Criminal injury can be classified as any kind of personal injury that is the direct result of a crime. This covers a broad spectrum of potential injuries, both mental and physical in nature. These could be the result of a mugging or a bar fight, but the key element is that there has to be a criminal prosecution involved and that the injury sustained has to be as a direct result of criminal action. You do not necessarily have to have received extremely severe injuries in order to qualify for a criminal injury compensation, as even minor injuries may still mean you are eligible for compensation. A set scale exists to determine the amount of compensation depending on the extent of the injury, and criminal injury compensation awards are generally between £1,000 to £500,000.¹
Can I make a claim for criminal injury?
There are a number of conditions that your injury needs to fulfil before you can make a claim. Firstly, you need to have reported the incident to the police. If the police then took the prosecution forward, you should be able to show that you helped with their inquiries as requested. Secondly, you cannot have contributed to or caused the assault – basically, you need to be guilt-free. If, for example, you got into an argument with someone in a club and they assaulted you, you may be able to make a claim. However, if it can be shown that you instigated the attack in any way, such as if you pushed your attacker first, then you may not have a case.
Why do people make criminal injury compensation claims?
Receiving an injury as the result of a crime, undergoing a violent event or suffering from psychological trauma is something that can have a life-changing effect. Depending on the nature of the injury, it could impact on your ability to work, either physically or emotionally. Violent assault can also damage your long-term mental health, making it difficult for you to adjust to life after the event. Financial assistance can really make all the difference when it comes to rebuilding your life after a violent assault, by making it possible to receive the treatment you need to make a full recovery. That can range from physiotherapy to counselling. The important factor is that you get the help you need to make a full recovery – without having to worry about the finances. That’s why at Injury Lawyers 4U, we’re committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve.
How do I make a claim for criminal injury?
Claims for criminal injury are dealt with by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, or CICA. The first form of this scheme was set up in 1964, but many people are nevertheless unaware of it. The CICA is a government organisation that pays compensation to those people who can prove that they suffered a criminal injury.
If you are unsure as to whether you may qualify for payment, get in touch with our team of expert lawyers at Injury Lawyers 4U. They can advise you as to stipulations that may be relevant, such as how long ago the injury took place, and also inform you about any medical proof or further evidence that may be required.
Receiving compensation
Injury Lawyers 4U are ‘no win, no fee’ solicitors. What this means in practice is that if you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid, so as you can imagine, we have an excellent motivation for getting you good results! It also means that if your claim is unsuccessful, we won’t charge you a penny for our services, subject to your written agreement with your solicitor. If you would like to discuss criminal injury claims or accident claims with us, you can call any time on 0333 400 4445 (this line is open 24 hours, 7 days a week) or fill in our quick contact form.
Statistics from the Ministry of Justice
