If you have been injured in a criminal incident, you may be eligible to make a criminal injury compensation claim. Even if the assailant has yet to be identified, the personal injury team at Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors can help you claim the financial compensation you deserve, compensation that can help you pay medical and rehabilitation fees, as well as covering any loss of earnings resulting from the incident.
For more information about making a criminal injury claim, contact Lanyon Bowdler ANYTIME on 0800 954 9935 or complete our enquiry form. We are the number one choice for friendly yet professional legal advice, and will be happy to discuss the details of your potential claim over the phone, or at a face-to-face consultation.
Criminal Injuries - Can I make a Claim?
Over recent years the risk of being the victim of a crime in the UK has fallen steadily; since its peak in 1995 (Crime in England and Wales 2007/08), violent crime has fallen by 41%. However, when a violent crime does occur, it is just as traumatic and distressing for the victim as it has always been.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) exists to compensate individuals who have suffered serious criminal injuries, and does so even if the perpetrator has not been found. The CICA is capable of awarding compensation amounts ranging from £1,000 to £500,000. To make a claim through the CICA, the following conditions must be met:
• you must have been injured in an act of violence which took place in England, Wales or Scotland;
• you must make your claim within two years of the original incident (But the CICA might accept applications outside this limit if in your particular case it wasn't reasonable for an application form to have been submitted within two years of the incident eg you lacked capacity or had only recently gained knowledge you were a victim of a crime of violence and there would still be enough evidence for the CICA to consider.);
• you must have been injured seriously enough to qualify for the minimum award of £1,000.
If you are unsure of whether your criminal injury meets these criteria, contact the personal injury solicitors at Lanyon Bowdler as soon as possible for friendly legal advice and guidance. If you are a victim of a crime of violence abroad you may be eligible under a scheme of the country where the crime occurred.
Making a Compensation Claim with the CICA - How Will Lanyon Bowdler Help?
The CICA compensation scheme was set up as an expression of public sympathy and support for innocent victims who have suffered serious criminal injuries, both physical and psychological.
The solicitors at Lanyon Bowdler can provide you with specialist assistance:
• helping you complete your criminal injury compensation claim application form and subsequently corresponding with the CICA on your behalf, ensuring your claim is dealt with quickly and efficiently;
• reviewing the CICA's initial decision in order to ensure you receive the correct amount of financial compensation for your criminal injury;
• advising you on the progress of your claim at every stage of the claims process;
• ensuring the CICA has all the relevant information to ensure you are fully compensated for your injuries, as well as any loss of earnings, enjoyment, medical and rehabilitation costs.
Contact Lanyon Bowdler
If you have any questions regarding the criminal injury compensation claims process, or you are unsure of whether you are eligible to make a claim, call 0800 954 9935 ANYTIME and arrange for a free consultation with an experienced criminal injury solicitor. Alternatively, complete our enquiry form and we will get back to you.
Remember: If you have been the victim of a violent crime it is important that you report it to the Police as soon as possible, and co-operate with them in order to bring the offender to justice.
Applicant mown down whilst running away from assilants awarded £500,000
Victim of abuse awarded in excess of £15,000
Applicant who was attacked by an abusive neighbour awarded £4,500