Harrods and Fulham Abuse Victims to Claim Compensation
We have years of experience and expertise in dealing with victims of abuse and class actions. We are now inviting victims of the alleged sexual abuse linked to Mohamed Al-Fayed during his ownership of Harrods and Fulham Football Club to pursue several types of civil claims against the department store, especially if it is proven that the store or its management played a role in enabling or covering up the abuse. There are also calls for a Statutory Public Enquiry on behalf of the victims of Harrods and Fulham Football Club.
Taking that first step for legal advice and support is difficult. Mr Ronnie Hutcheon, our experienced solicitor in the practice, has advised:
“We are now representing victims of abuse from Mohammad Al Fayed. As expert solicitors in this field, we are here to provide vital support for victims of abuse, offering compassionate and confidential legal guidance. We understand that coming forward can be difficult, but it’s important to know that you don’t have to face this alone. Our experienced team is ready to take instructions from victims, ensuring their voices are heard, and their rights are protected. With a focus on achieving justice and providing the support you need, we encourage victims of abuse to come forward and seek legal advice. You deserve to be heard, and we are here to help every step of the way.”
What is the Benefit of a Public Enquiry for the Victims?
A public inquiry in the UK is an official review or investigation, usually ordered by the government, to examine events or issues of significant public concern. These inquiries are often initiated in response to incidents such as accidents, disasters, or allegations of misconduct by public bodies, where transparency and accountability are essential. Public inquiries are typically chaired by an independent expert, such as a judge, and involve gathering evidence, hearing testimonies from witnesses, and examining documents. Their purpose is to uncover the truth, establish what went wrong, and make recommendations to prevent similar issues in the future. Public inquiries are not about assigning legal blame but rather about learning lessons for systemic improvement, yet it’s important to consider these allegations raised against Mohammed Al Fayed during his time at Harrods Departmental Store and Fulham Football Club.
Harrods Public Statement About Alleged Abuse
Helping an Abuser Can Bring Consequences
If Mohamed Al-Fayed is found to have acted in such acts of abuse, legal culpability beyond the grave extends not only to him (as he has since passed, there will be no conviction) but also to those who knowingly aid or abet these actions, or who remain complicit in their concealment. Anyone found to have contributed to these reprehensible acts must face the full consequences of the law, ensuring that justice is served for all involved. A harrowing recent example is the crimes of Ghislaine Maxwell of enticement of minors and sex trafficking of underage girls, related to her association with Jeffrey Epstein.
Our solicitors are helping victims of abuse and we’re proud to offer a No Win, No Fee, No Worry service.
What Can Be Done As Mohammed Al Fayed Has Died?
A person who has died cannot be criminally convicted. Criminal law is focused on holding individuals accountable for their actions, and central to that process is the ability to undergo a trial, defend oneself, and, if found guilty, face the consequences, such as fines, imprisonment, or other forms of punishment. These processes are rendered impossible once the accused has passed away.
If an individual dies before a criminal trial is concluded or even after charges have been filed, the proceedings are usually discontinued because punishment cannot be imposed on someone no longer alive. This applies regardless of the seriousness of the crime. Additionally, a person’s death does not prevent the public or authorities from investigating their actions posthumously, but these investigations are typically for historical or evidential purposes, not for criminal conviction.
However, civil proceedings, such as lawsuits for damages or claims against an estate, can sometimes continue after a person’s death. This can include cases related to the actions or wrongdoings of the deceased, as liability may extend to their estate. In addition, compensation claims for abuse by the victims who worked for Harrods and Fulham Football Club may also claim compensation against those two organisations during the course of their employment. These elements are discussed below in more detail.
Mohammed Al Fayed’s Son Speaks Out
Mohammed’s youngest son, Omar Fayed, has been reported in the press as saying:
“The explicit and shocking nature of these allegations forces a re-evaluation of the image I once held of [my father]. What is even more troubling is how such serious actions could have remained hidden for so long, raising profound concerns about those who may have played a role in this secrecy. In the eyes of the law, those who assist in any criminal act—whether by facilitating, enabling, or covering it up—are not immune from responsibility. Such individuals, regardless of their position or standing, must be held accountable.”
The BBC website has provided the following quote from Omar Fayed:
How Can Victims of Abuse from Harrods and Fulham Football Claim Compensation?
Here are the potential civil claims that victims of abuse at the hands of Mohammed Al Fayed can claim.
1. Vicarious Liability
Victims could argue that Harrods, as an employer for Fulham Football Club, is vicariously liable for the actions of its former owner. Vicarious liability allows an employer to be held responsible for wrongful acts committed by employees or individuals acting on its behalf if those acts were carried out within the scope of their employment or role. If it can be shown that the abuse occurred during work-related activities or that staff members were involved or aware of the abuse, Harrods and Fulham Football Club could be held liable.
The BBC has reported that at Fulham Football Club, there was an awareness that it may be unsafe for women to be left alone with Mohammed Al Fayed. It is said in the article that a former manager of Fulham’s women’s team had to take extra precautions to protect female players from the club’s late owner. If this is proven, there will clearly be important questions for the club to answer if any abuse has taken place.
2. Negligence
A civil claim based on negligence may assert that Harrods failed in its duty of care to protect its employees from harm. Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment, free from harassment and abuse. If Harrods management or staff knew about the abuse or failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. In this case, the victims could argue that Harrods had a duty to protect them, failed in that duty and that failure caused their harm.
3. Breach of Contract
Some victims may also pursue breach of contract claims if their employment contracts included provisions for safety and protection from abuse. If Harrods violated those contractual obligations by allowing or enabling an environment where abuse occurred, they could be sued for damages. This could include psychological trauma, loss of earnings, and medical costs related to the abuse.
4. Emotional Distress and Harassment Claims
Victims may also bring claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress. In this claim, they would need to prove that Harrods or its management engaged in extreme and outrageous conduct that intentionally or recklessly caused severe emotional distress. Additionally, claims for workplace harassment under the Equality Act 2010 may also be viable if the abuse was tied to a hostile working environment that Harrods failed to address.
5. Failure to Report and Concealment
There may also be a basis for civil claims related to concealment of abuse or failure to act. If it can be demonstrated that Harrods actively worked to cover up or suppress allegations of abuse (which some reports suggest may have happened), this could add further weight to claims for damages due to the company’s failure to act responsibly. Harrods could be accused of enabling the abuse through inaction or complicity, [Police urge Mohamed al-Fayed victims to come forward as Harrods boss apologises for… – LBC] and there is a call for Harrod’s for victims of Harrod’s to come forward; and that Al-Fayed and presided over a ‘Toxic Culture’ at Harrods.
Compensation and Damages
In these civil cases, victims could seek compensation for:
- Psychological and emotional trauma: Damages for the distress, anxiety, or PTSD resulting from the abuse.
- Medical expenses: Costs incurred for therapy, counselling, or other treatment related to the abuse.
- Loss of earnings: Compensation for any loss of income due to the abuse, particularly if it led to career disruptions.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, where there is gross misconduct or negligence, victims may seek punitive damages, which are designed to punish the employer.
These claims may be further strengthened if multiple victims come forward, which could lead to group litigation or class actions. Moreover, Harrods has already acknowledged its failure to protect its employees, which could play a significant role in the outcome of these claims. Overall, the victims have various avenues through which they can seek redress, and the growing number of survivors coming forward suggests that these cases could evolve into a significant legal battle for accountability.
Awards for Compensation for Abuse and Psychiatric Injury
Each individual case will be decided on its own merits, but as a guide, the compensation for victims of Harrods or Fulham Football Club for psychological injury.
When pursuing claims for psychiatric or psychological damage due to abuse or trauma, several factors are considered to assess the value of the claim. These include:
- Impact on Daily Life: The ability to cope with work, education, and daily living.
- Effect on Relationships: How relationships with family, friends, and others have been affected.
- Treatment Success: Whether treatment has been sought and its effectiveness.
- Future Vulnerability: The likelihood of ongoing issues in the future.
- Prognosis: The long-term outlook for recovery.
Compensation Brackets
- Severe (£66,920 to £141,240): Significant impact on life, relationships, and a poor prognosis.
- Moderately Severe (£23,270 to £66,920): Considerable difficulties, but a more optimistic prognosis, often seen in cases like traumatic childbirth or severe work-related stress.
- Moderate (£7,150 to £23,270): Issues with life and work, but notable improvement and a good prognosis.
- Less Severe (£1,880 to £7,150): Short-term problems with daily activities, potentially minor conditions like travel anxiety.
These brackets help guide potential clients on the compensation they may be entitled to, depending on the severity of their psychiatric or psychological injury.
No Win, No Fee, No Worry
If you are concerned about the financial implications of seeking legal advice regarding abuse, please rest assured that we offer a no win, no fee service. This means there are no upfront costs, and you won’t have to worry about legal fees. Our primary focus is on supporting you and helping you seek justice without adding to your financial stress. With this arrangement, you can pursue your case confidently, knowing that financial concerns will not stand in the way of getting the legal help and support you deserve.
Contact Us Now in Complete Confidence
Your privacy is assured and protected by solicitor and client confidentiality. If you are a victim of abuse by Mohammed Al Fayed, please know that you are not alone, and it’s important not to be afraid to seek help. Speaking to an expert abuse solicitor in our firm can provide you with the support, guidance, and legal protection you need during this difficult time. Our role is to listen to your experience with compassion and to help you understand your rights. We are here to offer a safe and confidential space, ensuring your voice is heard and you receive the justice and closure you deserve. Reaching out is the first step towards healing, and we are here to stand with you every step of the way.
