What can I be compensated for?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme allows financial awards to be made -

• to recognise the injuries, physical and mental, caused by a crime of violence
• in certain circumstances, to compensate for past or future loss of earnings, or special expenses caused by such a crime
• for bereavement as a result of a crime of violence, including, in some cases, compensation for the lost earnings of the person who has been killed.

If you have been a victim of crime therefore, we would be happy to submit on your behalf an application for compensation under this scheme.

What is involved in applying for compensation?

When we submit your application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, it will be acknowledged, and the Authority will then begin making enquiries of the police, doctors, hospitals and of any other organisations or people with relevant information about your claim.

Once you receive the acknowledgement of your claim, you may hear nothing from the Authority for a while, as it normally takes some time for the investigations to be completed. However, your case will not be neglected and we will press the Authority to deal with it as promptly as possible. That having been said, the Authority will aim at the outset to conclude your claim within 12 months.

Once the investigations are complete you will receive an offer of compensation, and this will be based on a table of awards depending on the extent of your injuries. If you accept this offer, we will submit the appropriate form and you will receive payment fairly quickly. However, if you consider that the offer made is not correct, you have the option of applying for a review, and we would apply for this on your behalf.

What if I am refused compensation or it's just not enough?

If that is the case, you can appeal the decision to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel, which is independent of the Authority. We will be able to handle this on your behalf and if necessary, conduct the appeal hearing. Before lodging an appeal however, we will provide you with a frank assessment of your prospects of success, in order that you are fully aware of your options.

So how do I get the process started?

All you need to do is arrange an appointment with us when you feel ready, and we will guide you through the process until resolution. You can either contact us by email or by telephoning us on 01389 762266.

Return to Top