Farleys were approached by Client F in August of 2021.

Background

Client F suffered terrible physical abuse as a child, which left her with long-term psychiatric injuries; affecting her ability to work, as a result.

How Farleys were able to help

Jonathan Bridge, head of the abuse team at Farleys, was instructed to act on behalf of Client F in a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

The initial challenge pertained to limitation. Client F was over 45 years old when she first approached Farleys. The primary hurdle was to overcome the time limits to establish a claim many years after the abuse occurred.

Evidence was produced to the CICA that Client F had developed significant psychiatric conditions due to the abuse, which provided valid reasons for her inability to bring a claim earlier.

Client F initially received an offer of £5,500. The CICA had accepted Client F was a victim of multiple assaults, and awards were made for serious child abuse.

However, the CICA refused to make an award for the client’s mental injury. They were not satisfied that there was sufficient evidence to confirm that the incident was the significant and substantial cause of a disabling mental injury.

Additionally, the CICA refused to make an award for loss of earnings or special expenses, as there was no evidence that as a direct result of the incident, the client had limited capacity for paid work.

Challenging the CICA decision

An application for review was sent to the CICA. The CICA returned with the same offer. Again, the award did not consider the loss of earnings, nor did it accept that Client F has a disabling mental injury as a direct result of the abuse.

An appeal was then made to a tribunal.

Her DWP and HMRC records were obtained and considered, and a schedule of loss was prepared, outlining the periods of her employment history to date and where she was unable to work because of her psychiatric issues.

Medical evidence was obtained to confirm the extent of Client F’s psychiatric injury, and the impact that this would have on her future ability to work.

In response, the tribunal directed the CICA to file a counter-schedule confirming their position. The CICA’s counter-schedule proposed a revised award of £75,117. This award considered the disabling mental injury and both past and future loss of earnings.

Client F was delighted and commented:

“When I decided to address the childhood trauma that had been haunting me for years, I knew I needed expert help. Hiring Farleys Solicitors was the best decision I made. Their expertise, dedication, and compassionate approach made a world of difference.

“From our very first meeting, Jonathan Bridge demonstrated a deep understanding of the complexities of childhood trauma and a genuine concern for my well-being. He took the time to explain the entire process to me in simple terms, ensuring I felt informed and comfortable every step of the way. This level of communication and transparency was reassuring during such a challenging time.

“One of Jonathan’s standout qualities was his unwavering commitment to my case. He meticulously gathered evidence, consulted with psychological experts, and built a solid case to support my claim. I felt confident knowing that my case was in the hands of someone who genuinely cared about achieving the best possible outcome for me.

“Moreover, Jonathan demonstrated exceptional negotiation skills to ensure I received fair compensation for the emotional and psychological impact of my trauma. His tenacity and expertise were instrumental in securing a settlement that far exceeded my expectations. I am forever grateful for their help and highly recommend Jonathan and his team to anyone needing outstanding legal representation.”

Contact a Specialist in CICA Abuse Claims

If you would like to discuss the possibility of making a CICA abuse claim or have received a settlement offer from the CICA that you would like assistance in appealing, our abuse claim specialists are on hand to advise you in confidence. Call our dedicated abuse line on 0330 134 6430, contact us by email, or use the online chat below if you prefer.