4 Tips to File a Criminal Injury Compensation Claim

Crime is a threat to society. Wanton criminal acts injure people, and even take lives. Victims of crime are therefore compensated by the State to make up for the losses they suffered. In the UK, criminal injury compensation claims are handled by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

A person can file a criminal injury compensation claim in the following instances:

• Physical or mental injury. Physical and/or mental injuries resulting from violent crime are compensated. This however does not usually include unintentional hurt, such as caused in a car accident for instance.

• Death of a relative. Certain relatives, such as the spouse, parent, or child of a person who dies due to a criminal act, can claim compensation.

If you ever need to file a criminal injury compensation claim, here are four tips to help you:

1. File a police complaint. The first thing to do if you have been criminally injured is to file a complaint with the police. This is important because police reports will form important evidence for the CICA while processing your criminal injury compensation claim. In the absence of a police report, the CICA may even refuse to entertain your claim. If you were assaulted while you were on professional duty, you should also inform your employer.

2. Claim in time. The law requires you to file your criminal injury compensation claim within two years of receiving the injuries. Claims filed after two years, however, may be entertained at the discretion of the CICA, if it thinks that there was a valid reason. An example of this would be if you became aware of an injury only some time after the accident that caused it, and applied for compensation.

3. Provide evidence. The amount of compensation you receive depends on the extent of hurt you have suffered. Provide full details of your injuries, the treatment you received, and existing symptoms if any, while filing your criminal injury claim.

4. Follow up on your claim. Criminal injury compensation cases may take several months to process. It helps if you follow up on your claim by using the unique reference number given by the CICA, while filing your claim.

Diana Joseph has an in-depth knowledge in dealing with injury claims. She has written numerous articles on injury claims issues, particularly those involving car accident and other topics of claims. Apply for your claim compensation now!