Criminal Injury Claims

Criminal Injury Claims

What is a criminal injury?

Before applying for criminal injury compensation it’s important to understand its definition. A criminal injury is seen as any type of personal injury, whether physical or psychological, that is the direct result of a crime. If you have been subjected to a violent crime within the last 2 years, you may be able to claim compensation via the Government’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). To find out if you have grounds to make a claim, speak to our specialist solicitors today.

Based in Middlesbrough, Watson Woodhouse offer help for criminal injury claims across Stockton, Teesside and beyond.

Claiming for Criminal Injury

If you have been the victim of violence and suffered injury you have the grounds to claim criminal injury compensation. The perpetrator does not have to be convicted of the crime or even be identified. Your main consideration is to ensure you’ve done everything possible to assist the police in bringing the criminal to justice. As long as the crime in question occurred within the last two years.

The crime must have occurred within the last 2 years, although in certain circumstances this can be extended. You also cannot have caused or contributed to the crime itself.

You may be able to make a claim if:

• You were the victim of the crime
• A family member died as a result of the crime
• You witnessed the crime happen to a loved one
• You had to pay for the funeral costs of the deceased

You can make a claim for:

• Your injury
• Loss of earnings
• Funeral costs
• Children payments
• Bereavement

Our Middlesbrough based specialist solicitors appreciate how being a victim of criminal injury may have a significant effect on your everyday life. Whether you have suffered physical and or psychological effects, which has affected your mental health and/ or ability to work. Compensation can significantly help you in this situation and can ensure you receive the best possible treatment in order to recover from your ordeal.

We can provide you with quality advice and assist you in your application to the CICA to compensate you for your criminal injury.

If you are not satisfied with the payment amount you have already received, we can also assist in making an appeal to the tribunal in order to recover a more acceptable amount.

If you have suffered a criminal injury, contact our personal injury department who will advise you on your options.