Criminal Injuries Compensation Solicitors — Scotland

Criminal Injury Compensation

Criminal Injury Compensation Claims: How the Process Works

We understand how harrowing a criminal injury can be. Whether you’ve suffered a physical injury or experienced psychological trauma as a result of a violent crime, we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

In criminal injury cases, we work with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The CICA is a government body established to compensate innocent victims of violent crimes through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

This is how the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority helps victims:

• The CICA provides a way for victims to claim compensation without having to pursue a claim directly against the offender or attacker
• Through the claim process, the CICA can award compensation to cover various costs, such as medical expenses, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering
• The CICA claims process tends to be more straightforward than a typical personal injury claim, as it does not require the claimant to prove fault on the part of the offender.

At Watermans, our legal team can guide you through the entire process and assist in submitting your claim for the compensation that you deserve.

Common Criminal Injury Claims  

What Criminal Injuries Can You Claim For?

Some of the most common types of injuries that you can make a compensation claim for include the following.

Physical Injuries

You may be compensated for physical injuries such as broken bones, a brain injury or spinal injuries. Physical abuse injuries can range from minor to life-altering, including serious injuries, and the amount of compensation will be calculated based on the impact of the injury.

Sexual Abuse

If you’re a victim of sexual assault, you can claim compensation for the physical or psychological harm you have endured. This type of criminal assault can have long-lasting effects, and compensation can cover the costs of therapy and support services.

Psychological Trauma

Even if you have not suffered any visible physical injuries, you may still be able to claim compensation for the psychological injuries. This can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or another form of mental injury. Compensation can help you cover the costs of mental health treatment and support.

Fatal Injuries

If a loved one has died as a result of criminal violence, you may be able to claim compensation through the CICA scheme on their behalf. This can help cover funeral expenses, loss of income, and other costs associated with their death.

At Watermans, our specialist criminal injury solicitors are experts in handling claims of this nature. Get started with your claim, and we will take care of all the legal stuff so you don’t have to.

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Making a Claim 

How Do I Make a Criminal Injury Compensation Claim?

Claiming criminal injury compensation in Scotland includes the following steps:

• Report the crime to the police: The first step in making a criminal injury compensation claim is to report the crime to the police as soon as possible. This will trigger a police investigation and provide an official record of the incident.
• Complete the CICA application: Fill out a claim form detailing the circumstances of the crime, the injuries you sustained, and any expenses or losses you have incurred. Our specialist team can assist you in completing this form accurately.
• Gather evidence: Our criminal injuries compensation lawyers will collect any relevant evidence, such as medical evidence, witness statements, and receipts for expenses related to your injuries.
• Submit your application: Once your application is complete, it should be submitted to the CICA for review. The CICA will assess your claim and may request additional information or evidence.
• Await the CICA’s decision: The CICA will decide on your claim based on the information provided. If your claim is successful, they will offer a CICA compensation amount. If you’re unsatisfied with the decision, you have the right to appeal.

We understand that starting a compensation claim as a victim of a crime can be daunting, but we are here to help. Our criminal injury lawyers take the hassle out of the legal process, working tirelessly to ensure a successful claim.

How Much Compensation?

How Much Compensation For a Criminal Injury Compensation Claim?

We understand that no amount of financial compensation can undo the damage caused. However, it can help you move forward with your life.

The CICA operates under a tariff scheme that sets out the compensation you may receive for your injury, and they are legally bound to follow it.

The types of compensation that may be available include:

• Injury payments: This is compensation for the physical and psychological injuries you have suffered as a result of the crime.
• Loss of earnings: If your injuries have prevented you from working, you may be able to claim for lost income. To qualify for loss of earnings compensation, you need to have been out of work for a minimum of 28 weeks.
• Medical expenses: You may be able to claim the cost of medical treatment related to your injuries, including surgery, medication, and rehabilitation.
• Special expenses: You may be able to claim for reasonable expenses incurred, like the cost of adapting your home, vehicle, or the cost of ongoing care if you require long-term support.
• Fatal injury payments: If you’re claiming on behalf of a loved one who died as a result of a crime, you may be entitled to a bereavement payment, funeral expenses, and compensation for the loss of their financial support.

As with all personal injury claims, the amount of compensation you may be entitled to will depend on the circumstances of the crime. Each case is unique, and our legal experts will fight to secure the best possible outcome for you.

Why Watermans? 

Why Should I Choose Watermans to Pursue My Claim?

Watermans simplifies legal services so people can move forward in life.

Our personal injury team is committed to doing everything to make the claims process straightforward for our clients following an accident.

We also provide access to a range of additional services, such as physiotherapy and psychological treatment, to ensure a speedy recovery.

Trusted Criminal Injury Solicitors in Scotland

Our expertise in personal injury covers a wide range of areas, including:

• Accidents at work
• Public liability claims
• Road traffic accidents
• Fatal and serious injury claims
• Cases relating to abuse

We represent thousands of clients throughout Scotland each year, securing millions of pounds in compensation for our clients. We also work on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means that if your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t end up out of pocket.

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