If you’ve been an innocent victim of crime you can be injured both physically and mentally. You can also be left with great financial difficulty if you’ve been unable to return to work.
The good news is that there is financial help available and it may be possible to make a claim for compensation. If you have lost a loved one due to injuries you may be able to make a claim on their behalf.
You basically need to make a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). This is a government organisation that specifically deals with personal injury compensation for victims of violent crime. You normally have to make a claim within two years of the incident however, there are circumstances where an extension maybe granted.
The process involves making an application and completing a form giving precise details about the criminal act, injuries and any documentary evidence to support the claim. Many people therefore seek expert legal advice when making an application as it is important to complete the process properly. CICA will handle the claim once they receive the application and will assess all the information provided.
If you are successful compensation is awarded just as any normal injury claim. The compensation is given for pain and suffering that has been experienced and the acute financial loss that has been suffered. The award will be paid by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and could range between £1,000 and £500,000, depending upon the nature of the incident and injuries you have sustained.
These civil proceedings can run alongside any criminal proceedings that are being pursued. Even if the offender is not convicted or has not been charged, it is still possible to make a claim. Although taking such action will not turn back the clock, it can help the victim and their loved ones to achieve a sense of justice and will of course provide some welcome financial support in the aftermath of the event.
For more information about this article or any aspect of our accident and injury claims services, please call us on 01772 424999 or email enquiries@solicitordirect.com or fill in the form below and we will call you back:
