CRIMINAL INJURY CLAIMS UK
VICTIM SUPPORT

We are a specialist compensation service that deals with criminal injury claims (UK) on a no win no fee basis and if the CICA application is unsuccessful, for any reason whatsoever, we will not make any charge to you. We are an independent company with no connection to the CICA. Our claims are completely risk free and you do not have to pay for any expenses during the course of the 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. If you would like free advice on the telephone, without obligation, just phone 0845 177 0700 or complete the contact form. If after talking to us you decide not to take matters further you are under no obligation to do so and you will not be charged for our advice.

Victim Support is a charity which helps over a million victims and witnesses of crime every year. Their services are free and available to everyone, whether or not the crime has been reported and regardless of when it happened. Victim Support is a totally independent organisation which is not part of the police or courts. They have a network of local branches staffed by experienced volunteers throughout the United Kingdom. There are separate organisation for crimes committed on residents of England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Trained volunteers at Victim Support are able to offer :-

• someone to talk to in confidence
• information on police and court procedures
• links to other sources of help
• help in dealing with other organisations
• information about criminal injury claims and applications for insurance payments

If you have been affected by a crime can you can contact Victim Support directly for help or alternatively the Police will make contact about your case if you request them to do so.

Victim Support can be contacted as follows

Victim Support
National Office
Cranmer House
39 Brixton Road
London SW9 6DZ
Telephone: 020 7735 9166
Fax: 020 7582 5712

Criminal Injury Claims UK

If you have suffered physically or mental trauma as a result of a violent crime and have seen a doctor at least twice and were not fully recovered within 6 weeks then you can apply for compensation under the CICA tariff scheme. This scheme is funded by the government and a claim can still be made even if the offender has not been caught or prosecuted. Certain classes of relatives of someone who has been killed in a violent attack can also make a claim.

Criminal Court Compensation

If an offender is convicted in a criminal court the Judge may order compensation to be paid by the perpetrator for personal injury and other losses. The Crown Prosecution Service will make the request in court following previous consultation with the victim. The amount that can be ordered can be limited and many offenders do not pay. It is often better to rely on CICA compensation.

Civil Court Compensation

The offender can be sued separately by the victim in the civil courts however this will often involve the use of a solicitor although action can be also taken in the Small Claims Court which has less formal procedures and is designed to assist the layman to take action without representation by a lawyer.

In the event of a refusal by the CICA to pay compensation for physical or mental trauma which may be because of the applicants previous criminal record or because of his behaviour before during or after the assault, it is possible to take the matter to an independent Appeal Panel. If we believe that you have a reasonable case we will appeall on your behalf using the same risk free no win no fee terms as on the initial application.