Disability Abuse Claims*

According to the National Disability Authority, research in Ireland and internationally shows that people with disabilities are more likely to experience crime and abuse. Abuse of people who suffer from either physical and mental disability will most commonly take place in hospitals, residential homes and care facilities.

Physical, psychological and sexual abuse on disabled people can have a devastating effect on the victims and their families.

Lavelle Partners can provide confidential, sensitive support in relation to disability abuse claims in Ireland.

Why are people with disabilities more vulnerable to abuse?

People with disabilities are more likely to experience abuse for longer periods of time because they have difficulties and additional concerns when accessing the support that they need. Their reliance on other people means that often they are reliant on their abuser for personal care or mobility.

Children with disabilities are at increased risk of abuse and neglect, yet they are underrepresented in safeguarding systems. Children with disabilities and learning difficulties can be abused and neglected in ways that other children cannot and the early indicators suggestive of abuse and neglect can be more complicated than for children with disabilities. 

What is considered disability abuse?

Abuse of disabled people can come in any form. The most common forms of abuse that we encounter are:

• Psychological
• Physical
• Financial
• Sexual
• Negligence (this occurs when a disabled person is not receiving the appropriate care that they require)

What is a disability abuse claim?

A disability abuse claim can be taken against an individual or an organisation, such as a hospital or a care home facility, for the abuse that was suffered by the disabled if they are responsible for the abuse.

Where an abuse claim can be proved, the disabled person can attempt to recover compensation for the actual physical or psychological abuse suffered and out of pocket expenses.

Contact our disability abuse solicitors in Ireland

• Lavelle Partners have almost 40 years of experience successfully managing many types of civil abuse cases.
• From the first moment you speak to one of our disability abuse solicitors, we will listen to your case carefully and with empathy and will only recommend advancing your claim if we believe you have a valid case.
• We have both the legal expertise and understanding of the real-life challenges faced by individuals and their families following such events.

For further information on making disability abuse claims, please contact Lavelle Partners in confidence on (01) 644 5800 or email law@lavellepartners.ie.