Criminal Injury Compensation
THE CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION AGREEMENT(S) SCHEME
Criminal Injuries Compensation has been available through a state scheme to the victims of violent crime since 1964. This government organisation makes payments to the victims of violent crimes and we have worked successfully with the CICA to claim compensation for many of our clients.
Although the Criminal Injuries scheme has undergone a number of changes over the years substantial sums can be awarded in respect of the injuries suffered which can be physical or psychological. Compensation can also be awarded to victims of sexual assault and abuse.
THE CICA WILL ALSO CONSIDER CLAIMS FOR THE FOLLOWING:
- loss of earnings – where you have no or limited capacity to work as the direct result of a criminal injury;
- special expenses payments – these cover certain costs you may have incurred as a direct result of an incident. You can only ask us to consider special expenses if your injuries mean you have been unable to work or have been incapacitated to a similar extent for more than 28 weeks;
- a fatality caused by a crime of violence including bereavement payments, payments for loss of parental services and financial dependency; and funeral payments.
IN ORDER FOR US TO CONSIDER YOUR INJURY CLAIM, YOUR CASE NEEDS TO MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:-
- Your injury was serious enough to need multiple medical treatments by a doctor, hospital etc.
- You were injured in an act of violence in England or Wales. An offender does not necessarily have to have been convicted of, or even charged with that crime – you may still be able to make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
- The incident that caused your injury occurred less than two years ago, although some exceptions can be made where the injured party is a child.
- You don’t have a criminal record and have reported the incident to the Police.
APPEAL PANEL/TRIBUNAL HEARINGS
We also have experience in appearing at Appeal Panel/Tribunal hearings and obtaining substantial amounts by way of compensation should your claim initially not be successful. Please contact us now if you would like to speak to a solicitor in confidence about making a claim for compensation.