Criminal Injury Compensation Claims UK

Information on making a Criminal Injury Compensation Claim.

Guide to Criminal Injury Compensation Claims

If you are injured as the result of criminal act, either directly against you, or in the case where you are an innocent bystander, you can claim for personal injury compensation from the government through the Criminal Injury Compensation Scheme.

The Criminal Injury Compensation Scheme was set up over 30 years ago and now awards several million pounds to the victims of crime every year. If you have been injured as a result of crime it is important that you contact the Scheme to find out if you are entitled to compensation. Please ensure that you do this as quickly as possible as there is a 2 year deadline on claims. Although this can be overlooked in certain circumstances (for instance if your injury or illness has not been realised until this point). It does not have to be a physical injury for you to be considered for compensation under the scheme, mental illnesses, such as stress, can be caused by criminal acts and are also considered for damages.

The scheme has a set system of tiered awards which can be as high as £250,000, or as little as just £1000 depending on the nature of the injuries and the crime. Additional expenses can also be awarded for any expenses you may have suffered as a result of your illness, for example loss of earnings.

If you wish to apply for compensation through the Criminal Injury Compensation Scheme you will be expected to cooperate fully with the police on the case.

 


Browse more useful guides on Life Insurance


Copyright UK Personal Injury Guide 1998 - 2003