If you were working at the time, your employers might pay you compensation; and if your attacker was working at the time, his/her employers might pay you compensation.

What are the common criminal injuries I can claim for?

Criminal injuries compensation is most commonly paid for:

• attacks in the street or other public places
• attacks on the doorstep/in the home by someone who does not reside with you
• attacks in the workplace
• rape

I have been injured by a criminal and wish to make claim

Some people who suffer injury after a violent attack may be worried about contacting a solicitor and the cost of doing so.  We are keen to discuss your particular circumstances and can advise you on whether or not we can assist in pursuing your claim.  You may call us to receive a free, no-obligation consultation regarding your situation.

The assailant has no funds, how do I get compensation for my injuries?

If your assailant has no funds, you may be able to obtain an award from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), which is a non-departmental public body.  In appropriate circumstances the CICA can make an award of compensation to individuals who have been injured as a result of criminal activity.

At Access Legal from Shoosmiths we are experienced in dealing with CICA applications and advising clients on the circumstances where this may not be appropriate, or where full legal representation is not merited.

Will I get the same level of compensation from the CICA as I would from instructing solicitors?

Unfortunately, criminal injuries compensation paid by the CICA is generally less than that paid if a claim can be brought against the individual according to civil law.  It is therefore advisable to obtain initial advice from a solicitor to see what claims you might bring, and we will provide this advice free of charge.

Do I have to use a solicitor?

In the event you have to make a claim to the CICA, it is not always necessary to use a solicitor.  However, if you have suffered serious injuries we would recommend that you do, because in those circumstances professional advice is likely to help maximise the compensation you receive.  If you do not seek professional guidance it is possible you will be under-compensated.

Important things to consider

• You must notify the police of the incident in which you suffered personal injury and then agree to help them bring the guilty party to justice
• You should contact a solicitor specialising in personal injury litigation.  If you do not wish to instruct Access Legal from Shoosmiths your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) will advise which solicitors can assist
• If you are pursuing a CICA application, information and application forms can be obtained direct from the CICA at CICA, Tay House, 300 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4LN (Tel. 0141 331 2726).  You can obtain information and submit an application form via the CICA's website
• The CICA operates a free advice line on 0800 358 3601
• There is an independent charity called Victim Support that can provide free, confidential, emotional and practical support, information about the CICA scheme, and help completing the application form.  Victim Support can be contacted on 0845 3030900 or via email at supportline@victimsupport.org.uk
• If you are a member of a trade union it may also be able to provide help making your application to the CICA

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