Claims Against Social Services
Claims against social services are serious matters involving mistreatment or neglect by those responsible for the care and support of individuals or families.
These claims can come about because of failures to protect, improper care, or direct mistreatment by social service agencies and their staff. The effects of such actions can be long-lasting and significantly impact the lives of those affected.
Making a claim against social services can be overwhelming and emotional. Dealing with the aftermath of abuse or neglect can take a significant emotional toll on victims and their families, making it difficult to advocate for their rights. Claimants also often face a power imbalance when going against social services, making it even more challenging.
At Lawhive, we provide the support and legal expertise you need to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable.
Our network of specialist litigation lawyers will provide you with expert legal advice alongside compassionate support and understanding. They will advocate tirelessly on your behalf to hold social services accountable and increase your chances of securing the compensation you deserve for the harm you've suffered.
If you or a loved one have been a victim of abuse or neglect by social services, don't suffer in silence anymore.
Contact our Legal Assessment Specialists for a free, confidential case evaluation and quote for the services of a specialist solicitor who can act on your behalf to seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Can I sue social services for abuse under their care?
You can sue social services for abuse under their care if you or a loved one has suffered harm due to their actions or negligence.
In the UK, social services have a legal duty to protect and care for individuals under their supervision, especially children, the elderly, and vulnerable adults. If they fail to fulfill these responsibilities, resulting in abuse or neglect, you may have grounds to make a claim against them for compensation.
Types of claims against social services
Claims against social services typically revolve around accusations that social services failed to protect and care for individuals under their supervision.
Common claims include:
Allegations of physical harm caused by actions or negligence, like inappropriate restraint, hitting, or assault.
Actions or neglect causing emotional harm, including verbal abuse, intimidation, humiliation, or lack of emotional support.
Serious allegations involving non-consensual sexual behaviour or failure to act upon reports or signs of sexual abuse.
Failure to meet an individual's basic needs, such as food, clothing, medical care, or a safe environment.
Improper or illegal use of an individual's money or assets without consent, or failure to protect individuals from financial exploitation.
Unfair treatment based on protected characteristics, resulting in denied or prejudiced services.
Situations where individuals are removed from their homes or detained without sufficient reason or legal justification, particularly children.
If you believe you've experienced any of this under the care of social services, contact a solicitor to understand your options and start your claim.
Who can make a claim against social services?
Children, vulnerable adults, or individuals receiving direct services from social services agencies who were directly under their care and experienced abuse and neglect can make a claim against them.
When children are involved, parents or legal guardians can make claims on their behalf.
If the individual has died, the executor of their estate or legal representative can make a claim to seek justice on their behalf.
In cases where systemic issues or policies have caused widespread harm, groups or classes of affected individuals may collectively bring a claim against social services. These class-action suits can address broad systemic failures and seek remedies that benefit all affected individuals.
On what grounds can I file a claim against social services?
Grounds for suing social services typically revolve around negligence, which happens when harm is caused by a failure to exercise the care that a reasonable person would have exercised in similar circumstances.
For example, if social services neglected to act on reports of abuse or neglect, or if there was direct misconduct or abusive actions by social services staff themselves. Additionally, social services are bound by various statutory duties to protect those under their care. Failing to fulfill these duties can also lead to legal action.