Victims Of Violent Crime Urged To Act Quickly Over Compensation

12 July 2006

As Kent Police reports violent crime has risen by 17 per cent in the county in the last year alone, personal injury lawyer at Furley Page Solicitors, Neille Ryan says innocent victims may be entitled to claim compensation - but they must act quickly.

He comments: “Victims of violent crime have a right to claim damages from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) but they should inform the police of the crime as soon as possible and co-operate fully with their investigation. The claim must be lodged with the CICA within two years of the incident. “

The minimum award is £1,000, so if a victim’s injuries are less than this figure they will get nothing from the CICA, warns Ryan.

Victims who have provoked the crime or been a willing participant are barred from compensation. Victims with previous convictions may also face a bar - or at best a reduction in an award.

Statistics suggest that little more than 10 per cent of victims of reported violent crime actually bother to claim compensation. And only around half of violent crimes are reported in the first place.

For further information contact Neille Ryan on 01227 763939 or email  Neille Ryan 
 

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