The Victorian Supreme Court has paved the way for victims of institutional sex abuse to pursue further legal action even if they previously signed a Deed of Release.
The decision handed down in the matter involving ‘WCB’ could potentially pave the way for hundreds, if not thousands of survivors to have previous deeds ‘ripped up’ and launch new proceedings for compensation.
In the landmark case, WCB was abused by Catholic Church Priest Daniel Hourigan when he was aged 11-14. He received $32,500 in 1996 and signed a Deed of Release. He suffered severe psychological disorders as a result of the abuse.
The Supreme Court Justice Keogh has found that the case should be reconsidered after ruling that the settlement deed ‘was not a reasonable assessment of the plaintiff’s loss and damage in 1996 or adequate compensation by today’s standards.
Have you signed a Deed of Release that you think is unfair?
Why not contact us for a confidential discussion with our empathetic and sensitive staff to determine whether this development can assist you in potential future claims for compensation?
