Human rights compensation claims

All public authorities have duties and responsibilities under the Human Rights Act 1998.

If a public authority acts in a way which causes you loss or injury then a compensation claim may exist under the Human Rights Act 1998 but it is important to act quickly, as you only have a period of 12 months from the date of the breach to issue court proceedings, failing which your claim will be out of time.

These rights include:

• The right to life
• The right to not be tortured or subjected to inhumane or degrading treatment
• The right not to be subject to slavery or forced labour
• The right to liberty and security
• The right to a fair trial
• The right to not be punished without law
• The right to respect for a private and family life
• The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion
• The right to freedom of expression
• The right to freedom of assembly and association

Examples of the police breaching human rights:

• Unlawful detention
• Withholding evidence
• Causing the death of a member of your family

Examples of other public bodies breaching human rights:

• Having personal data/information about you disclosed to a third party without lawful excuse
• Unlawful deprivation of your liberty
• Restricting your right to family life