Crownmark Lawyers acts for people who were abused while in the care of an institution, including schools, religious organisations, residential and out of home care, sporting bodies and government run facilities. These matters are handled with discretion, and clients are never asked to provide more detail than is necessary at any given stage.

Two pathways are ordinarily available. A civil claim against the institution seeks compensation through the courts or by negotiated settlement. A redress scheme application is a separate administrative process with its own eligibility criteria and effects. The choice between them has consequences, and we explain the difference clearly before anything is lodged.

Limitation periods that once barred these claims have been removed in most Australian jurisdictions for child abuse matters, and settlements entered into under those earlier restrictions can in some circumstances be set aside. Clients who were told years ago that nothing could be done may now be in a different position.

We work at a pace set by the client. Clients may involve a support person, pause the matter, or take time over decisions, and we make sure that nothing proceeds without their understanding and consent.

Our services include:

• Civil claims against institutions and their insurers

• Advice on redress scheme applications and eligibility

• Comparison of redress and civil claim pathways

• Applications to set aside past settlements and deeds

• Obtaining institutional, care and government records

• Confidential, unhurried and client directed conduct

• Negotiation, settlement and court proceedings