ENGLAND - SCOTLAND - WALES
CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION CLAIMS

Innocent victims of violent crime in England, Scotland and Wales can seek compensation for their injuries through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) which has offices in London and Glasgow. The CICA is a governmental body that administrates all claims made under the compensation scheme for England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate but similar scheme administered from Belfast which is outlined below.

Our specialist personal injury solicitors who deal with criminal injury compensation claims in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, are experts in helping the victims of violent crime obtain compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and take cases on a no win no fee basis. You pay absolutely no legal expenses or fees unless your solicitor wins your case. You pay no upfront costs and you do not have to finance the claims process. Our solicitors don't get paid unless you receive compensation. Bringing a CICA claim with one of our Scottish, English or Welsh solicitors is simple, straightforward and completely risk-free.

We provide victims of crime in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with professional, high-quality legal representation. Your claim will be handled by a criminal injuries compensation solicitor who will vigorously pursue the maximum compensation available to you under the scheme. We take a client-focused approach to our work and will always be kept informed and up to date as to the progress of your claim.

If you would like a free assessment of your potential criminal injuries compensation claim including an informal estimate of its value just use the helpline to speak to a specialist personal injury solicitor without further obligation.

The criminal injury compensation scheme for England, Wales and Scotland is administered through the CICA offices located in London and Glasgow. Northern Ireland has a separate but similar scheme which is administered through offices located in Belfast.

Northern Ireland enacted a tariff-based scheme in 2002 for determining the award in a criminal injury compensation application. As with the system currently used by the CICA in England, Wales and Scotland, this tariff scheme was developed to ensure that victims with the same injuries receive the same amount of compensation. Along with the tariff-based compensation scheme, the Northern Ireland criminal injury compensation legislation implemented several other important changes :-

• The Agency must provide the claimant with a reason for denying their award.
• It is now easier for family members of deceased victims to obtain bereavement payments.
• Psychological injuries are given greater consideration.
• Individuals not present at the scene of the crime may be eligible for compensation.
• A new penalty points system applies to victims with prior convictions. In the past, these victims were barred from bringing claims. Under the points system, victims with prior convictions may still be eligible for a reduced award.

Victims who suffered childhood abuse or sexual assault prior to May 1st, 2002 may apply for compensation under the new Northern Ireland tariff-based scheme. Assault victims should immediately report the attack to the police and make a note of the crime number. Victims should also seek prompt medical attention for their injuries.

To discuss your case with an experienced criminal injury claims solicitor, simply telephone us on our helpline. You will receive a free legal assessment of your potential claim, including its estimated value and your prospects of success. Even if you choose not to proceed with your claim, there is no charge for the consultation.