Client R first approached Farleys in 2015. Client R was a survivor of sexual exploitation between 13-18 years old. Client R had been supplied alcohol and drugs by older men during this time, and regularly sexually abused by older men. There were concerns that Client R was involved in prostitution. As a result of the abuse, Client R fell pregnant at one time and suffered psychiatric injury. The abuse had a significant impact on her education, and she was unable to work due to the abuse suffered.
Jonathan Bridge, abuse claims specialist at Farleys, initiated both a civil claim against Liverpool City Council, and a Criminal Injury Compensation Claim.
Civil Claim Against the Local Authority
The Local Authority had failed to adequately protect Client R. Client R’s school, the police and her father had made numerous referrals to Social Services, as there were serious concerns that Client R was a victim of child sexual exploitation.
It was argued that Client R should have been accommodated by the Local Authority in a secure placement to protect her. Client R ultimately suffered physical and mental health problems as a result of the abuse.
A psychiatric report was commissioned and obtained in 2019 which confirmed Client Rs psychiatric injury. The Civil Claim settled in 2021, with Client R received £40,000 from the Local Authority.
CICA Claim
The CICA application was submitted in 2016, along with a witness statement of Client R that had been prepared by Jonathan Bridge.
Farleys first sent to the CICA information relating to Client Rs mental health treatment. Farleys also obtained confirmation from the National Crime Agency that Client R had been the victim of Modern Slavery. This information was provided to the CICA in support of the claim.
Due to the ongoing civil claim, it was agreed that the CICA Claim be put on hold until the conclusion of the civil claim. This was to prevent any issues arising out of the principle of ‘Double Recover’. Farleys kept the CICA updated regularly on the civil claim and advised them when the claim concluded.
The CICA first got in touch to request medical evidence for Client R. Farleys therefore obtained Client R’s medical records and counselling records. These records were reviewed by the abuse team at Farleys, highlighting the key entries that confirmed the abuse that Client R experienced and the mental health problems she had as a result.
Farleys kept in regular contact with the CICA after this, requesting updates and updating Client R. In January 2023, the claim was allocated to a Senior Decision Maker who requested further information on Client R’s psychiatric injury and her employment history.
Farleys provided to the Decision Maker the psychiatric report from 2019. The report was, however, out of date. When the report was commissioned, the expert had opined that Client R may be able to return to work, in the near future, following treatment. However, by 2023, Client R’s psychiatric injury had not improved, and she remained unable to work. Client R was in receipt of state benefits due to this. Jonathan Bridge therefore proposed that a new medical report be obtained.
The Decision Maker was initially resistant to this, and did not wish to consider a loss of earnings claim based on the original report. Farleys therefore obtained evidence from Client Rs GP that she was unable to work and was in receipt of ESA and PIP due to the abuse. Based on this, the Decision Maker subsequently agreed to an updated medical report being prepared and that a loss of earnings claim be considered.
Jonathan Bridge and the Decision Maker jointly instructed a new expert, Dr Holt, who was known to the CICA. Dr Holt met with Client R in April 2024 and prepared her report some weeks later.
Due to the complexity of the claim, Farleys and the Decision Maker proposed further questions to Dr Holt to clarify her findings. During this time, the abuse team also obtained and reviewed Client R’s HMRC and DWP records. Jonathan Bridge then used these reviews to prepare a Schedule of Loss which was provided to the Decision Maker. This Schedule set out Farleys’ valuation of the claim, based on the abuse Client R had experienced, her psychiatric injury, and the loss of earnings Client R had suffered.
The Decision Maker and Jonathan Bridge then finalised the specific dates for the period that Client R had experienced a loss of earnings. This entailed obtaining information about Client R’s pregnancy as a result of the abuse, and her time in college.
Finally, in October 2024, Client R received an offer of £234,799. As Client R received £40,000 from the Civil Claim for the same abuse, this was deducted from the CICA total.
Client R accepted this and has received £197,703.60 in compensation.
Client R commented,
Since I got in contact with Farleys, Jonathan and the team have done nothing but support and respect me. I couldn’t thank them enough for the success off both claims. Without Jonathan and the team, I doubt I would have got this outcome as no other solicitor would listen to me or my Dad.
Contact a Specialist in Abuse Claims
We know it can be difficult to speak about your experiences if you have suffered abuse as a child but our abuse claims specialists are here to listen, whenever you’re ready, and advise you on your next steps. You can discuss your case in confidence and our experts will handle your case with the sensitivity you deserve. Call our dedicated phone line today on 0330 134 6430, get in touch by email, or use the online chat below.
