UK CRIMINAL INJURY COMPENSATION SCHEME (2001)

We are a specialist claims service which deals with Criminal Injury Compensation Scheme claims on a no win no fee basis. We are an independent company with no connection to the CICA. Our claims are completely risk free and if the application is unsuccessful, for any reason whatsoever, we will not make any charge to you. You will not have to pay for any expenses or insurance as the claim proceeds. If you would like free advice on the telephone, without obligation, just phone 0845 177 0700 or complete the contact form.

The current regulations initially came into force in 1995 and were substantially amended in 2001 and allow for the payment of compensation for those who have sustained criminal injury. CICA claims officers determine applications for compensation which may be reviewed by more senior officers and ultimately appealed to an independent Appeals Panel the members of which are appointed by The Secretary of State.

Motor accidents do not fall under the remit of the criminal injury compensation scheme unless the vehicle in question was effectively used as a weapon to deliberately to inflict, or attempt to inflict, injury. Animal bite cases including dog bites similarly cannot be used as the basis of a claim unless the animal was deliberately set on the victim with the intention of causing harm.

Compensation for trauma may be paid to an applicant who has suffered mental or physical damage or where the victim has since died, to a dependent. Qualifying personal injuries include :-

• crimes of violence (including arson, fire-raising or an act of poisoning
• the apprehension or attempted apprehension of an offender or a suspected offender
• giving help to any police officer who is engaged in any such activity
• an offence of trespass on a railway
• the prevention or attempted prevention of an offence

The assailant does not have to be convicted of a criminal offence in order to claim compensation which can still be claimed even where the assailant cannot be convicted by reason of age, insanity or diplomatic immunity.

Those involved in law enforcement cannot claim for accidental injury unless the person injured was taking an exceptional risk which was justified at the time.

Compensation for loss of salary can only be claimed for losses incurred for the period after 28 weeks absence from work. Nothing is payable for the first 28 weeks incapacity. In addition there are certain special expenses that can be claimed by those that qualify for wages loss compensation including :-

• loss of or damage to physical aids
• National Health Service costs for treatment
• reasonable cost of private health treatment
• cost of special equipment, home adaptations and care which is not available free of charge

The value of a claim is assessed by reference to a tariff table whereby each specific trauma is assigned a value which is set out in the schedule. A total of three injuries can be considered with second and third injuries being discounted. Damages can be reduced or refused in cetain circumstances the most common being if the claimant has not fully co-operated with the police or has 'unspent' criminal convictions. The claimants behaviour before, during or after the incident causing injury is also considered and scheduled tariff payments can be reduced or refused if such behaviour is unacceptable within the scheme.

If you instruct us to act on you behalf in a claim using the criminal injury compensation scheme we will give you clear unequivocal advice on your chances of success and the anticipated value of your claim. We have a client centred approach and will focus entirely on your needs by providing vigorous and committed expert representation to ensure that you receive fair and equitable compensation for your injuries. You will receive a complete professional service from experts who specialise in claiming damages for personal injury.