Physical, Mental and Sexual Abuse Solicitors

Thompsons’ Survivor Claims: Abuse Claim Advice and Support

Our specialist solicitors work within our Life Impact Team at Thompsons and are dedicated to assisting those who have experienced significant and lifelong injuries. They work with survivors of sexual, physical and mental abuse and have received specialised training to assist them in doing so. The team focus on a trauma-informed approach that puts clients at the centre of their case.

We act for, and with, survivors to handle their civil financial compensation claims against:

Private boarding schools
Children's homes
Hospitals
Individuals
Local authorities
Religious orders
Schools
Sports clubs
Scout groups and membership organisations

Even if the abuse happened years ago or the perpetrator is now deceased, you could still be entitled to financial compensation. We can help even if the police or the COPFS are not taking your case forward. Talk to Thompsons to see if we can help you seek justice through a civil claim.

If you have suffered abuse in any setting, please contact our team to see if we can help you make a claim.

Representing Survivors of Historical Abuse

Thompsons has been pursuing cases for survivors of historical abuse for several years. Our specialist team of lawyers, who deal exclusively with these sensitive cases, has extensive experience in this developing area of law.

When approached by potential clients and other professionals, we are often asked about the cases we handle and the knowledge we have gained through ongoing work. We are happy to share the lessons we’ve learned while working with survivors, pursuing their cases, and collaborating with leading Advocates, QCs, charities, and medical professionals.

We have pursued leading Court of Session cases in this area of law and settled the highest award of compensation made so far.

We understand that contacting a lawyer can be difficult and stressful for survivors of physical, mental, and sexual abuse. That’s why we have a dedicated, fully trained team ready to help anyone who contacts us.

Our team of specialist solicitors is here to listen, provide advice, and answer any legal questions you may have. All information will be dealt with in the strictest confidence and with the utmost sensitivity.

The Claims Process

Supporting you from start to finish

Thompsons works in partnership with Scotland’s leading abuse charities, including Wellbeing Scotland, which provides specialist counselling and a range of other support services for survivors. We can put you in touch with these charities and groups from the outset.

At Thompsons, we believe this is crucial. It means that anyone who contacts us to begin a civil claim for abuse not only receives experienced legal representation but is also connected to some of the most professional and caring support experts in the field.

From the moment you contact our team, we are dedicated to helping you get the support you need - whether you eventually decide to proceed with a claim or not. You will always be speaking to someone experienced in working with survivors, and we will ensure you are comfortable moving forward with your claim at every stage of the process.

Historical Abuse Solicitors: Putting Survivors at the Heart of Claims

Our specialist team is here to help you seek justice through Scotland’s civil legal system if you have suffered physical, psychological, or sexual abuse. We know that deciding to come forward can be difficult and traumatic, but as Scotland’s leading historical abuse lawyers, we will support you throughout your claim.

We undertake specialist trauma training to help survivors achieve acknowledgement of their suffering by pursuing the compensation they rightly deserve. Our goal is to assist survivors in their recovery while achieving justice, allowing them to focus on their future.

We will discuss your case at the outset, providing advice and recommendations on how best to proceed. With your consent, we will obtain care or social work records and relevant police information to build a strong case.

Our team will explain the claims process clearly so that you know what to expect. Whether it is appropriate to pursue a civil claim, an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), or both, we will ensure that every step is taken with your agreement.

Read our FAQs page here

Experience and Support

Thompsons deals with a significant number of historical abuse cases daily, covering a wide range of institutions and defendants. This experience has allowed us to build an extensive database of information that could support your case.

If you are supported by a counsellor or care worker, we are happy to discuss your case with them, provided we have your authority. You are also welcome to bring someone with you to any meetings.

If your previous claim for historical abuse was unsuccessful, we may still be able to help you, as the law now allows survivors in such situations to pursue their case again.

We work with Wellbeing Scotland to ensure you and your family have access to counselling support during and after your claim. Counselling can be face-to-face or over the phone, depending on your preference.

No Win No Fee

We will never ask for money to cover the cost of your claim at the outset. Thompsons operates on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning no charges will be made until your case is settled, and only if you are successful. If your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t pay a penny.

Your Privacy

Your privacy is of paramount importance to us. If we are pursuing a civil claim, it will initially be done anonymously, with personal details disclosed only when a solicitor or insurer is involved. If court proceedings are necessary, we will request that your case is anonymised, ensuring your name does not appear in reports or media coverage.

Contact Us

If you would like to talk to a member of the team about your circumstances, please complete the form on our website. Let us know the best time to call, and one of our specialist advisers will be in touch.

Call us or complete our secure online form. This service is free and without obligation. Rest assured, we will not share your information with any third party.