Seven civil claims have been lodged in Victoria's Supreme Court, seeking compensation in relation to alleged abuse that occurred at Warrnambool's former Christian Brothers College during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The writs have all been lodged since late 2021, and outline alleged physical and sexual abuse by multiple members of staff.
A written writ, or summons, is an order that means a court can call an individual or body to appear in a civil case.
Notorious convicted paedophile and former Christian Brother Ted Bales, formerly Edward Dowlan, was a staff member at the Christian Brothers College in Warrnambool.
Personal injury lawyers say they are seeking renumeration for the claimants of up to $1 million each.
Senior Associate at Arnold Thomas & Becker Lawyers Nicole Elliott-Struth said the compensation amount, if the legal process was successful, may vary case by case.
Ms Elliott-Struth has criticised the National Redress Scheme for institutional child abuse survivors, calling it "totally inadequate" in some cases.
"The scheme offers a cap of $150,000 for individual victims," she said.
"Many people don't know if you do go down the redress scheme path, then your right to claim civil litigation is lost."
Ms Elliot-Struth said the money would help the clients "rebuild their lives".
"Some have battled substance abuse, alcohol abuse, some have had a really big impact on being able to hold down a stable job, and their earning capacity over many years," Ms Elliott-Struth said.
"Along with damage to hold stable relationships and … a real general trail of destruction to their lives."
From the issuing of the writs, the trial date depends on court availability, but a trial may be set down for the next 12 months if accepted by the courts.
"These particular claims are for compensation, but it runs deeper than that for our clients," Ms Elliot-Struth said.
"What they are looking for is some closure … in many cases they want to bring awareness."
The Christian Brothers College, now Emmanuel College, told the ABC they could not comment on cases currently before the courts.
"Our college in its current form stands in solidarity with the victims of abuse," the school said in a statement.
"We encourage anyone who was a victim of abuse to be heard, believed and to seek redress where appropriate."
The Ballarat Catholic Diocese, who oversees the South-West Coast, has also been contacted for comment.
