HUMAN RIGHTS LAW SOLICITORS

Human Rights Solicitors

Human rights solicitors specialise in legal cases that relate to discrimination, exploitation of rights and freedoms of people. Their work is varied and can be domestic cases or business related and often includes international jurisdiction. The Human Rights Act sets out several freedoms and rights that are afforded to all people in the UK and gives authority to bodies such as the police to enforce these rights.

What type of cases do human rights solicitors work with?

All public bodies including the police, courts, hospitals, prisons, schools and local governments are legally obliged to adhere to the contents of the Human Rights Act. If the terms of the act are breached, a case may be brought against the perpetrator. A specialist human rights solicitor will assist their client in gathering evidence that demonstrates the breach of their freedoms and rights and formulates the legal case.

Some of the common types of cases that a human rights solicitor work with include:

• Liberty deprivation
• Educational rights
• Unlawful treatment of prisoners
• Disability rights cases
• Mental capacity cases
• Migrant and refugee cases

When might I need a human rights solicitor?

There are a number of instances when it may become necessary to hire a human rights solicitor. If you have suffered from an infringement of your freedoms or rights as per the Human Rights Act, an experienced solicitor can help you challenge your perpetrator and make them accountable for the suffering caused.

Cases can be brought against any number of people or authorities, including the police, NHS, social workers, educators and prison services. As well as those case types listed above, a human rights solicitor can assist their clients with legal issues relating to the following:

• The right to life
• Pay equality cases
• False imprisonment 
• To secure the right to a fair hearing and trial
• To ensure access to medication, treatment and care
• The right to a family life and a private life

Is there a time limit for making a human rights claim?

The general time limit for initiating a claim under the Human Rights Act is one year. A human rights solicitor will encourage their client to initiate their claim as quickly as possible to ensure that the time limit does not pass and to minimise the risk of ongoing breaches to rights and freedoms.

If a human rights claim includes an element of personal injury or medical negligence, the time limit extends to three years from the date of the injury or from the date that the claimant becomes aware of the damage.