UK VICTIM OF CRIME - COMPENSATION GUIDE

We are an independent claims service, with no connection to the CICA, representing clients who have been the victims of violent crime. On this page, you will find a brief guide to enable a victim of crime in the UK to claim compensation. Claims are governed by legislation that has specific requirements that must be met in order to make a successful claim. In general, applications must be filed and received by the Criminal Injury Compensation Authority (CICA) within two years of the incident however the CICA does have the ability to extend this period in certain unusual circumstances.

People who can claim include :-

• Those who have been physically or psychologically injured as a direct result of violence.
• Anyone who has a close relationship with the victim who was also present when the violence took place. If they were involved immediately following the incident and suffered psychological trauma they can also file a claim.
• The parent, child, husband, wife or partner of a victim who died as the result of a violent crime.

The CICA will not pay compensation to a victim of crime in the following circumstances :-

A claim for compensation by a victim of crime could be affected by the following situations :-

• Failure of the applicant to completely cooperate with the police during the investigation of the incident. (Compensation can still be paid in the absence of a conviction.)
• An unreasonable delay in reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities.(Even a delay of a few days can jeopardise a successful claim.)
• If the incident was provoked in any way by the applicant, or if the applicant agreed to take part in a fight and was injured.
• If the applicants behaviour before, during or after the incident which resulted in assault was aggressive or unreasonable.
• If the applicant or a deceased victim has a criminal record which is not ‘spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. The CICA can refuse or reduce compensation in these circumstances.

Injuries that cause death can result in a payment to a sole claimant (parent, child, husband, wife, or partner) of £11,000 however if there is more than one qualifying claimant the sum is £5,500 for each one. In addition reasonable funeral expenses can be claimed by the person who paid them.

Lost wages compensation can only be claimed after more than 28 weeks of absence from work. The amount compensated will be for any losses incurred after the first 28 weeks. Claimants who satisfy this requirement can also claim certain other ‘special’ expenses which include specialist medical treatment or special equipment and care.

Our claims are dealt with on a no win no fee basis, which means your application with us is completely risk free. If your application is unsuccessful, for any reason whatsoever, you will not pay any fees. If we are instructed to act on your behalf, you will receive clear, unequivocal advice on your chances of success and the anticipated value of your claim. Complete and send the form or call us on the helpline for free, no obligation advice.