For victims of violent crime in the UK, the consequences can be devastating, with impacts that extend beyond physical injuries to emotional trauma and financial difficulties. Fortunately, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS) exists to provide financial relief to those affected by violent crime, ensuring that victims have a way to seek compensation. Under this scheme, victims may be entitled to claim up to £500,000 in compensation, helping them to rebuild their lives after a traumatic event.

Understanding the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS)

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) administers the CICS to ensure that victims of violent crime, including those unable to claim from the perpetrator directly, can receive financial compensation. This scheme is designed to assist victims with a wide range of losses, from physical and psychological injuries to lost income and special expenses related to the crime.

Although the process isn’t meant to provide the same levels of compensation as other types of claims, the CICS provides an important avenue for justice, and securing the maximum available payout can help mitigate some of the life-altering consequences of violent crime.

How GLP Solicitors lead in Criminal Injury Compensation

As nationwide leaders in the field of criminal injury claims, GLP Solicitors are at the forefront of helping victims navigate this often complex system. With decades of experience, the team at GLP Solicitors has built a reputation for successfully guiding victims through the CICA application process, ensuring they receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to. Whether the case involves physical injuries, psychological trauma, or a combination of both, GLP Solicitors’ expertise in this specialised field sets them apart.

GLP Solicitors provide free initial advice to victims of violent crime. Understanding that many victims are overwhelmed by their situation and unsure about where to turn, GLP offers compassionate, professional guidance from the outset without any upfront cost. This means victims can access high-quality legal advice without the worry of financial pressure.

Eligibility and the Application Process

To qualify for compensation under the CICS, victims must meet certain criteria:

  • The crime must have been reported to the police as soon as possible.
  • The victim must cooperate with the investigation and prosecution.
  • The claim must be submitted within two years of the incident, although exceptions can be made for delayed reporting (e.g., childhood abuse).

Importantly, GLP Solicitors help clients overcome common application challenges, such as complex paperwork, gathering relevant evidence, and ensuring all necessary details are included to strengthen the claim. Their dedicated legal team is well-versed in handling claims where injuries meet the £1,000 minimum threshold, but they are especially adept at dealing with severe injury cases, which can result in far higher compensation awards.

Types of Compensation covered

GLP Solicitors are experienced in pursuing the full range of compensation available under the CICS:

  • Physical Injuries: From minor wounds to life-altering disabilities, GLP’s experts work to secure appropriate compensation based on the severity of physical injuries sustained.
  • Psychological Injuries: Many victims suffer long-term psychological harm, including conditions such as PTSD. GLP Solicitors ensure that psychological injuries are properly assessed and factored into claims.
  • Loss of Earnings: If a victim is unable to work as a result of their injuries, GLP Solicitors help secure compensation for lost income, particularly in cases where long-term loss of earnings is a factor.
  • Special Expenses: GLP also assists clients in claiming for additional expenses incurred due to the crime, such as medical care, mobility aids, or home adaptations.

The £500,000 maximum payout

The CICS allows for compensation claims of up to £500,000 in the most severe cases, typically where victims have sustained catastrophic injuries that require long-term care and significantly affect their ability to work and live independently. GLP Solicitors have successfully handled many claims where victims needed significant ongoing support and faced lasting impacts on their quality of life, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve under this cap.

While most claims won’t reach this maximum, having a legal team like GLP Solicitors, who are experienced in high-value claims, can make a critical difference when pursuing fair compensation.

Why choose GLP Solicitors?

Victims of violent crime often find the CICS process daunting and confusing. GLP Solicitors understand this and offer not only the legal expertise needed to navigate the system but also the empathy and support that victims need during this challenging time.

By providing free initial consultations, and a No-Win, No-Fee service, GLP Solicitors remove the barrier of cost for victims seeking legal help. From the moment a victim reaches out, GLP’s team works diligently to assess their claim, provide guidance, and take the stress out of the legal process. Victims can be assured that they are in safe hands, with a legal team that will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation they are entitled to.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme provides a vital financial lifeline for victims of violent crime, offering up to £500,000 in compensation. However, navigating the process requires legal expertise, especially in cases of severe injury or loss.

As nationwide leaders in this field, GLP Solicitors have a proven track record of success in securing compensation for victims, offering free initial advice and ensuring that no victim is left to navigate this complex system alone. If you or a loved one has been the victim of violent crime, contact GLP Solicitors for compassionate, expert legal assistance in claiming the compensation you deserve.