If you have experienced abuse you have a right to pursue a personal injury claim* through the courts for the injuries and loss you have experienced.

It can be extremely difficult to talk about such a sensitive matter and the idea of speaking to a Solicitor can be very daunting and intimidating. 

At PBN litigation we understand this and we will do our best to ensure that you feel safe in discussing your experience with us with the utmost confidentiality. Our established firm has dedicated, knowledgeable and experienced solicitors who can help you if you have been in this situation, when you feel ready

You have rights under legislation and we will do our best to help you to access those rights, we will give you expert advice and talk you through the process of bringing an abuse claim*.

Abuse

Abuse can take different forms such as:

  • Sexual assault
  • Institutional abuse
  • Clerical abuse
  • Schools abuses
  • Sexual abuse
  • Childhood abuse

Consultation with a solicitor

During your initial consultation we will need to discuss the facts of what has happened to you and advise you as to how best to proceed. Any information that you provide will be treated with confidentiality and respect and we will do our best to ensure that you feel comfortable speaking to your solicitor.

In order to pursue your case, we may need to obtain an expert medical report, such as a doctor or psychiatrist report on your injuries and the effect that the abuse has had on you and your life. We may also need to obtain records such as GP and medical records, care records or case files, where possible.

Abuse claim*

Your specialist abuse solicitor can advise you in bringing legal action against an individual who perpetrated the abuse, or an organisation.

Abuse can take a number of forms and take place in a number of setting such as:

  • Inside or outside the family
  • Institutional abuse
  • Abuse by religious orders or Clerical abuse
  • Schools abuse
  • Abuse within charities or non-profit organisations
  • Abuse in a sporting organisation
  • Abuse in a community organisation
  • Abuse in activity groups
  • Abuse in a care home or residential centre

Redress or compensation may be awarded as a result of your injuries and suffering, any resultant loss of earnings, medical costs you may have incurred such as counselling, and other costs.

Injuries may include psychological harm as a result of this traumatic experience. Many survivors of abuse experience ongoing psychological effects as well as mental health issues, psychiatric illness, addiction, and effects on their education, employment as an adult, relationships and family lives.

Time limits

It is not uncommon for survivors to disclose abuse that took place many years after the events took place. This can be for many reasons, such as the abuser being in a position of authority and feelings of stigma, shame and fear, as well as fear of not being believed or previous experience of not being believed or supported.

Recent media coverage of abuse which took place in clerical, institutional, schools, sports clubs and other settings within and outside of the family may also lead to survivors coming forward.

Even if the abuse took place many years ago or is historic, it may still be possible to bring an abuse claim* as the usual time limits in personal injury claims* may not apply. Our solicitors will advise you on how best to proceed in this instance.

Coming forward is a courageous act and we hope that it contributes to your healing as well as mitigating some of the effects that the abuse may have had on your life.

Sources of support

Support is available to those whose lives have been affected by abuse. Here are some avenues of support if you have been abused:

Reporting the abuse to An Garda Siochana may help your case. Records and reports may provide important evidence in your case. The Gardai take allegations of abuse very seriously and you do not need to be afraid you won’t be taken seriously or believed.

One in Four offer a range of support and advocacy services, including liaising with Gardai and solicitors and advocating for you during the court process. www.oneinfour.ie

PBN Litigation – your abuse solicitor

We have considerable knowledge and understanding of abuse law along with experience in litigation and personal injury cases and we will advise you and keep you informed at each stage of the process.

If you trust us to represent you, we commit to achieving the very best outcome that we can on your behalf. Our firm of specialist solicitors offers the highest standard of legal services and will bring our expertise to bear in your case.

We are based in Dublin 2 but have clients all over Ireland and are available for consultation or to discuss your case with you.

Call us or email us or fill in our online form and we will contact you, and see how we can help you.