Hull-based law firm Neil Hudgell Solicitors is acting on behalf of an alleged victim of serial sex offender Jimmy Savile who is seeking compensation for abuse suffered at the hands of the former DJ and television presenter.
It comes after the High Court agreed a compensation scheme in February enabling alleged victims to make claims against Savile’s estate – estimated to be around £3m – his former employers the BBC and the NHS.
About 140 people have told police they were attacked by Savile in hospitals or on BBC premises before he died in October 2011, aged 84, and the scheme could see each victim claim compensation of up to £60,000.
Personal Injury and Medical Negligence specialists Neil Hudgell Solicitors, which has its headquarters in Beverley Road, Hull, but also has offices in London, Leeds, Bristol and Birmingham, has been confirmed as one of the firms currently representing a client seeking compensation.
It was named in national newspaper adverts this week to alert alleged victims to the fact they must apply for compensation within the next six weeks under the scheme’s terms, and register before June 3 with one of the select few firms across the UK dealing with Savile cases.
Managing director Neil Hudgell said: “We can confirm that we are currently representing a client who is seeking compensation as an alleged victim of sexual abuse at the hands of disgraced former television presenter Jimmy Savile.
“Obviously, the case is highly confidential, and has only come to light publicly because of the national advertising campaign staged this week to ensure all victims of Savile are aware of their rights to apply for compensation, and the approaching deadline to register.
“We understand that no amount of money can ever compensate for being a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of Savile, or any other sex attacker. However, we believe this compensation scheme at least offers victims a chance to secure some form of justice for their suffering at his hands.
“We deal with many cases of a similar nature, although of course not so high-profile, and our team of specialist sexual abuse case lawyers see first-hand how the psychological scars of sexual abuse stays with victims for the rest of their lives.
“Our experience also tells us though that financial compensation can help victims to take those very difficult first steps when looking to start rebuilding their lives.”
Solicitors representing alleged victims have said that the scheme will not guarantee payouts, but will provide a framework within which claims can be analysed.
Savile, who worked at the BBC, has been accused of being a serial child abuser and sex offender, and was alleged to have abused people in hospitals. Lawyers have said they think the vast majority of alleged victims have already emerged.
