Criminal Injury Compensation
The effects of a criminal injury can be serious, with victims often suffering from ongoing physical and psychological damage. If you've been injured as a result of a criminal act, you may be entitled to compensation. In the UK a Government funded body exists called the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) that has been set up specifically to deal with claims of this nature. As long as your case meets the relevant criteria - you may be able to claim.
The CICA scheme: Criteria for awards
The main criteria for your application to be considered for an award of compensation under the CICA scheme are as follows.
- You must have reported the assault to the police as soon as possible and have fully co-operated with the police during their investigation
- You must have sought medical attention for your injury
- The incident must have occurred within the last two years
- Your behaviour prior to, during or after the incident must not have caused or contributed to the "incident" in any way
Previous criminal convictions can also be taken into account by the CICA. It is important that you inform us of any conviction you have received to enable us to advise you whether this will affect your eligibility to receive an award of compensation under the scheme.
