Institutional Abuse Claims

An institutional abuse claim can arise when an individual suffers abuse within an institutional setting. This can include:

1. Sexual abuse in any institutional environment
2. Serious physical abuse
3. Severe psychological abuse or neglect
4. Abuse that occurs in schools, churches, or youth organisations
5. Foster care abuse
6. Abuse within sporting or community organisations
7. Residential care facility abuse
8. Abuse in youth detention centres

Since the Royal Commission reforms, there are no time limits on making an institutional abuse claim. This means:

1. Historical claims: You can now make claims regardless of when the abuse occurred.
2. Past settlements: Under new NSW legislation, past settlements may be reviewed.
3. National Redress Scheme: Available until 30 June 2027.
4. Different timeframes: Different time limits apply depending on the type of claim:
   • Common law claims: No time limit
   • National Redress Scheme: Must be lodged by 2027
   • Review of past settlements: Eligibility varies, so check with a lawyer

1. The Royal Commission introduced several key changes:
   1. No time limits for making claims
   2. Extended definition of abuse: Includes both physical and psychological abuse
   3. National Redress Scheme: Provides a formal process for victims
   4. Review of unfair past settlements: Claims can now be re-examined under new laws
   5. New obligations for institutions: Institutions must follow a ‘new model litigant’ approach

Victims of institutional abuse may have several compensation options, including:

1. 1. National Redress Scheme: Up to $150,000
   2. Common law claims: There’s no cap on the compensation amount
   3. Review of previous settlements: Under new legislation, past settlements can be reconsidered
   4. Additional claims: Compensation may also cover counselling and a personal response from the institution

1. Personal testimony
2. Medical records
3. Institution records (obtained through FOI)
4. Witness statements (if available)
5. Impact statements
6. Psychological assessments

You may be entitled to compensation for various losses, including:

• 1. Pain and suffering
  2. Past and future medical costs
  3. Loss of income or earning capacity
  4. Costs for treatment, counselling, or support services
  5. Ongoing care and support needs

The claims process generally involves the following steps:

1. 1. Initial confidential consultation with an experienced Cabramatta Institutional Abuse Claims Lawyer
   2. Gathering evidence to support your claim
   3. Medical assessments to understand the impact of abuse
   4. Notifying the institution of your claim
   5. Negotiation or mediation with the institution to reach a settlement
   6. Settlement or court proceedings if a resolution cannot be reached

If the institution where the abuse occurred no longer exists, you may still have options:

• • National Redress Scheme coverage is still available
  • Government responsibility provisions may apply
  • There are alternative compensation pathways for victims

Throughout the process, you can access a range of support services, including:

• 1. Free legal consultations to discuss your options
  2. Trauma-informed counselling for emotional support
  3. Assistance from support workers
  4. Interpreter services, if needed
  5. Local support groups

We take your privacy very seriously. Your personal information will be protected through:

• 1. Strict confidentiality provisions in place
  2. Private mediation options to keep proceedings confidential
  3. Court privacy protections for sensitive information
  4. Secure handling of documents throughout the process
  5. Anonymous claim options if you prefer to remain private

We offer a no-win, no-fee arrangement, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Other cost-related details include:

• 1. Free initial consultation to discuss your claim
  2. Legal aid options may be available for eligible clients
  3. Clear cost agreements: You will be informed of all costs upfront

A strong claim typically includes:

• 1. A clear connection to the institution where the abuse occurred
  2. Documentary evidence, such as medical records or institutional files
  3. Medical or psychological evidence of the harm caused
  4. Consistent testimony from you or other witnesses
  5. Impact evidence showing how the abuse has affected your life

While you can make a National Redress Scheme claim without a lawyer, having specialist legal representation is highly recommended. A lawyer can help you because:

1. Institutions often have significant legal resources, and you need to be properly represented
2. Evidence gathering is a detailed process that requires legal expertise
3. Compensation amounts can vary, and a lawyer will ensure you receive the best possible outcome
4. Navigating legal complexities, particularly for older cases, requires professional knowledge
5. Your rights and interests need to be protected during negotiations or court proceedings
6. Medical evidence is often complex and requires expert interpretation

At Gajic Lawyers, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients. We stand out because:

• We have a proven track record in securing maximum compensation
• Our team is trauma-informed, ensuring sensitive and compassionate support
• We have extensive experience with Freedom of Information (FOI) requests
• We work closely with medical experts to understand the full impact of abuse
• We have a deep understanding of institutions in Parramatta and Cabramatta
• We offer local support in the Cabramatta area
• We have a strong background in common law claims and no-win, no-fee guarantees
• Our multilingual legal team can support clients from diverse backgrounds
• We offer personal attention and tailored legal advice for each case