Page 43 - Real Rochdale Issue 20 Winter 2023

victims of crime

MOLESWORTHS BRIGHT CLEGG’s personal injury team reflect on government help
to compensate blameless victims of violent crime.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (‘CICS’) is a UK government-funded programme.
It provides compensation to blameless victims of physical or psychological injuries as a result
of violent crime. It is administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (‘CICA’), an
executive agency of the UK government.

Eligibility • Award is based on a tariff of injuries
which outlines specific amounts based on
• Direct victim of a violent crime in type and degree of injuries.
England, Wales or Scotland (separate
scheme for Northern Ireland). Why you need a lawyer

• Not to blame for the incident. • Statistically, just under 50% of claims
are refused. Such decisions can often
• Claim made within two years of the be challenged and turned around with
incident occurring (note exceptions e.g., specialist legal assistance.
child abuse).
• It’s important to know how CICA operate
• Crime reported to the police as soon as and to know how to challenge refusals
reasonably possible. of awards, long delays and low offers of
compensation.
• Injury sustained whilst taking an
‘exceptional and justified risk’, while • Criminal Injury Compensation law can
trying to remedy or prevent a crime. be difficult and complex, particularly
when victims are dealing with personal
• Mental injury as a result of witnessing trauma and may not have the skill, time
or being involved in the immediate or confidence to challenge any decisions
aftermath of an incident in which a loved reached.
one is injured; or
• A recent independent study found that
• Qualifying relative of a victim who has victims of crime can receive far bigger
died from injuries caused by a crime of compensation payouts if they challenge
violence. CICA decisions.

Injuries and awards • In the 379 cases which reached appeal
in 2022/23, an average payout of £7,848
• Compensation can be awarded for had been offered per claim. At appeal
injuries sustained in assaults, sexual the CICA’s offer in these cases increased
assaults, and other acts of violence. to an average of £47,339, showing an
increase of 600% per person.
• Compensation for losses can include pain
and suffering, loss of earnings, medical • It is always worth consulting an expert
expenses. in this area to take you through a
challenging time and difficult situation.

REAL ROCHDALE - WINTER 2023 42 43 REAL ROCHDALE - WINTER 2023