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