Criminal injury
Being a victim of crime can be a traumatic and distressing time. If you have been a victim of crime, you may be eligible for compensation from the person who committed the crime, or from the government.
It is always wise to seek legal advice if you are looking to claim criminal injury compensation. Here are some options which may be available:
- If someone is found guilty of a crime against you, the court may order them to pay you compensation, taking into account the wealth or lack of wealth of the offender.
- You could take civil action, which means suing them for the harm they have caused you. However, be aware that bringing a case to court can be very expensive unless you are entitled to legal aid. Another option is a ‘no win, no fee’ basis. This means your solicitor will pay all the legal costs and, if you win, they will take a percentage of your compensation. If you lose, you don’t need to pay anything.
- Government compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is available to victims of violent crimes. Visit the CICA website for more information.