Claims against individuals.

Am I Eligible to Submit an Institutional Abuse Claim Against an Individual?

You may be able to make an institutional abuse claim against a family member or friend if you or your child experienced sexual, physical, emotional or psychological abuse and neglect in the care of biological parents or a formal care arrangement like foster care, kinship care or a state guardianship program where institutions failed to intervene or protect.

Even if you are not sure if the government was involved in your care as a child, it’s important to get legal advice to understand your rights and the best way forward.

Your Rights and Entitlements for Claims Against Abuse by Individuals

Each case is unique, and the amount you may be entitled to will depend on the seriousness of the abuse, its impact on your life and whether the institution was found liable. You may be entitled to:

• A lump sum for pain, suffering and trauma caused by the abuse
• Therapy, counselling and medical treatment
• Past and future income lost
• Loss of enjoyment of life due to the emotional and psychological impact of the abuse
• Punitive damages to punish the institution for egregious conduct and deter similar behaviour in the future
• Gratuitous attendant care services. These services include domestic assistance, nursing care and other support to alleviate the effects of an injury

You may also receive financial compensation and support services through the National Redress Scheme (NRS). In cases of gross negligence, further compensation may be awarded for ongoing hardship.

At Wyatts, our governmental institutional abuse lawyers can help you understand your options and get the most out of your claim.

If you were abused by a family member, friend or other individual and the abuse did not take place in an institutional setting, you may still be entitled to make a claim. Please find more information here.