Backgrounds
Client G and Client R both suffered serious abuse during their childhood. Client G faced physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her mother. The abuse was so severe that she had to be removed on an emergency basis before a Care Order was obtained. This has significantly impacted her adult life, leading to severe depression, anxiety, recurring nightmares, and an inability to hold employment.
Client R was subjected to serious sexual abuse by her brothers and a family friend. This led to behavioural problems, and Client R’s mental health rapidly deteriorating. She was eventually expelled from school and later diagnosed with Manic Depression and an Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder. She is now unable to work and suffers from traumatic visual hallucinations.
Client G approached Farleys for help in December 2020 while Client R came to the firm in April 2019, both in the hope of compensation for their suffering.
Problems faced
These claims had substantial barriers that stood in the way of the victims securing compensation. When Client G approached Farleys, the claim was already significantly out of time. This delay led to one of Client G’s CICA claims to initially be rejected. The claim also faced difficulties due to a lack of evidence, as there seemed to be no records of police disclosure.
Client R’s claim too faced clear risks, as the police alleged a failure to report and cooperate. There were also significant limitation issues. This led to two of Client R’s claims to be rejected a year after the initial application.
The first assessments suggested that both clients had little prospect of successful claims. However, Farleys’ expertise enabled the team to quickly identify the avenues in which the claim could be progressed, and they set to work immediately.
How Farleys helped
Farleys gathered evidence to establish Client G’s case and overcome the challenge of limitation. This included records from the police and social services, alongside DWP, HMRC, and medical records stemming across six hospitals and four counsellors. The records enabled Mr Bridge to produce a comprehensive expert report and overcome the limitation hurdle considering Client G’s significant psychiatric issues.
Less than a week after receiving the CICA’s refusal of Client R’s application, Farleys submitted a review application disputing the verdict. Farleys curated a chronology of the firm and Client R’s communication with the CICA and emphasised that Client R’s difficulty in discussing her traumatic history provided a clear and justified explanation for any perceived non cooperation. To further strengthen the claim, Farleys sought and reviewed an abundance of records, including documentation from statutory agencies, healthcare providers, educational institutions and specialist support services. Moreover, Farleys obtained a psychiatric expert report to tackle the limitation hurdle.
Final outcomes
Farleys’ thorough review of both clients’ records, combined with the clients’ helpful cooperation, resulted in their mental injuries being assessed as permanent. This allowed for both claimants to be compensated for their past and future loss of earnings, and supplied the compelling evidence required to justify extending the limitation period.
After a five-year process, Client G was awarded £289,784.29 in January 2026 in respect of one of her claims. In the same month, Client R, also received an offer following a seven-year claim. She received three offers in total, which amounted to £324,187.78. Notably, two of these claims, including one worth £296,887.78, were initially rejected by the CICA.
These outcomes show the importance of seeking legal help to challenge CICA decisions and not accept the first outcome. As Client G and Client R demonstrated, applicants must remain determined in pursuing the compensation they are entitled to.
At Farleys Solicitors, we have a team of specialist lawyers with extensive experience of managing abuse claims with the criminal injuries compensation authority, including challenging decisions by the CICA. To discuss your case in confidence, please call our dedicated abuse claims line on 01254 606008. Alternatively, you can contact us by email or through the online chat below.
