Public sector organisations are owned by the government and provide services like health and social care as well as law enforcement and security.
It is estimated that about 16.5 per cent of all people in paid employment in the UK work for one.
In general, surveys show that the population has a high level of trust in public sector organisations, making it particularly upsetting and distressing when it is violated.
Here at Mark Reynolds Solicitors we provide a bespoke service for clients wishing to claim compensation for distress, illness, injury or financial loss caused by the misconduct or negligence of a public sector organisation.
Our team of solicitors will do everything they can to make the process of claiming compensation simple and stress-free, always handling your case with the sensitivity and discretion that it deserves.
We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, allowing you to pursue your claim without any financial risk.
To discuss your case in more detail and receive free legal advice, give our team a call today on 0800 002 9577.
Public sector duty of care
Armed forces and the MoD
Public sector organisations like the armed forces and the MoD have a duty of care to their personnel, just like any other employer would.
All service employees should be provided with the appropriate equipment and training they require in order to carry out their jobs safely and without harm. The environment they work in should also be kept tidy, safe and free of hazards.
Any individuals that suffer harm as a result of negligence on the behalf of a private sector body may be eligible to claim compensation for their suffering.
Harm can refer to both physical and psychological conditions, as well as financial loss and loss of dignity.
The police force
When it comes to the police force, all police officers should adhere to the police code of conduct. The code of conduct requires all police officers to:
- Act with honesty and integrity.
- Treat members of the public and their colleagues with respect.
- Not abuse the extraordinary powers and authority police officers are granted.
- Act in a manner that does not discredit or undermine public confidence in the Police service.
We trust our police force to keep us safe, so being a victim of police misconduct can be particularly upsetting and should be reported to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
Why claim compensation?
Suffering illness or injury due to negligence by a public sector body can have long-lasting consequences on an individual’s life.
Depending on the type of illness or injury you have sustained, just some of the consequences that you may suffer include:
- Financial loss due to time off work.
- Financial loss due to medical or rehabilitative treatment.
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Psychological pain and suffering.
- Inability to work/loss of job.
While claiming compensation cannot undo what has already happened, it can help victims to get answers, find justice, ease financial worries and gain some closure on an upsetting event.
Types of public sector compensation claims
Some of the most common types of public sector compensation claim our team here at Mark Reynolds Solicitors deal with are those relating to employees of the armed forces and MoD, and misconduct claims against the police.
Armed forces compensation claims
Working for the armed forces doesn’t come without risk, but all military personnel should be provided with the appropriate training and equipment that they need to carry out their jobs safely.
If you suffer an illness or injury that wasn’t your fault whilst employed by the armed forces it can have long-lasting and devastating consequences for both your work and home life.
Compensation can be claimed for both physical injuries and mental illnesses, some of the commonest armed forces claims that we deal with are:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Hearing loss
- Aviation accidents
- Criminal injuries
- Fatal accidents
If you believe you may be eligible to make a claim with the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or claim personal injury compensation, get in touch with our team of expert solicitors here at Mark Reynolds Solicitors for free legal advice.
Civil actions against the police
While most police officers act with honesty and integrity there are, unfortunately, still times when misconduct occurs.
Being a victim of police misconduct can have devastating and long-lasting effects on an individual. Not only does it reduce trust in our police force it can also leave victims feeling very distressed, shaken, upset and angry.
Common types of police misconduct we regularly help clients to make formal complains about and claim compensation for include:
- Assault, battery or excessive force used.
- Wrongful arrest or false imprisonment.
- Malicious prosecution.
- Inhuman or degrading treatment.
- Trespass to land.
Complaints about police misconduct must be made formally to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
Our team here at Mark Reynolds Solicitors can help you to submit a complaint and claim for financial compensation. Successful claims can help victims to gain answers about the incident, receive a formal apology and financial compensation from the police force.
Claims against the MoD
Whether working for the British Army, the Royal Air Force or the Royal Navy, every employee of the MoD has a right to be kept safe at work.
If you have suffered illness or injury as a result of negligence by your employer, then you may be eligible to make a claim with the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or claim personal injury compensation.
Here at Mark Reynolds Solicitors we regularly help clients to claim compensation for injuries or illnesses sustained while employed by the MoD including:
- Industrial illness.
- Accidents at work.
- Medical negligence.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Sports injuries.
- Road traffic accidents.
- Injuries sustained from defective equipment.
If you believe you may have a case to claim, get in touch with our team today to discuss your case in more detail and receive free legal advice.
Timescales for claiming compensation
The timescales for claiming compensation vary depending on the circumstances under which the negligence occurred and the public sector organisation you are claiming against.
Cases eligible to be claimed under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme must be made within seven years of either sustaining the injury or seeking help for an illness.
Complaints made to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) must be made within 12 months of the misconduct occurring.
When making a claim against the police, the following timescales are in place:
- Discrimination claims must be issued at court within six months.
- Human Rights Act claims should be issued within one year.
- Claims for assault should be made within three years of the assault occurring.
- Most other claims must be made within six years of the incident.
Personal injury claims being made against the MoD should be made within three years of the date of the injury or illness being sustained or diagnosed.
In some circumstances it may be possible to still claim outside of these timescales, so if you’re unsure about whether you’re eligible to claim, get in touch with our team here at Mark Reynolds Solicitors for free legal advice.
Why choose Mark Reynolds Solicitors
When it comes to claiming compensation from a public sector body, it must be done via the correct channels and can be a long-winded and complicated process.
Here at Mark Reynolds Solicitors our team of specialists understand that claiming compensation for negligence or misconduct can be an upsetting and stressful process for victims and we will always handle your case with the sensitivity and discretion that it deserves.
Our team have many years of experience dealing with public sector compensation claims and extensive knowledge in the best ways to handle such claims.
We will ensure that your claim is completed accurately, supported with all the relevant information and evidence and submitted in a timely manner to achieve the best possible outcome.
We operate a no-win, no-fee policy, meaning that when you get in touch with our team you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
For more information about making a public sector compensation claim, or to request a free initial consultation with our team, please get in touch by giving us a call on 0800 002 9577.