Criminal Injury Claims

If you have been the victim of a criminal assault which resulted in you sustaining injury then you could be entitled to claim compensation.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

Compensation is provided through a Government-run scheme known as the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

If the case is accepted by the Authority then, subject to certain criteria being met, an award of damages will be made to you. These damages are paid on a tariff based system with the more serious injury cases attracting higher awards.

There is a minimum injury requirement to be met when submitting a claim of this type. The minimum award will be for £1000 subject to the minimum criteria being met. A claimant has a period of 2 years from the date of the criminal incident to submit and lodge their claim with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

The assault/crime which forms the basis of the claim must have been reported at a police station within 48 hours of the incident. There is also a requirement that medical attention was sought from a GP or a hospital A & E Department, within 48 hours of the criminal incident which resulted in injury.

Features of  CICA Claims

If the victim of a crime has been mentally scarred by an incident then this may also give grounds to a qualifying criminal injuries claim. The mental anguish however, must be severe enough to meet the minimum award payable by the CICA – which currently stands at £1000. In addition, all other qualifying claim criteria must also be met.

If it can be established that the injuries caused by the violent criminal act were so severe that it prevents the applicant from returning to work for a period of 28 weeks or more then it is possible to claim for lost earnings which arise along with the cost of any medical care and expenses incurred.

 Our Approach to Criminal Injury Claims

There is no provision for payment of solicitors costs with a criminal injuries compensation claim.

We would look to agree at the outset of the claim a fixed percentage contribution towards our costs from any damages that you recover and typically this contribution would be 25% of damages recovered.

We believe that this represents money well spent, as the involvement of a solicitor in your claim is likely to reduce the chances of your claim being rejected. If ultimately your CICA claim is not successful then we will not charge you a single penny for any work undertaken on your behalf.

Case Study

Mr Y was assaulted whilst sat in his motor vehicle. He was badly beaten and suffered multiple injuries to the face and head. 

Despite the CICA attempting to pay just £1,500 in compensation for the injuries, we pursued the matter tirelessly to an appeal hearing and securing a much increased award of £8,950

Additional Assistance

As well as being able to claim an award from the CICA there are associated institutions which have been established to assist victims of violent crime. Victim Support is a charity which provides confidential support to victims.

Need Our Help?

Contact us here If you have been injured in this way and are looking to make a criminal injuries claim, please contact our team who will be happy to assist.