Criminal injury
If you have been a victim in a violent crime and this has resulted in physical harm, you may be entitled to compensation for that harm under the criminal law. This compensation is administered centrally by a government agency (part of the Ministry for Justice), the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, more commonly known as CICA.
The scheme covers all types of criminal injury, including assault, injuries from a mugging or robbery, rape, sexual abuse and others. Compensation injuries administered by CICA do not necessarily have to have been caused intentionally - for example, if you are pushed out of the way by a fleeing robber or burglar, and are injured as a result, you may still be able to claim compensation for your injuries. To be eligible under the scheme, you must have reported the injury to the police within two days of the incident, and your claim must be received by CICA within two years of the incident. It is also important to seek medical attention as quickly as possible after the incident, as there will need to be documented medical evidence to support your claim. The scheme covers injuries sustained throughout England, Scotland and Wales, but does not cover injuries received in any other country.
Compensation is based on a scale according to the type of injury and the circumstances surrounding the injury. The level currently ranges from £1000 up to £500,000. There is a tariff, based on where your injury is and its severity, to determine the basic level of compensation. Further to this, CICA may also be able to award up to £11,000 for loss of life to a child, spouse, or long term partner. There is also the possibility of compensation for the deceased's earnings for claimants who depended on that person financially, as well as the ability to reimburse funeral costs. Please remember, however, that any compensation will not be paid until the claim has been investigated and settled, and that this may take some time.
Individuals are also able to claim for their own loss of earnings that are a direct result of the criminal injury, although this only covers time out of work more than six months (defined as 28 weeks in the legislation, meaning compensation is only given from the 29th week of unemployment onwards). CICA also has provision for special expenses, in particular circumstances. These cover things such as special building adaptations required as the result of an injury (e.g. access ramp, stair lift), the cost of residential care, or certain medical expenses that are not covered by the NHS.
It is possible to make claims to CICA directly, who have specialised claims workers who will be assigned to your case. However, many claimants choose to use a specialist solicitor, who can ensure that your case is represented fully, ensuring a greater chance of success for your claim. Although a solicitor will require a fee, you are more likely to achieve your full entitlement by using expert advice, and also, many solicitors will offer a 'no win, no fee' service, meaning they can advise you of the chances of the success of your case before filing it, and if your claim is not successful, you will not be liable for any fees.
The scheme covers all types of criminal injury, including assault, injuries from a mugging or robbery, rape, sexual abuse and others. Compensation injuries administered by CICA do not necessarily have to have been caused intentionally - for example, if you are pushed out of the way by a fleeing robber or burglar, and are injured as a result, you may still be able to claim compensation for your injuries. To be eligible under the scheme, you must have reported the injury to the police within two days of the incident, and your claim must be received by CICA within two years of the incident. It is also important to seek medical attention as quickly as possible after the incident, as there will need to be documented medical evidence to support your claim. The scheme covers injuries sustained throughout England, Scotland and Wales, but does not cover injuries received in any other country.
Compensation is based on a scale according to the type of injury and the circumstances surrounding the injury. The level currently ranges from £1000 up to £500,000. There is a tariff, based on where your injury is and its severity, to determine the basic level of compensation. Further to this, CICA may also be able to award up to £11,000 for loss of life to a child, spouse, or long term partner. There is also the possibility of compensation for the deceased's earnings for claimants who depended on that person financially, as well as the ability to reimburse funeral costs. Please remember, however, that any compensation will not be paid until the claim has been investigated and settled, and that this may take some time.
Individuals are also able to claim for their own loss of earnings that are a direct result of the criminal injury, although this only covers time out of work more than six months (defined as 28 weeks in the legislation, meaning compensation is only given from the 29th week of unemployment onwards). CICA also has provision for special expenses, in particular circumstances. These cover things such as special building adaptations required as the result of an injury (e.g. access ramp, stair lift), the cost of residential care, or certain medical expenses that are not covered by the NHS.
It is possible to make claims to CICA directly, who have specialised claims workers who will be assigned to your case. However, many claimants choose to use a specialist solicitor, who can ensure that your case is represented fully, ensuring a greater chance of success for your claim. Although a solicitor will require a fee, you are more likely to achieve your full entitlement by using expert advice, and also, many solicitors will offer a 'no win, no fee' service, meaning they can advise you of the chances of the success of your case before filing it, and if your claim is not successful, you will not be liable for any fees.
