Criminal Injury
How Much Could I Claim?
If you've been the innocent victim of a crime perpetrated by someone else, then you have every right to seek the criminal injury compensation which will help you to rebuild your life. The crime could be something which seems relatively minor, such as having a bag snatched, or something which is clearly going to have a devastating effect, along the lines of receiving a terrible physical beating. In both cases, however, an innocent person is in a position to make a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. As long as you meet certain criteria, you will be able to receive compensation which, although it can never fully make up for something like long term physical and mental stress, or even the death of a loved one, it can play a small part in helping you and your family to start putting your lives back together.
Criminal injuries claims are, by their very nature, somewhat complex. Although it may be clearly apparent that a crime has taken place, particularly if prosecutions have followed, the question of the precise nature of your injuries, or indeed the exact manner in which the crime affected you, may be open to debate. This is why giving a simple answer to the question - 'How much can I claim' is somewhat tricky, and will be best satisfied by consulting a specialist criminal injury lawyer. A tariff of recommended amounts can be consulted meaning that, for example, a fractured or dislocated ankle could fetch £4,400 - £16,500, with more compensation for loss of earnings and miscellaneous expenses being possible. In the event of multiple injuries, the injury rewarded the highest compensation will be that which is paid.
A specialist lawyer will be able to examine the precise details of your case and the injuries inflicted upon you, and use this information to make an accurate estimate of the compensation you should receive.