Baroness Newlove, the Government’s Victims Commissioner, has carried out a review into the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
The scheme was set up to pay compensation to the victims of violent crime without court proceedings and without any involvement by the assailant. It was intended to be a quick and stress-free way for victims to be compensated for their injuries, loss of earnings etc.
However, Baroness Newlove’s report found that people who have been assaulted and who then claim under the scheme end up being traumatised even more by the way in which the scheme is operated. Claimants reported that in some cases the delays, uncertainty and red tape involved in making their claims could be so stressful that they ended up feeling worse than they felt before the application was made.
Baroness Newlove said:
“The process of claiming is often having a detrimental impact on their wellbeing. I worry that we are treating it as a tick box exercise without recognising the emotional needs of those making claims.”
The report found that nearly 40% of victims needed help to pursue their claims because of the stress and complexity of the procedure. It was also felt that most eligible victims of assaults were unaware of their right to compensation in the first place.
Here at Girlings Personal Injury Claims, we have many years of experience of dealing with claims for criminal injuries compensation and can assist with claims for awards for mental or physical injury arising from an assault, sexual or physical abuse, or for the death of a close relative arising from violent crime. We can advise you whether a claim is likely to succeed, and can then assist you to make the claim itself on a no win no fee basis in order to make the process as smooth and easy as possible.
Please get in touch on 01227 828 299 if you have sustained significant injuries in an unprovoked crime of violence during the last two years and wish to discuss making a claim for compensation. We are here to help you through the process, and there are no costs to pay unless the claim succeeds.