in independent legal guides such as Chambers and Partners, and the Legal 500. Many also hold positions with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
We know that talking about abuse is never easy. We are here to listen to your story with unwavering empathy and without judgement, working hard to help you on your journey to healing and justice.
We offer 'No Win No Fee' funding on accident cases, meaning there's no financial risk to you.
Talk to the experts
We have teams of legal experts who specialise in representing those who’ve suffered injuries due to accidents at work, in public, on the road and more.
Speed of delivery
As specialists in accidents at work and public places, we'll ensure your case is dealt with swiftly, whilst ensuring you receive the maximum compensation.
Your local law firm
We are a reputable national law firm, with expert lawyers in local areas across Scotland.
Speak to one of our personal injury solicitors today
We know that many people are often concerned about the cost of pursuing legal action, and don’t believe anyone should feel they are not able to access the compensation they deserve due to financial risk. That is why the majority of the abuse claims we pursue are done so by way of a No Win No Fee agreement.
Under this agreement, there are no upfront legal fees to pay, and if your claim doesn’t succeed, you won’t have to pay a penny in costs, meaning there is never any financial risk to you. To learn more, you can visit our No Win No Fee page, or speak to a member of our team on 0330 041 5869.
How long do I have to make an abuse compensation claim?
There is a time limit of three years for bringing a claim for abuse, either from the date of the abuse occurring or from the date of the victim’s 16th birthday. However, due to the nature of abuse cases, the court can use discretion in extending time limits.
How much compensation could I receive for an abuse claim?
It can be difficult to know how much compensation you could be entitled to until we have examined the details of your case, as the amount can be affected by several different elements. However, rest assured that our solicitors work hard to ensure they get you the best possible outcome for your claim.
Will I have to go to court when making an abuse claim?
The majority of the abuse claims we pursue successfully conclude before they reach a final hearing, meaning you will not be required to attend court. When a claim does go to court, your specialist abuse solicitor will be on hand to support you every step of the way and represent you through the process.
Slater and Gordon have been an absolute asset for me, I would use them again in an instant. The litigator I corresponded with throughout the process of my injury claim worked tirelessly to chase the insurance company, kept me up to date with correspondence and fought to maximise the claim. I would thoroughly recommend Slater and Gordon. 5* Trustpilot Review
A long and slightly complicated process made very painless and easier by Slater and Gordon. My solicitor explained everything to me in depth, working tirelessly to retain my documents and always keeping me up to date with how my claim was progressing. I couldn’t recommend this firm enough. 5* Google Review
I am entirely grateful for all the hard work the team at Slater and Gordon have put in to fight and win my case. They had a fight on their hands, and they kept me updated at all times and kept pushing. They looked at all photographic evidence and had to prove negligence and time scales, I could not have done this on my own. Great team and would highly recommend - if you need help, do contact them! 5* Trustpilot Review (Slater and Gordon Scotland)