CRIMINAL INJURY COMPENSATION SCHEME (2001)

The present criminal injury compensation scheme came into effect in 2001 at which time a tariff scheme was fully introduced. Our solicitors deal with risk free claims on a no win no fee basis. You do not have to fund or finance your claim as it proceeds. This means that if your application is unsuccessful for any reason whatsoever, you will not be charged anything for our services. For free advice on the telephone just call our helpline or complete our contact form. If after talking to us you decide to proceed no further then you will not be charged for our advice. We are an independent claims service, with no connection to the CICA, representing clients who have been the victims of violent crime.

The current regulations, initially instituted in 1995, were amended substantially in 2001. The scope of the fund was enlarged and the current tariff system was brought fully into operation. The criminal injury compensation scheme tariff table specifies an assigned value for each specific trauma. In a single claim, a total of three injuries can be considered, with the second and third injuries being discounted by 30% and 15% respectively . In some circumstances compensation under the relevant tariff can be reduced or refused. The most common reason for reduced or refused compensation is because the claimant has not fully cooperated with the police. Compensation can also be reduced or refused altogether because of “unspent criminal convictions”, and the claimants behaviour before, during or after the incident can also considered when determining the amount of compensation applicable to a particular claim.

Under the current system a claims officer reviews all applications and determines whether or not compensation will be awarded. If the determination by a claims officer is not satisfactory to the applicant any decisions may be reviewed by senior case officers, and ultimately determined by an independent Appeals Panel which consists of members appointed by the Secretary of State.

It is important to note that the accused offender does not have to be convicted of a criminal offense to be liable for compensation. Compensation can be claimed even if the assailant cannot be convicted by reason of age, insanity, or diplomatic immunity. Motor vehicle accidents do not fall under the remit of the criminal injury compensation scheme unless the vehicle was effectively used as a weapon to deliberately to inflict injury. Similarly dog bite injury cannot be used as a basis to claim unless the animal was deliberately set on the victim by a controlling third party with the intention of causing personal injury.

In cases where the victim has died, a dependent or qualifying family member may be awarded compensation. Qualifying personal injuries include :-

• crimes of violence
• the apprehension or attempted apprehension of an offender or a suspected offender
• giving help to any police officer who is engaged in the apprehension or attempted apprehension of an offender or a suspected offender
• the prevention or attempted prevention of an offence

If we are instructed to act on your behalf, we will provide clear and unequivocal advice. We will give you an honest opinion about your chances of success and the anticipated value of your claim. We will provide committed expert representation to ensure that you receive equitable compensation for your injuries. You will receive a complete professional service from experts who specialise in claiming damages for personal injury.




HELPLINE 0845 177 1304