Solicitors for Abuse in Scotland

Thompsons' Survivor Claims

Thompsons' specialist Survivors Team is dedicated to working with survivors of sexual, physical and mental abuse. The team is trained to work with survivors using a trauma-informed approach which puts the claimant at the centre of the 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 dead, you could still be entitled to financial compensation and we can help even if the police and 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.

Thompsons representing survivors of historical abuse

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

Our Case Studies page gives an overview of our work.

When we are approached by potential clients and other professionals, we are often asked about the cases we are dealing with and the knowledge we have gained as a result of our ongoing work. Our team is happy to share the lessons we have learned through working with survivors, pursuing their cases, and from our work with leading Advocates, QCs, charities, and medical professionals.

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

At Thompsons Solicitors Scotland we understand that for survivors of physical, mental and sexual abuse, contacting a lawyer may be very difficult and stressful. 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.

Supporting you from start to finish

Thompsons works in partnership with Scotland’s leading abuse charities, including Wellbeing Scotland, who are there to provide 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, and it means that anyone who contacts us to begin a civil claim for abuse not only receives the benefit of our experienced legal representation but also is put in touch with help and assistance from some of the most professional and caring support experts in the field.

From the moment you contact the survivor team at Thompsons, we will be dedicated to helping you get the support you need – whether you eventually decide to go ahead with the claim or not.

You will always be speaking to someone who has experience with survivors of abuse and we will always make sure you are happy to move forward with your claim at all points in the process.

Thompsons never asks for money up front

We will never ask for money to cover the cost of your claim at the outset. Our focus will always be on explaining the process and the costs to you clearly and transparently (we will discuss all fees and costs with you before you go ahead with your claim), but no charges will be made until your case is settled and only if you are successful.

When you make a claim with Thompsons, evidence gathering and research will be our first priority so that we can offer you the best advice and chances of success. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay a penny.

How the case moves forwards will always be in your hands.

Why Thompsons?

The team of lawyers who will deal with your abuse claim is led by Scotland’s most experienced solicitors: Laura Connor, Patrick McGuire, Shona Cocksedge, Emma Wheelhouse, & Stephanie Young. They have worked for many years on some of Scotland’s most high-profile and sensitive cases and are dedicated to helping survivors who often find themselves in terrible circumstances and in need of specialist legal support.

Our survivors team believes it is Thompsons' moral and ethical responsibility to assist survivors of abuse and that keeping fees as low as possible is one way we can help. We believe that survivors deserve justice and have built our reputation by working on challenging cases.

For the survivors team, the care of their clients is the top priority, and this has never been truer than with abuse survivors. Our team works very closely with Scotland’s leading abuse charities and also with the Scottish Government’s public inquiry into historical sexual abuse.

Thompsons understands that many survivors have been badly let down in the past by those who said they would help. Our specialist team of solicitors is determined that this will not happen to a single abuse survivor who approaches Thompsons for help.

With offices throughout Scotland, our dedicated team of specialist solicitors is here to help, guide and support you and your family throughout your claim. Talk to Thompsons in confidence on 0800 0891 331.

Thompsons is proud to support the work of Wellbeing Scotland

Thompsons' Survivor Claims

Below is a map indicating where our clients suffered historical abuse. You can use the search bar to locate a place of historical abuse.