Criminal injury claims

We can help you make a claim if you’ve been the victim of a violent crime. And we are committed to ensuring you receive financial justice by obtaining as much compensation as possible.

Our caring and sympathetic approach ensures your needs are our top priority, and we aim for your claim to proceed as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Claims go through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). This is a government-funded scheme providing compensation to innocent victims of violent crime. We have many years’ experience in the field of CICA claims.

How long do I have to make a claim?

Claims should ideally be made within two years of an incident, but ideally sooner and preferably as soon as possible after it’s happened. However, claims after this time can sometimes be successful.

Types of criminal injury claims

We understand that claimants have been through a traumatic experience. We will deal with your claim sensitively and with compassion. Types of claim can include

physical assaults
sexual attacks
sexual abuse

a loved one dying as the result of a violent crime
violent crimes overseas

Even if the assailant is not convicted of an offence, or not even identified, compensation can still be obtained.

How do criminal injury claims work?

An application is sent to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). They investigate what happened and the consequences, obtaining reports and statements from authorities such as the police, the hospital and your GP.
The CICA puts forward an award of compensation in writing. This is in accordance with a ‘tariff’ set by parliament which denotes different awards for each different injury. The minimum award is £1,000 and the maximum is £500,000.
When the offer of compensation is received, we will advise whether we feel it is sufficient. If it isn’t, we’ll suggest you consider asking the CICA to carry out a ‘review’ and we will draft a detailed request for one on your behalf.
If the further offer of compensation is still not reasonable, we advise you to appeal and we’ll submit it on your behalf. This is heard before the CICA Appeals Panel where you will be represented.

How much compensation will I receive?

There are 35 levels of compensation for injuries ranging from £1,000 to £250,000.

If you also incurred expenses such as loss of earnings or medical treatment, the CICA will pay further compensation up to £250,000. This brings the maximum amount payable to £500,000.

If you sustained several injuries, the CICA will provide

100% compensation for the value of the most serious injury
plus 30% of the value of the second most serious injury
plus 15% of the value of the third most serious

Examples of CICA compensation awards

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minor head injury, concussion/impairment of balance/headaches	£1,500
facial scarring (serious)	£11,000
broken nose with partial loss of sense of smell/taste	£3,500
fractured cheek bone with continuing symptoms	£3,500
broken jaw with continuing symptoms	£6,200
loss of front tooth	£1,500
dislocated shoulder, with continuing symptoms	£3,500
fractured clavicle, with continuing symptoms	£2,400
broken arm, with continuing symptoms	£3,500
removal of spleen	£11,000
broken leg, with continuing symptoms	£1,800
broken big toe with substantial recovery	£1,000
disabling but temporary mental anxiety	£1,000
sexual assault	£11,000

Steps to take before claiming criminal injuries compensation

Obtain medical assistance from a professional before doing anything else.
Report the crime to the police as soon as physically possible and obtain a crime reference number. This is very important as you need it for the application to proceed.
If possible, obtain the names and addresses of any witnesses to the incident.

Talk to us about how we can help you.

Complete our personal injury form.

Or contact us for a free, no-obligation face-to-face or telephone appointment.

Phone

01246 956300

Email

hello@bradleymorrell.co.uk