What is a criminal injury claim?

In its simplest form anyone who has suffered injury because they where a victim of a criminal act can apply for compensation.

Instead of dealing with the criminal or the criminal's insurance company as you would with a civil claim, making a criminal injury claim means you have to deal with the Criminal Injuries Authority.

Where a criminal injury claim differs from a civil claim is the fact that there does not have to be someone to blame. You could have been a victim of crime and no one has been charged, as long as you make a claim within two years of the incident then you are eligible.

Can I Make a Claim?

There are a number of criteria's that have to be filled before you can make a criminal injury claim. The most important is that the injuries suffered qualify for at least the minimum award of £1,000, and that you were injured in an act of violence in England Scotland or Wales. This does not include any emotional after effects that may have come about as the result of the crime.

The second important criteria is that you need to have made an application within two years of the crime being committed. There are certain acceptations to the rule but these are treated on a case by case basis.

There are a number of reasons as to why you may not be able to make a claim including things such as behaviour before, during and after the incident when the injury occurred. Other reason may include a previous criminal record, failure to co-operate with the police and any delay in informing the police or other organisation or person of the incident.

How can I make a Claim?

There are a number of ways to apply for criminal compensation but all claims must go through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. You will have to fill out an application form which can be done online or in writing and the CICA will take it from there.

There are a number of key points of information they need to know to be able to proceed with the claim. These important bits of information include, time date and location of where the incident occurred, a short description of the incident, the police crime reference number, the name and number of the police officer who dealt with your case, the name and address of the police station and police force where the officer is based.

There are also some key bits of information the CICA need to know about the injuries suffered and these include what the injuries where, name and address of local GP and any names and addresses of any consultants that had to give special treatment for the injuries.

Being the victim of violent crime can be extremely traumatic and many may not be aware of the types of compensation that is available to them. If you have been a victim of violent crime it may well be worth investigating with the CICA to see how much you could be entitled to.