Criminal Injuries Compensation

Crime, antisocial behaviour and violence are a blight on Scottish society. They cause law abiding citizens to live in fear and they destroy communities. Thankfully serious, violent crime, and thus criminal injuries, in Scotland is decreasing. In November 2013, Police Scotland statistics claimed that violent crime had diminished by 14 per cent in the previous year, according to Chief Superintendent David O’Connor, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents.

However, that does not diminish the fact that bad things continue to happen, and when they do, we must be as prepared as possible to deal with them. Violent crime causes damage that is physical, psychological and financial to both its individual victims and also to the wider community. Its effects can be felt for years and as a result it is vital that those who experience loss and hardship due to others’ crimes are protected by the law and by wider society.

Our compensation calulator can give you an indication of the compensation award that may be made for injuries such as:

Claim Compensation For Criminal Injuries

We work on a no win no fee* basis. You do not need to pay any legal fees in the event of an unsuccessful claim. This means that in the event that you are not paid any compensation, the solicitor will not receive a fee for the services that they have carried out.

Have You Been The Victim Of A Crime?

If you are the victim of a criminal injury you may be eligible to make a compensation claim. Examples of a violent crime could include amongst other things: a physical attack, physical or sexual abuse, wounding, poisoning, injuries as a result of crimes of arson and injuries sustained by an animal attack or vehicle collision where it has been perpetrated as a deliberate act of harm against you. You may also qualify for compensation as a dependent or close relative of someone who has died as a result of a violent crime.

Where innocent people of all ages have their lives seriously altered or disrupted by crimes of violence, there is a system in place to support them. Criminal Injuries Compensation has been long established through Ministry of Justice funding. In the first instance, you should report the crime to the police. You should obtain the police incident number to be submitted with your claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). It is a legal requirement that any compensation claimant does everything in their power to assist in the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority has been supporting the victims of violent crime since 1964 and despite its fair share of controversies over the years the Glasgow based CICA has seen substantial sums awarded in respect of claimants’ suffering up to the sum of £500,000.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation scheme recognises physical and psychological injuries or a combination of both experiences as a result of attacks, abuse and injury.

Additional sums can also be paid to offset victims’ loss of earnings, medical bills or the ongoing costs associated with being looked after. Each year The CICA receives 65,000 applications for awards with nearly £200m paid in annual compensation payments.

What do I Need to Know when Making a Claim for Criminal Injuries?

  • There is a time limit of two years from the date of the injury in which to make your claim, unless the injured person is a child or was a child at the time.
  • If you disagree with the CICA’s decision, you can have it internally reviewed, and then if necessary go to a Tribunal.
  • Injury awards are based on medical evidence so it is vital that you seek medical attention and attend medical appointments.
  • You don’t need to know who injured you and they don’t need to be found guilty for you to make a claim.
  • Loss of earnings claims are awarded on a fixed rate based on Statutory Sick Pay, rather than what you have actually lost.
  • There are restrictions to who can apply, especially if you do not live in the UK.
  • If you have unspent convictions these will be taken into account and may result in compensation being denied.
  • You need to fully co-operate with the police and courts or your compensation could be denied.
  • Awards are based on a ‘tariff’ or list of injuries with a minimum award of £1,000. For less serious injuries, no award is paid. Here are some examples:
    • ‘Minor’ scarring
    • Temporary loss of sight
    • ‘Minor’ burns
    • Broken nose
    • You will need to provide and pay for basic medical evidence to support your claim.
    • Seriously disabling injuries, especially head injuries, are legally complex and require specialist legal support.

Contact Our Glasgow Based Criminal Injury Solicitors

There are a number of very good reasons why our experts should be handling your claim, our trusted lawyers can help you claim compensation on a no win, no fee* basis. If you’ve been a victim of criminal injuries, call us on 01418 465 957, or make an online enquiry by completing our claim form.

Start Your Personal Injury Claim Today

Contact Our Personal Injury Claim Managers Now