If you are injured as an innocent victim of crime, you have the right to apply for compensation for your injuries. Your injuries can be physical or psychological and the method used to assess compensation is a specific tariff which your case will be mapped against to see what compensation you are entitled to.
There are a number of different criteria that need to be met in order to make a claim for criminal injuries compensation and you also have to be eligible to claim. You are eligible for compensation if you were the victim of a violent crime or if a loved one has been killed in a violent crime, providing you are a qualifying relative. There are exclusions, depending on where the crime took place and definitions of a violent crime too.
In order to make a claim for compensation, you must report the incident to the police as soon as possible after the incident. There are a number of factors that could result in a delay in reporting this to the police and these will be taken into account.
You may also claim if you have been a victim of physical or sexual abuse as an adult or a child or if you have taken an acceptable and justified risk and been injured, such as trying to stop a criminal or if you witnessed or were present at an incident that may cause you psychological injuries.
You will need to complete and submit an application form and include with this application the evidence you need to support your claim. You need to provide medical evidence, proof that you are resident in the UK and evidence to show any losses you incurred as a result of your injury. You will have to pay for your own medical report, which will cost up to £50 and the compensation you are awarded is dependent on the injuries you suffered.
Using a solicitor can increase your chances of getting a higher award. Where you suffered more than one injury you can stack these in your claim and you can argue that your injuries are in a higher category. This will ensure that you receive all of the compensation you are due for your injuries.
For more information about this article or any aspect of our accident and injury claims services, please call us on 01772 424999 or reply to this email and we will be delighted to help you (there is no charge for initial telephone discussions).
