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Claims Against Public Authorities

If a public authority, such as the police, a probation service or another public body, has breached your rights, you may be entitled to bring a civil claim for compensation. Satchell Moran Solicitors is a specialist actions against public authorities firm acting for clients across England and Wales on a no win no fee basis, covering wrongful arrest, trespass, malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office, death in custody, and failures by probation services and other public bodies.

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Claims Against Public Authorities

What Is A Public Authority?

A public authority is any organisation that carries out public functions or exercises governmental power. Common examples include:

  • Police forces
  • Prison services
  • Local authorities and councils
  • NHS trusts and healthcare providers
  • Social services
  • Immigration authorities
  • Courts and tribunal services
  • Crown prosecution services

If you are unsure whether your claim involves a public authority, our experienced solicitors can advise you.

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What Types Of Claims Are There?

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Claims Against Public Authorities

Common Types Of Claims Against Public Authorities

At Satchell Moran, we regularly assist clients with claims in the following areas:

Actions Against The Police: Challenging police misconduct or unlawful actions.
Actions Against Probation Services: Addressing failures or mistreatment by probation authorities.
Death In Police Custody: Seeking accountability and answers in cases where a loved one has died while in police custody.
Inquests: Legal support and representation during official inquiries into deaths involving public authorities.
Wrongful Arrest: Being arrested without proper legal grounds.
Trespass To Property: Unlawful entry or interference with your property by public officials.
Judicial Review: Challenging the lawfulness of decisions or actions taken by public authorities.
Human Rights Breaches: Violations under the Human Rights Act by public bodies.
Assault: Physical mistreatment by officials.
Data Protection Breaches: Mishandling or unlawful disclosure of your personal information.
Misfeasance In Public Office: Abuse of power or wrongful conduct by a public official.
Incorrect Prison Recall: Being wrongly returned to prison due to administrative or procedural errors.

If your experience is not listed above, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your situation.

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Claims Against Public Authorities

How Can Satchell Moran Help?

Our experienced team has a proven track record of holding public authorities to account, delivering successful outcomes for our clients. As the Number 1 rated firm on Review Solicitors, we’re recognised for our expertise and commitment to excellence.

Every case is managed by highly qualified and experienced file handlers who combine professionalism with a friendly, approachable manner. You’ll never be left waiting days for a reply; our calls are taken or returned promptly, and you’ll always speak to someone who understands your case.

We know that challenging a public authority can feel daunting, which is why we provide clear, tailored advice and unwavering support at every stage. Our goal is to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible while ensuring you feel fully supported throughout.

Claims Against Public Authorities
Claims Against Public Authorities

The Claims Process

  1. Initial Consultation: Our actions against public authorities solicitors offer a free, no-obligation initial assessment to understand what happened and advise honestly on the strength of a potential civil claim.
  2. Investigation: Your dedicated team will gather evidence and assess the conduct of the public authority involved, whether that is the police, a probation service or another public body.
  3. Complaints Procedures: Making a formal complaint to a public authority or its regulator, such as the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for police matters, is a separate process from a civil claim, and one does not depend on the other. Where appropriate, we guide clients through any complaints process alongside their claim.
  4. Legal Proceedings: If a resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, we can represent you in court to pursue compensation and accountability from the public authority responsible.
  5. Resolution: Outcomes from a successful claim against a public authority may include financial compensation, a formal apology, or changes to the authority’s policies and practices.

 

Funding Your Claim

At Satchell Moran Solicitors, we believe everyone deserves access to justice without financial worry. That’s why we offer straightforward, No Win, No Fee services, ensuring you only pay if your claim is successful.

Our team is open and transparent about costs from the start and will guide you through all funding options to find the solution that best suits your circumstances.

Why Choose Satchell Moran?

Our dedicated team handles a wide range of claims arising from misconduct by public authorities. We are experienced, professional and will be by your side every step of the way.

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Claims Against Public Authorities FAQs

A claim against a public authority arises when a body such as the police, a probation service or another government body has breached your rights or acted unlawfully towards you. This can include wrongful arrest, trespass, malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office, or a failure of duty of care while you were in custody or under supervision.

A complaint, usually handled by the authority itself or a regulator such as the IOPC, can lead to disciplinary action but does not itself pay compensation. A civil claim is a separate legal case brought against the authority seeking compensation, an apology, or changes to its practices, and the two processes run independently of each other.

Generally, we act on civil claims once a complaint outcome is known or any related prosecution has concluded, since these can affect the strength and timing of a case. If either applies to you, contact our team so we can advise on your options.Generally, we act on civil claims once a complaint outcome is known or any related prosecution has concluded, since these can affect the strength and timing of a case. If either applies to you, contact our team so we can advise on your options.

Time limits vary. Claims for false imprisonment, trespass, malicious prosecution and misfeasance in public office generally must be brought within six years under the Limitation Act 1980, while claims involving personal injury are usually limited to three years. Given these strict deadlines, it is best to seek advice as early as possible.

Legal aid technically remains available for some actions against public authorities under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, but it is subject to strict means and merits testing and is rarely granted in practice. For this reason, most claims, including those we handle, proceed on a no win no fee basis

Yes. Claims can be brought on behalf of children or adults who lack the capacity to instruct solicitors themselves, and by the family of someone who has died following contact with a public authority, including in a death in custody case.

Outcomes vary depending on what happened and the impact it had on you. They can include financial compensation for injury, distress or financial loss, a formal apology, or changes to the authority’s policies. We cannot guarantee a specific outcome, but we can advise honestly on the strength of your case.

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Great service very professional and responsive. Satchell moran solicitors won my case for compensation . I am very happy with the outcome and the service they provide . Thank you for and excellent service.

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Your Claims Against Public Authorities Team

Joanne McIntyre
Joanne McIntyre
Head of Department
Daniel Knowles
Daniel Knowles
Deputy Head of Department & Chartered Legal Executive
Rebecca Roscoe
Rebecca Roscoe
FCILEx Chartered Legal Executive
Vikki Andrews
Vikki Andrews
Solicitor
Sarah Bacchus
Sarah Bacchus
Solicitor
Keya King
Keya King
Solicitor
Chloe Roche
Chloe Roche
Solicitor
Laura Andrews
Laura Andrews
Solicitor
Erin Hanley
Erin Hanley
Solicitor
Lauren Dutton
Lauren Dutton
Chartered Legal Executive
Emily Daniels
Emily Daniels
Solicitor
Luke Prendergast
Luke Prendergast
Litigation Executive
Heidi Finnigan
Heidi Finnigan
Litigation Executive
Ellie Yong
Ellie Yong
Litigation Executive
George Cobham
George Cobham
Litigation Executive
Jennifer Hickey
Jennifer Hickey
Litigation Executive
Sophie Bateson
Sophie Bateson
Litigation Executive
Katie Howard
Katie Howard
Trainee Solicitor
Heidi Satchell
Heidi Satchell
Litigation Executive
Aife Preston
Aife Preston
Litigation Executive
Celestine Feeney
Celestine Feeney
Litigation Executive
Harvey Murphy
Harvey Murphy
Litigation Executive
Liam Murray
Liam Murray
Litigation Executive
Lottie Hurst
Lottie Hurst
Litigation Executive
Nicole Taylor
Nicole Taylor
Litigation Executive
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Claims Against Public Authorities