CRIMINAL INJURY COMPENSATION

Risk Free & No Win No Fee

The current criminal injury compensation scheme was implemented in 2001 when the tariff scheme presently used to calculate damages was fully instituted. Our solicitors help victims of violent crime to obtain compensation under this payment scheme. Cases are taken on a no win no fee basis, which means that they are completely risk free. You do not have to pay anything upfront and you will be charged absolutely nothing if your application is rejected or refused.

To learn more about the criminal injury compensation scheme just complete the contact form, email us or phone our helpline. We provide free independent legal advice about the CICA and if you decide not to go forward with your claim there is no charge for this initial telephone consultation.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims

The current criminal injury compensation scheme was introduced in 1995 and was subsequently amended in 2001. The amendments enlarged the scope of the fund and brought the current tariff system into full operation. Numerous types of injuries are included in the criminal injury compensation scheme tariff table and each is assigned a specific monetary value. Only the victim's three most serious injuries are considered when determining the amount of compensation the victim will receive. The full value is awarded for the most serious injury, the second injury is discounted by 30% and the third injury is discounted by 15%.

The Criminal Injury Compensation Scheme

The victim is not guaranteed the full amount of compensation set forth by the relevant tariff. This amount can be reduced or even refused altogether in certain circumstances. For example, the CICA can reduce, or refuse, compensation if the claimant was not cooperative with the police. A victim's "unspent" criminal convictions as well as their behaviour before, during and after the incident can also be considered by the CICA when determining the amount of the award.

CICA Review & Appeal

When a victim submits an application for compensation under the criminal injury compensation scheme, it is reviewed by a claims officer. The claims officer decides whether or not the victim will be awarded damages. If the claimant is not satisfied with the claims officer's decision, they can apply to have it reconsidered by a senior case officer. Should the claimant still be dissatisfied after the reconsideration, they can ultimately appeal the decision to the Appeals Panel.

Is a Conviction Necessary?

There is no requirement that the assailant be convicted of the violent crime in order for the victim to receive compensation. In fact, compensation is still available even in cases where the assailant cannot be convicted because of insanity, age or diplomatic immunity. Not all injuries can be dealt with by the CICA under the criminal injury compensation scheme. In most cases, a motor vehicle accident will not qualify a victim for criminal injury compensation. The victim would only be eligible for compensation if the vehicle was used as a weapon with the intent to deliberately cause injury. Likewise, a dog bite injury cannot serve as the basis for a compensation claim unless a third party deliberately set the dog on the victim, effectively using the dog as a weapon, with the intent of causing the victim injury.

Fatal Injury

Unfortunately, there are tragic cases where the victim of the violent crime dies. In those instances, a dependent or qualifying family member may be awarded compensation in the victim's place. These are some of the circumstances that may qualify an individual for criminal injury compensation:

• being the victim of a violent crime
• attempting to apprehend an offender or suspected offender
• aiding a police officer to apprehend an offender
• preventing or attempting to prevent a criminal offence

No Win No Fee Claims

We provide crime victims with straightforward advice about their potential claim. We believe in communicating with our clients in plain English. You will receive an honest, objective assessment of your potential claim, including your chances of success and an estimate of the compensation you could receive. Each of our solicitors are personal injury experts who are committed to obtaining the maximum compensation available to their client.