Serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell secured the maximum award of £500,000 for two victims of child abuse after making applications to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

Paul and Deborah, whose names we have changed to protect their identities, were subjected to horrific child abuse by their foster parents’ family. The abuse led to Paul and Deborah having lifelong psychiatric symptoms. They are unlikely to ever be able to work and they will require therapy for the rest of their lives. Paul’s symptoms are so severe that he is now effectively housebound. He doesn’t feel able to leave his home and is currently working with his consultant psychiatrist to attempt to overcome this difficult. Deborah’s symptoms are so serious that she had to leave England to live in another country. She found it very difficult being separated from her brother but she didn’t feel able to cope with living in England. Deborah’s now channelling her energy into helping other victims of child abuse. 

We made a successful appeal after the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority initially rejected the application on the basis that Paul and Deborah hadn’t proved, to the standard required, that the abuse had happened. 

Deborah said: “Endless thank you to the team at Irwin Mitchell. You brought us justice. You went above and beyond for Paul and I. Thank you for taking our story to heart and fighting for us ceaselessly. Thanks to you, we have closure.”

David Withers, a specialist serious injury solicitor said: “The prolonged level of physical, sexual and emotional abuse which Paul and Deborah suffered was truly shocking. Their lives were ruined from a very early age. We worked with them to secure strong documentary, witness and expert evidence to highlight the symptoms arising as a result of the abuse. 

“As a legal team, we were pleased to secure the maximum award under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority’s scheme. This will provide Paul and Deborah with financial security for the rest of their lives and enable them to receive the specialist treatment that they need.” 

Don't suffer in silence. Our specialist team of solicitors have years of experience in helping people claim compensation and get justice after child abuse. See our Child Abuse Claims page for more information or call 0370 1500 100 to talk confidentially to someone about making a claim.

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